Feeling the Pinch!

Auntycaz

I know what you mean about it being hard to stay on budget @YorksLass. I was just thinking that with the pension increase in April that I would have a bit more wiggle room, but then got a message to say my landlord was putting up my rent in May. Not that I wasn't expecting a rent increase but it was the amount that threw me £140 per month.So more belt tightening on the way.
Hope your family soon recover from the lurgy @sammy_kaye18  

YorksLass

That's quite a jump @Auntycaz - an increase may well have been expected but even so .....

I've just set up my 2024/2025 budget spreadsheets and am now waiting for the bills dropping on the doormat, then I'll be able to see what (if any) wriggle room there is.  And I have a funny feeling the Chancellor won't increase the personal tax allowances either.  If he doesn't, I'll probably be dragged into paying some tax on the small final salary pension that I get so that will be another bite from income.     Good job I don't give in easily!      

Auntycaz

I got my HMRC letter yesterday and my personal tax code is same as last year.  Rents have risen rapidly recently, but the LHA has been frozen for the past 4 years but mine will be going up approx £20 per week in April.so I should receive it the same time as my rent increase in May as it is paid in arrears,
 Even with the increase  I will still be paying less than what properties nearby are going for and my landlord always makes sure any repairs are done straight away.

joedenise

I thought the government had already said that the Personal Allowance wouldn't be increasing until 2025/26 so definitely not expecting an increase this year!

Don't think the increase in the state pension is going to go very far, what with 5% increase in Council Tax expected, nearly 9% on mobile phone bill plus the cost of shopping getting more expensive every week!

YorksLass

joedenise said:

I thought the government had already said that the Personal Allowance wouldn't be increasing until 2025/26 so definitely not expecting an increase this year!

Don't think the increase in the state pension is going to go very far, what with 5% increase in Council Tax expected, nearly 9% on mobile phone bill plus the cost of shopping getting more expensive every week!

You're quite right, they did, although there were some mutterings recently that the Chancellor might reconsider.  I doubt it though.

Siebrie

@sammy_kaye18 home remedy against sniffy noses and sore throats: salt water in the nose, and to be gurgled with. Gurgling with thyme tea, or drinking it (a branch for your thyme plant in a cup of boiling water, or the thyme from your herb cupboard in a tea egg in boiling water). These are my home remedies, check with your GP for advice.

YorksLass

Like @Auntycaz, I got my HMRC letter this morning and my personal tax code hasn't changed either, so I'll definitely be paying some tax on my small final salary pension.  

On a better front, we had a phone call from our Council benefits adviser to say she has completed the application forms on DH's behalf for Attendance Allowance and a Blue Badge.  Tbh, I'd rather have him healthy and not have the benefits at all but it is what it is.

Auntycaz

Hope its only a small amount of tax you have to pay @YorksLass and I think Attendance allowance is tax free so you should be a bit better off  

greyteam1959

@YorksLass
Just a thought for you.
Are you able to claim Carers Allowance ??

YorksLass

@Auntycaz - Yes, it is tax free so it will definitely make life a bit easier, financially anyway.

@greyteam1959 - Afraid not because I get state pension and apparently you can't have both.