Utterly desperate and totally scared

BabyStepper

You're house sounds gorgeous.  I would gladly put up with cold and dust to live in a lovely old listed building. 

EssexHebridean

Oh goodness you sound SO much calmer already - it's amazing how much getting everything written down so you know the full picture can actually help, once you're over the initial shock.

In terms of the bills, you said you have applied for a mortgage holiday for both mortgages already, yes? I note that Martin has already been all over the fact that some people's payments were taken in spite of the requests having been made and confirmed so keep an eye on what he has to say on that one if that's you. Those will not be payable for the next few months though as least, so that helps. 
Go through all the other bills line by line. For each one work out if you are getting the best deal you can currently, and if not, whether you can change now, or whether you need to wait for a contract to end. If the latter, note down what needs doing and when, and move to the next thing. If there may be a saving to be had immediately, tackle it, note how much you will be saving, then again move to the next thing. Methodical is key here. 

There IS short term help coming for credit card debt and personal loans - but those will be an "only take if absolutely needed" option as interest will continue accruing - well done for getting the interest freeze you have in place currently.

In terms of the food spending there is an easy win to be had there in terms of cutting back still further - but at the very least you must make sure you're not spending any more. First job on that - get the family together and announce an audit of all food in the house - fridge, freezer, larder or storecupboard if you have one, all the kitchen cupboards. Then sit down as a family and work out firstly what meals can be made using as far as possibly only what you have. Secondly put together a small shopping list for the coming week then when you go shopping, you only buy what is on that list. To some extent it's easier at the moment anyway as we're all meant to be avoiding the shops so that gives you a solid reason to cut out top-up shops. If you buy branded items of anything, then down-shift to store brand. If you're buying store brand already, then your down-shift is to basics/value label assuming you can find them in store at the moment. For baking if you usually use butter switch to half Stork (or supermarket brand equivalent) and half butter. You still get the good flavour from the butter but it does work out cheaper. Also look for the value options on fruit and veg - "wonky" stuff is every bit as tasty as the stuff that has made the grade! 

Keep calm, work through things one step at a time, get the family on board, and remember that this current situation is only temporary, and things will improve again. 

Dizzy_Imp

Evening all! Back again for an update and read of any further comments and suggestions - these have been so helpful in getting me focussed - thank you so much!

OK...in no particular order... I have spoken to my dog food supplier, explained the situation and halved my order for the next three months. He was totally understanding, bless him.  To supplement the raw food, I bought a huge bag of dog biscuits and no dog noses turned up at dinner, so I think this option will work.

I have ordered a sack each of potatoes and carrots from my local farm shop, just need to find a place in the garage where the damp and mice can't get to the bags when they arrive. I also did a weekly shop after taking an inventory of food already in the cupboards, fridge and freezer and only spent £60, which included the dog biscuits.  No brand labels (I was never really a brand snob anyway) so I'm very pleased with that. Meals for the next week planned with the help of all the family. The boys both really enjoy cooking, although a 5 year old waving a sharp knife about is somewhat terrifying, so I've made a rota where they can help prepare and cook meals a couple of times each week.

Thank you for the suggestion of perhaps getting an evening or night shift job, but as hubby is still working upstairs and has been since 7am, this isn't really practical.  His company also furloughed all non-managerial staff today, so he will be helping at two local branches rather than working from home from tomorrow onwards.  I have, however put my name forward to help run a childcare club for key workers as I'm CRC checked for our school and the Child Warefare Officer for our local football club.  They have accepted me on to their rota, so that will bring in a few extra pennies.  I can take my children along FOC.

Wow, so much to report - sorry guys!

Hubby's Diving Club have halved his monthly membership and offered further free training courses as a sweetener to stop cancellation, which he has accepted and I think is fair.  It is literally his only hobby outside of home, so I think it's important for him to continue with this, whenever he can.

I've also decided not to cancel my boys' gymnastics club membership either as although it's on a temporary hold ATM, my oldest (Small), in particular,  is really benefitting from their tutoring.  He is currently the Welsh novice champion for his age on floor and vault, so it is important that he carries on with this.  My youngest (Tiny) is not as good, but he only does an hour a week, which is affordable.  They are not currently taking part in any other clubs which charge a fee. 

