If I have to pull my big girl pants up any higher

[Ladygaggia]

I'll give myself a wedgie.

I'm recently separated and trying really hard to do it all by myself with two kids.

I don't get any financial help from my ex husband at all as he is going to be made homeless soon.

Today my car started making crunchy noises and I came home to a letter from hmrc to say I'd be getting almost half the tax credits with no explanation why.

Ex husband tells me to sell my engagement ring if I want money.
I feel really sad about this.

Not sure what I hope to achieve, posting this here...lol
Tell me things will get better!!!

[everythingsgoingsouth]

didn't want to read and run. sounds like you have a lot on your plate at the moment. hope you have some real-life support.
have you filled out a statement of affairs so you can budget/save money/cutback etc?
there is a template at //www.stoozing.com
//www.moneysavingexpert.com really helped me when I got divorced, I still read it often now.
good luck x

[Ladygaggia]

Thank you.
I do have RL support and I'm grateful for it.
I will look at those links. I'm sure I could cut back on food bills a bit.

I feel better already. I had a giggle with the kids and counted my blessings!

[ohtheholidays]

I use a little notebook and I wrote down everything I had coming in and what time of year and what i had to pay out.

It has helped a lot!! I couldn't believe how much was being basically wasted.

The tax credits can't be changed by such a vast amount with out any letter explaining why.Have a look on here it covers lots of questions,there are also calculators as well that help you make sure your getting everything you should be.

Is your ex husband working or receiving benefits?

Have you made sure your getting all the help you should be with rent and council tax benefits?

I found making a meal plan and not food shopping as often has saved us a few thousands every year now,yet we eat a lot better than we did before.

Look in to all your providers,car insurance,house insurance,health insurance,home phone,broadband,any tv package,gas,electric,water,mobiles.Make sure your getting the best deals if not ring your current provider and ask tell them your circumstances have changed and ask them if they can do any better.

If you have any credit cards see if you can move them to a % balance.

[hackneylady]

Sorry things are so hard. It might be worth going to Citizens Advice to make sure you're getting everything you're entitled to.

[Myturnnow4]

How are you getting on Lady? I'm just starting the same process after DP left me on Sunday. My situation is not as challenging as yours as I don't have children though.