My first ever SOA - never had the courage to post it before.

GeekieGirlie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864773#Comment_81864773

Yes very true. My family have said this too about preparing them for adult life when move out. I have explained about loans and credit cards and how bad they are and to make sure they afford them as much as possible. So yes they are aware of the downfalls of them.

GeekieGirlie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864827#Comment_81864827

Thank you I’ve just checked and not in a contract for any of them any more should be easy to switch.

Grumpelstiltskin

I don't think you have told us why the water bill is so high.

brightfuture20

Have you checked if you are entitled to Universal credit? You would get single person, housing and child element plus potentially caring element for child getting pip?

dreaming

GeekieGirlie, well done for posting - you have obviously been carrying this worry for a while. You say your family know that you have debts etc. but maybe it is time to sit down with them and have an honest conversation about how much it costs to maintain the household (even without the debts) and explain that there will have to be some changes. You could use the SOA to show them the figures although I would exclude the exact debt amounts for now but be open about the impact it is having on your lives. Not only should those working pay board but they also need to take on responsibility for their phones and any streaming services they want - i.e. you pay for a "basic" package and they can pay for their choices if they want them. Similarly with the food budget - try to agree a rough meal plan and cost it out with them to see if some cheaper alternatives could be found. If toiletries etc. are included in this, again I would buy basic items (e.g. shampoo/shower gel) and they can pay if they want fancier items. I did this with my kids and although there was a bit of pushback and grumbling at first they did step up, especially when I pointed out that if they wanted to be treated as adults then they had to start to take on adult responsibility. As parents it is easy to feel we have to keep providing everything for our kids (especially when there is some guilt/embarrassment over parental separation and debts), even when they are no longer "kids". Don't compare your family with others. My 2 often told me that so-and-so's parents did (or didn't) do this or that but it wasn't always the full truth. I don't mean they were lying tp me - they just took things at face value or believed certain friends who exagerated the reality (or these days what they believe from social media posts). Best of luck.

GeekieGirlie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864952#Comment_81864952

I’ve no idea why. This puzzles me too. We used to pay £97 but I paid too much last year. I got refunded the over payment and they have said £87 a month will cover my years usage for the 4 of us. Since lived here it’s always been high. The meter gets checked quarterly and is apparently correct.

GeekieGirlie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864962#Comment_81864962

I’ve not checked as didn’t think id be entitled to anything if take board off the kids and with them being over 18. I will have a look thank you

GeekieGirlie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864969#Comment_81864969

thank you for that. Yes a lot of it is guilt feeling I should be still providing fully for them as their mother and keeping them happy.

Luckily things like their expensive toiletries they like and clothes they do buy themselves. I had helped the youngest out with some things though when under 18. I feel bad I can’t buy them anything these days as just can’t afford but they do understand and know my wage.

I plan on now sitting down with them all and chatting about the Board and phones. And answer any questions they might have.

elsien

Board from adult children does not count as income for universal credit. There may be a non-dependent deduction when they hit 21, depending on your daughter’s disability benefit that may not apply to her.

Ref the water, checking the meter doesn’t mean that there isn’t still a leak somewhere. Have you tried turning absolutely everything off and seeing if there’s still any movement on the meter? A dripping tap or running cystern can add up fairly quickly

https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-and-waste-help/leaks/leaks-at-home/identifying-leaks

MattMattMattUK

I did have a quick assessment of the OP's water usage but with four adults the usage might be a little high but not excessive. There is probably some scope to save, but with the last two year's rises not loads.

https://www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/water-meter-calculator/