My tenant has been informed of her legal obligation to provide me with the UC part of the rent.  She has listened and, in-fact has said the rent will be paid in full this month. The monthly amount is £1550, which is a big amount to suddenly announce might be withheld, so I'm mighty pleased with that outcome.  Next month, I'll work with her to see what can be agreed.

My dog boarding income used to bring in between £800 and £1500 per month until the recent pandemic, so I am missing that money.  Happily, though, I do have filed accounts and have been assured that I will qualify for the Government assistance in June for the SE.

The leased van is actually mine and a business expense.  I use it to cart around the kids, football stuff, dogs and animal feed, so it is essential for our way of life here in the rural outlands.  And finally, I'm not close to 55 yet, so pension options don't currently apply, but thank you for the suggestion.

Phew! I feel I have achieved a lot today...now to watch rubbish on the telly!

X

Magsmx5

So glad you are feeling better and well done for achieving so much. Absolutely fantastic news re tenant. Sometimes a nudge in the right direction, will produce results. Glad the whole family are on board and you are working together as a team. BTW your home and surroundings sound lovely. I would live to have loads of dogs and I am feeling envious about snuggling up to warm puppies and their unique puppy smells🐾💜. Keep posting and we will cheer you on. 

mark55man

good luck with it all. when you have dealt with the immediate and have a bit of breathing space - I think you need to do a top down what are we trying to achieve with all our ventures sort of look.  

one business saying I really like is "we can do anything - but we can;t do everything" - it feels like you have too many irons in the fire, and they have got away from you a little - obviously this dreadful situation has been the undoing of it all, but was it truly that stable/sustainable.  there is much merit in portfolio of income streams (I wish I had done more) but not if you can't work them

RAS

Here's hoping that you tenant keeps her word.

Another one agreeing with mark above. If your tenant pays this month, you can afford your to pay your secure debts and expenses but have no money for to pay any unsecured debt. OK, the mortgage holidays buy you a little bit of time, but you need to speak to one of the debt charities ASAP, because they are going to be overloaded if you leave it.
Unless you can magic £1800 pm income from somewhere, consistently.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4228011/important-where-to-seek-professional-impartial-advice-about-your-debts

fatbelly

RAS - I though that too. It's one thing saying you'll pay, another doing it. Particularly if the tenant is in financial problems, the money is going into their account and the government saying 'you can't be evicted'

The OP may have to be polite but persistent when the rent due date arrives and issue a notice/ contact UC if it doesn't materialise.

Andyjflet

Just read your post, take a look at Dave Ramsey podcasts and you tube stuff, using the baby steps. He speaks in times slike these to concentrate on your four walls. So Mortgage, Council Tax, Food and Utilities take priority. Good luck

Unicorn_cottage

Throwing 1 out there! Could you sell the rental property?

ditty1234

Just wanted to say good luck to you, and agree with above comments that I believe your finance was due a bit of an overhaul anyways. I hope you hear back from the 80% scheme.How old are your kids, can take turns cooking snacks? Mine are older so we have made an informal snack production and dinner rota. 
Some people trade as a limited company instead of working as a sole trader, and gives them self a pay, this would allow to giver yourself a lower but more consistent pay across the year, and build up a bit of emergency funds for your company and for home. I am no expert but a year on this forum has taught me to live within my means, have a budget account instead of credit cards, and a DMP that allows me to not pay any interest. Sacrificing your credit rating might seem like a big thing - but in the big picture it doesn't mean anything - except that for me I had to learn the hard way. 
Stop all your direct debits and only pay manually what you can afford, at the moment it should not affect your credit rating. 
Also is there any other work you can do locally while everything is at a standstill? 
Enjoy your lovely situation, get the family on board, and hopefully things should start lightening up in a few weeks, even if they will take months to come back around. 
Just to admit that I wrote the above before reading your update, you sound like an amazing resourceful person who is involved in the local community and who will find a way through. Keep an eye on those cards though. 
Just one thing I don't understand ... how does somebody on UC pay over £1500 rent. I thought there was a cap? None of my business though.