EMN

I am a single mum of two children aged 10 and 15 months. I am currently on benefits meanwhile actively hunting for a job. However, the income and expenditure do not balance something that has caused my account to be overdrawn each single day much as I try to spend on only those things that I can not do without e.g nappies, basic food stuffs, etc. What should do in order to bring my account in balance ie income with expenditure. I have just used the calculator on this site and it showed an actul income of 529.26 and an estimated expenditure of around 600.00!  This scares me because it looks like I will not go out of debt. Can anyone advise me p'se.

 

Regards

EMN

Posted on: November 2, 2010 - 11:50pm
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sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi

It can be incredibly hard to stick to what you have, but unfortunately, there's little choice - I really am sorry if that sounds harsh.

One thing I do when I am spending too much is to keep a note of every penny I spend and on what in a small notebook.  Its surprising how little buys do build up.

Please have a look at the money section

http://www.onespace.org.uk/your-money

as it does have some good advice.

I really do appreciate how difficult it is.

 

Posted on: November 3, 2010 - 1:55am
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Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello EMN

Welcome to One Space.

Sparkling lime has given you the link to our money section and you talk about using our calculator so I am guessing you drew up a budget on there?

First of all well done for facing this problem and also having the courage to put it all out in a budget form, so many people do not want to do this. Our money Survival Kit includes personal 1-2- advice from a specialist so you could get in touch with them, Here's the link here

Secondly, get an appointment with your local Citizen's Advice Bureau so they can go through the budget with you and suggest some alterations. Find them here

Thirdly, you can earn up to £20 a week whilst on Income Support, without it affecting your benefits so this is a way of topping up your income.

Finally have a look around and see if you have anything you could seel to cover the shortfall and avoid getting trapped in this cycle of debt.

Good luck!

 

Posted on: November 3, 2010 - 7:48am
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EMN

Many thanks for the useful advice. I have been given the appointment by the CAB which is due in two weeks' time hopefully it will help me. Many thanks

 

EMN

Posted on: November 3, 2010 - 6:35pm
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EMN

Hi,

 

Thanks for the advice. Definately am gonna give it a go and see how it goes.

 

Thanks

Posted on: November 3, 2010 - 6:37pm
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EMN

Hi Louise,

 

Please would you help me to edit your message you sent me by replacing the full name with EMN or to remove the whole message since I already read it. Sorry it is my fault I should have not put my name. P'se help. Thanks

 

EMN

Posted on: November 23, 2010 - 9:51pm
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Anna
Online
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi EMN

I have editted the post for you!  I am just passing through tonight, I haven't been on the boards for a while, been busy with other One Space business!

Good luck with the CAB, as sparklinglime said, it is surprising how the little things add up.

Now you have calculated all your outgoings, can you see where you could make some cuts?? I know it is easier said than done Undecided

When my daughter was little, (she's 16) now, I used to spend about £18 on our weekly shop! Looking back I don't know how I did it, but needs must.  You will get through this time and hopefully when you find some work, although money will continue to be tight, maybe things will ease up a bit Laughing  

What kind of job are you looking for?

Posted on: November 23, 2010 - 11:18pm
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