New DFW seeks advice

mr_benn_2

Electricity supplier is not an option I am afraid, NI has only 1 supplier
Mobile phone is tied into a contract but I am planning to drop it to a lower tarriff once the 6 month period is up (terms of the contract)

I applied for the A&L account through Quidco (£50! thanks Tustastic) so waiting on their response now..

mr_benn_2

Just got email through to say my application has been approved

mr_benn_2

I do the odd computer type job for some friends couple of times a week, and that usually brings in some extra cash (prob about 30 quid a week)

Slightly worried that I have made a mistake in ticking the box to have A&L transfer existing DD etc over to the new account, have I? (worried that the new account is in some way an attempt to cut off the creditors from my bank account?)

mr_benn_2

just got back from Tesco where I set myself the target of buying nothing that wasnt a: on offer or b: from the value range. Bought lots of stuff for work lunches etc and came home with 5 carrier bags worth of stuff for under £25, quite chuffed with myself for that

Blindandstupid

Can I ask why is your electric £80 per month? Even if you're paying the whole bill and not splitting it with your dad, that's still massive - I'm in a three bed house with three people and only pay £27 per month. I know you can't change supplier, but perhaps you could look at why you're using so much electric.

mr_benn_2

yeah, thats definitely something I will have to look into. I am on a pay as you go meter system but obviously there must be something in the house thats putting a huge drain on the power. Anyone know where I can get one of those power meters that read how much power a device is using?

klane

Definitely look into a better landline telephone/TV/internet package. Virgin Media does ours as a 3-part package (which includes the L or XL size TV package... tons of channels) for £30 - check out their website. Worth shopping around!

When you saw your credit report, did you get your credit score number? That might give you a clearer idea. It's rated out of 1000 - the higher the better. Mine is under 800 ("fair") but I was still able to take out a zero percent interest card recently (Halifax - 10 months on transfers and purchases... but there's lots of offers around, see what suits you). Def see if you can get one of your higher rate cards (over 20%? OUCH!) onto a lower one or a zero one for instant savings.

Quidco is also awesome - use it for everything you can (good advice re it from above poster).

Stick around and post lots and you'll get tons of motivation and help.

klane

Ah also - have a scout around and clear some space on your floor - collect up all the stuff you can get rid of by selling on eBay... there must be some stuff... DVDs you don't watch anymore, CDs, even clothes if reasonable and clean condition. You'd be surprised what folks might buy! Or maybe there's a car boot sale near you? It's a good excuse for a dejunk while making some extra cash!