Advice for a newbie

Jet1711

I would like some advice. I want to work out how I prioritise my money. At the moment, I should have got my Car MOT done in April but with lockdown I could not get it done as I was not working. I have arrears of £350 on a loan, and arrears on my rent of £88. I have arrears on my electricity. I have managed to put together some savings from my disability allowance. Do I get my MOT done first or use my savings to start clearing my debts. Please be kind as it has taken a lot to post this.

ryanm8655

Jet1711 said:

I would like some advice. I want to work out how I prioritise my money. At the moment, I should have got my Car MOT done in April but with lockdown I could not get it done as I was not working. I have arrears of £350 on a loan, and arrears on my rent of £88. I have arrears on my electricity. I have managed to put together some savings from my disability allowance. Do I get my MOT done first or use my savings to start clearing my debts. Please be kind as it has taken a lot to post this.

There’s a 6 month grace period on the MOT.

[Deleted User]

@ryanm8655 is spot on.  If your MOT was due from 30th March onwards you get a 6 month grace period.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020

Is the loan unsecured?  If so it would go to the bottom of my list with rent, other priority bills like council tax and food at the top and putting some money aside for the MOT for when you do eventually need to get it done.

If you haven't already you could contact the lender and tell them you're facing financial difficulty due to the coronavirus which should give you some breathing space.

fatbelly

Jet1711 said:

I would like some advice. I want to work out how I prioritise my money. At the moment, I should have got my Car MOT done in April but with lockdown I could not get it done as I was not working. I have arrears of £350 on a loan, and arrears on my rent of £88. I have arrears on my electricity. I have managed to put together some savings from my disability allowance. Do I get my MOT done first or use my savings to start clearing my debts. Please be kind as it has taken a lot to post this.

Check online
https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla

No MOTs  were being done in April - the DVLA just added 6 months to the expiry date - your should now show as October.

• Rent is priority
• Electricity is lesser priority
• A personal loan is non-priority - ask for a payment holiday

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/sampleletters/Pages/Hold-action-on-your-account-Coronavirus%28sole-name%29.aspx

fatbelly

So while you're reading this, what about checking you're on the best tariff for your electricity?
You can use 

https://clubs.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub

but I find more companies on 

https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Shell and Tonik are doing £25 single fuel cashback through Quidco if that's any use

monetxchange

I think in the big picture (realise not as helpful now), it's less about having to prioritise money and more about ensuring you have enough put aside in the first place. Even £20 a month saved for an MOT saving pot would take so much pressure off come the time. 

Like others have said, in the short term, ensure your rent and electricity are up to date. Loans and credit cards can wait a little longer, but everyone on here will be able to help you clear through that debt as the next step.

Jet1711

Thank you all so much for your help 😊

Debtfreeforever

Good luck Jet711,
Shelter (rent, then electricity) & food number 1 priorities