How much money do you have left this month?

[StuffezLaBouche]

Dear god.
All my DDs have finally gone out from my account and it's just horrendous. I have £140 left to last the end of the month. Luckily I earn 30/week doing private tuition so that covers my petrol.... I'm just so overwhelmed by the shitness of it all. I am livid with myself for things like bank charges and my appalling phone contract... I just don't know where to start. I am paying 100 a month off my loan but immediately 35 comes back off as interest!
I have about 5k of debt...not horrendous i know, but where does the scrimping, saving, panicking and sleepless nights end? Fucking energy bills 140/month!

I am sorry for the out pouring... I'm just sick of working my arse off but not enjoying life.

[Mum2Fergus]

Oh dear, sorry you feel so bad ...

Have you sat and done a proper budget? Cut back on the things you dont need...TV subscriptions, magazines/papers, etc. Renegotiate any utilities...withdraw a weekly cash budget, when its gone its gone. I know its tough, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel x

[ZimboMum]

Didn't want to read and run. It sounds really tight at the moment. But IMHO you are doing the right thing in getting rid of debt.

WRT to energy bills - the 'deal' with our supplier came to an end in December when they switched us to their standard variable rate and claimed to have told us, but i can't recall receiving anything For December to February, that quarter cost us double what it should have been on the cheaper 'deal'. I'm sure you've checked this out but Moneysavingexpert run a new 'tool' where you can enter all your current energy details and they'll email you when they have found a deal that can save you money.

I'm sorry I don't have anything better to say, am sure a more knowledgeable credit cruncher will be along soon.

[StuffezLaBouche]

Thanks kind people. Unfortunately my renal contract stipulates I cannot move from e-on. The 149 encompasses a previous amount which I foolishly allowed to accrue.
I feel I deserve no sympathy as I earn decent money...but have made some bad choices in the past. I honestly don't live extravagantly - my clothes are tesco or charity shop, my iPad belongs to work, I don't have Sky, I haven't been on holiday for four years... Oh sod it. I just need to get through month at a time.
Plans to get out of e shit include:
Staying in the teacher pension scheme (at least will have something for the future).
Trying to up my tuition. I think I can fit in five hours a week, at 20 an hour. That would make a huge difference.
Thanks for letting me ramble x

[StuffezLaBouche]

Mum2fergus you are right about the budget, I really do need to do this. I did when I moved here seven months ago but I should re do now I have absolutely everything on direct debit.

[ZimboMum]

Just a thought - even if you have to stay with the same company, they may have a cheaper fixed 'deal' you can move to, if you're paying their standard variable rate.

Pension sounds good. I don't have one.
And if you can fit in five hours of tuition then that would increase your overall weekly income by £70? That would make a huge difference. good luck. x

[Mum2Fergus]

Ramble away...Ive been in exactly the same position so know how you feel. It took me just short of 4 years but Ive managed through it...credit cards, store cards, loans, you name it. Finally firmly on my feet now...saved deposit for my first mortgage and living in my own home since last month. CCs and SCs repaid, 10 loan repayments left and targeting to be mortgage free in 10 years key for me was getting organised. Budget is essential, and review it at least every month. Diarise when contracts are due to renew and start shopping around early.

Looking to increase income will go a long way. Most of my savings came from household food budget...I cut that from approx £700pm down to £300-350 through meal planning .