If you were absolutely flat broke in this situation, how would you make money?

I just wanted to say OP that I think you are amazing! You have managed to bring up 3 responsible, well adjusted and hard working young people completely on your own.

Add to this the job that you do in a&e for such a ridiculously low wage, I think you deserve a medal.

Your plan to borrow from your parents to buy a moped seems very sensible & hopefully should slash your travel costs.

I wish you all the best and hope you achieve your dream job very soon ❤️

@PiggyPigalle only if she passed her car test before 1st Feb 2001. If she passed after that she still needs to do a CBT to ride a 50cc.

If you pay for utilities by direct debit have you checked if you have built up any credit there?

You need to be aware that bills can be higher in winter so you'd expect to have a credit with the electricity company now, but it might help a bit in your situation to be paying larger amounts each month and have any credit offsetting your overdraft and reducing the interest you're charged rather than smaller monthly bills, a larger overdraft and a credit you're not getting interest on. Water bills tend to be more consistent through the year so any credit there shouldn't affect monthly payments as much.

Have only read the OPs posts
But blimey, you’ve been wildly misunderstood on here! Reading comprehension is lacking today I see!

Just want to say you sound like an incredible mom to your one adult and two nearly adult children. They don’t sound at all neglected!
And I read through your posts to see if anyone else had suggested getting a moped but I see you’re already looking in to that

Some specifics: second adult Council Tax rebate - some Councils offer a reduction in Council tax when the second adult in the house is on a low income.

If your eldest is autistic he may fall within the "learning difficulties" criterion for a disabled person's bus pass, which wouldn't save on his travel costs. (He may not, if he's reasonably able, but worth looking at).

Your Trade Union may have help available.

Cycling may be an option for the summer, even if unrealistic in the winter. A folding bike would give you the option to cycle to work and get a taxi home (but yes, upfront cost).

Can you reduce shifts and go for Bank nursing? My friend earns more than double for this. X

If you are considering a moped, also factor in your CBT (compulsory basic training) - it's a day at a bike school to train you on your moped/scooter for basic riding. I'm not sure of the cost these days, as I passed my bike test 10 years ago, but you'd probably be looking at £100 - £150 where I live in the north. Also a decent bike helmet, jacket, gloves, overtrousers, boots will set you back about £300 - £500. You will need them if you're travelling in all weathers and being warm and dry makes all the difference.

@stressedoutstudent Your eldest will be entitled to PIP it doesn’t matter if he works he is still entitled to it as they have a recognised disability. (My son is 21 and is autistic). He should also claim UC disabled payment. Do any of your other teens have caring responsibilities towards him? If so then that can perhaps claim Carers allowance. Hope this helps a bit x

Sorry, I get annoyed when I see posts that have been previously answered, reanswered with existing answer! But you cannot be expected to read the whole thread, perhaps thousands of answers before making a suggestion. The original poster must be the one to read everything, and if duplicate answers have been made, sorry in advance. AI could check, but if you are told your answer is a duplicate, eventually the number of posts would drop. Mums net wouldn’t want a fall in interactions..

Can you apply to be an (online) exam marker in your field for studying students at exam time?

Our DD did it for a while nearly 3000 kms away from her uni. They were struggling to maintain regular markers and although it’s not additional weekly income, but 4 times a year, it gave her quite a bonus in funds.

OP has already answered this questions "I've only come across one collegue who lives in my direction, and she works mostly day shifts."

It would probably help OP if posters could at least read her posts so that suggestions are not repeated.

Any chance of getting lifts to work? Does the hostpital run a car share scheme. It must be a major centre of employment, so there must be loads of people locally going to work at the hostpital. You have done brilliantly to cope, hang in there, it will get easier.

Never mind the fact that OP is already stretched to her limit working and caring for her family.

It's a saturated market. This government are looking to come down hard on licensing and it's costly to train.

Up to 50cc and riding one on her car licence, she doesn't need training.

Can you train to administer Botox/fillers as nurse who do this earn well.

Could you look at the nhs lease car scheme. No initial outlay, they deliver the car too. All costs are included (servicing, repairs, tyres). My husband has just got a brand new MG4 and it's worked out around £230 a month and then around £30-40 to charge it at work

Op has already said she doesn't get UC. Her child with autism is an adult and working. In a couple of years time all her kids will be adults so no chance of Uc then. Universal credit don't generally like people with teenage kids working part time. Reducing hours to claim UC would just make her worse off as it doesn't make up for lost earnings.

Is there an option for you to work part time which may make you eligible for UC. Do you get DLA/PIP for your autistic child? You could possibly claim housing benefit if you only had to work part time. I think you need to think of your health and the amount of stress you are under can't be good for you. 😘😘

Really feel for you and impressed with how resilient and positive you are being in a tough situation. Your kids are so lucky to have such a great hardworking and inspirational mum! Moped sounds great- good luck with it and please get a really good lock!

Definitely PIP ASSESSOR

OP have you tried negotiating them down? I worked as an executive assistant once and he told me he never pays fees, call and negotiate. If they’re charging you any kind of interest or fees on these debts call and ask if they can remove them as a one time courtesy.

Depending on the bank they will. There’s a bank that will remove all fees the first time you ask, half the second time etc. pretend you’re a rich entitled person and try to negotiate anything that might be remotely negotiable down. If the first person you talk to says no, ask to escalate to their next level of support.

is it ok if I send you a message?

I'm so sorry to read this post. You are doing everything possible and still finding it hard to keep your head above water. Could it be worth speaking to someone at Citizens Advice to see if there are any benefits your are missing out on. Would a possibility be to move to a cheaper area? Is there any way you can push to be fast-tracked within the role you're doing for a more senior & better paid job? You are obviously a clever and hard working person, it's shocking that you are struggling like this.

Is there a Company Shop in your area? If so apply for a card (your profession allows you one) food is much cheaper and household things) joint Olio, request items that are listed food plus other things for free. Have the family outgrown any clothes or no longer want other items? Advertise them and get some money for them. Anything you or kids can make and sell?

Oh... and get the moped! Sounds like a great plan and fingers crossed your parents will be able to help with a loan