to wonder what the fuck to do now? (Immediate financial problem)

[Margaritte]

We are on a very tight budget for the next couple of months. We know this, and have got advice from StepChange & I posted a thread on here for recipe /shopping advice.

However, today our card declined trying to pay for £22 or so worth of shopping. We were not expecting that, and now I am very worried and starting to panic

We have some food in for dinners. No packed lunch food though, for ds1 & 2 and dh. We have no milk (well, enough for a bottle tonight for dd) and are down to 3 nappies.

Payday isn't until end of next week, so have to do something until then.

Margaritte

It is entirely my fault. I always put the mobile in my pocket when I am walking the dog and didn't realise that this new-fangled phone has the volume button on the side. As I walk, I must have been setting it to silent - but I didn't realise I had a problem because it still vibrates in my pocket.

I was re-charging the phone on Thursday and saw my missed calls - including 2 from the vet who was trying to do a follow-up home visit to Ringo! I googled my phone manual and realised where that volume button is. My phone now rings properly on Volume 10.

The vet was very understanding - he came out yesterday morning (Saturday) to do a home-visit for Ringo. All is well here - Ringo had his extra injection for new viruses/strains and got more Loxicom for his arthritis. Ringo's blood tests are far better than expected for a 16.3yrs dog. The vet saw that his eyes are brighter even though Ringo has Glaucoma and cataracts in his left eye. I have now decided that I won't allow Ringo to have his left eye removed [that was what was recommended to me 15 months ago]

So phone me when you want to!

I know that you are considering bankcruptcy, but I would have to go through the entire thread to see what advice was given at that time from MNetters. I can't advise on that issue - so as your cyber PA I would need to PM or google.

Take care - and stay strong.

SW x

AdoreBell

CatchIt I will Pm you

I've found that on the BBC Good Food site, they have a little button next to the recipe, so you can add costing, this is great
I can now check, and know the rough prices, and stick to the supercheap one. They dont have Aldi / Lidl, though I'm guessing it would just be cheaper anyway?

So, even though the weather is nice (is here) Winter is coming, and any hints that I could get in place now would be great.

Especially with breakfasts / packed lunches.

gallicgirl I've also PMed you, regarding the Council Tax advice

I have replied.

What do you usually do for breakfasts and lunches?

ok, re-read thread!
might have to dash off though as DS falls over and cries every 2 minutes. Gggrrr.

Oats are cheap as anything so encourage porridge for breakfast. I recently made oat and banana pancakes for DS, good weaning food, but DD loves them too. I made a big batch, froze them and pulled them out as needed to go in toaster.

Hugh Fearnley Fearnley did some good lunch boxes on a show ages ago. Basically cook extra potatoes, rice, pasta at dinner time and use them in lunchbox the next day. If you could grow your own lettuce through the winter, you'd just need to addd a bit of protein for a yummy lunch. I'll try to find a link for ideas.

cooked.com/uk/Hugh-Fearnley-Whittingstall/Bloomsbury-Publishing-Plc/River-Cottage-Every-Day/Weekday-lunchbox

forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=23424&highlight=lunch+work

a girl called jack

Sorry , last link didn't work. Here it s:
agirlcalledjack.com

Packed lunches are normally a sandwich with a piece of fruit. I've been trying to bake recently, and so may put something in from that if it turns out ok
It's only my DH & DS1 who take a packed lunch. My DS2 gets the KS1 Free meals, and my DD & I eat lunch at home.

Breakfast is cornflakes / toast / porridge, usually a value yogurt.

Thank you for the links gallicgirl I'm reading the Hugh Fearnley one at the moment. I see he mentions that the website has a thrifty meat section, will be checking that out too

I'm uncertain if Hugh F-W knows what thrifty means!

DP is a genius at finding reduced meat at the supermarket. He often goes on the way home from work around 6:30 but also gets lots of bargains after 3pm on a Sunday.
We go to Makro sometimes and buy meat in bulk. I'm not convinced that it's always cheaper so DP is starting a spreadsheet in order to compare. If he puts the results on a powerpoint presentation, I'm calling off the wedding!!

I'v just reread and I think the Thrifty Meat section is a chapter in his book, not a section on the website. I'm sure you're right, probably wasnt that thrifty anyway

Did your housing benefit get sorted?

And do you have a slow-cooker? Perfect for cheap winter stews.

No, we are still payng the full rent at the moment. I'm on their case, though they seem in no rush.

My slower? I had to sell it we really needed to get rid of anything that wasnt an essential, and in the end it included the slow cooker. I kept it as long as I could

My slow cooker

Well done on continuing to pay your rent.

I've just sent you another message - check your inbox.

I haven't had much time to get on here recently - So busy with the decluttering & selling, trying to get into a routine that makes me happy, sorting out financial issues (HB etc) learning to cook something decent out of what we afford.

Silly really, as I find it easier to get the above sorted when I'm on here. Always good advice, which helps me know the best place to start, and stops me getting flustered & overwhelmed.

How are you Margaritte?

I have just had quite a long telephone conversation with Margaritte.

She really wants her thread resurrected with her jobs 'consolidated' again.

Margaritte is actually managing to 'tread water' with the budget. However, she is concerned about Christmas for the 3 children.

Does anyone have an artificial christmas tree (in good condition) that they would be happy to donate?

Does anyone have christmas tree baubles to decorate a tree (assuming we can find someone to donate the tree).

I gave my 6-foot artificial tree and 'designer baubles' to a newly-separated Mum last Christmas. I sold it on eBay and when I realised she was moving into rented accommodation and was trying to 'do' Christmas, I gave her the money back and asked her to buy 2 presents for her two boys. So my tree is helping another family!

If anyone can help, please PM me.

Thank you, SW

Thank you to the person who PMd me.

Someone has offered a 7ft artificial christmas tree to Margaritte's children. It was bought 3yrs ago so is in excellent condition.

I will try to work out the logistics of getting it from 1 hr away to Margaritte (or for it to be collected by Margaritte's DH).

No money is exchanging hands ... but the family who is donating ask for prayers (and special thoughts) if anyone has a moment to spare.

Thank you.

SW

Where is the lasy based? I have loads of Christmas decorations I need to sort out, including unopened baubles when the hubby gets them out the loft, also brand new tinsel

When I spoke to Margaritte last night, she said she had another thread going in "Christmas"

I have found it: Margaritte's thread asking for help with Christmas

Can anyone help on that thread?

Thanks, SW

SadWidow I was wondering how Margaritte was intending to manage Christmas. I can't help with the things above but will PM you re other help. By the way I think the practical assistance you have been providing is amazing. I will pray for the other family as requested.

Ruralretreating The other family will absolutely welcome prayers (and kind thoughts - which are the same).

I heard little DC3 (3 yrs old) giggling in the background last night. Margaritte is managing to keep a happy environment for the 3 DCs. She has had a tough couple of months - but it is her story to tell you.

She is focussed again and ready to take suggestions on how to do Christmas without any money. Her children have NO expectations about treats, gifts or anything. They know that they must not 'ask'.

I am happy to accept PMs for Margaritte.

SW

Chattymummyhere

I am sorry, I missed your post as I was answering others.

Margaritte is in Kent. But I would be happy to pay for postage for the baubles and tinsel. I use myHermes to send 15kg boxes to Margaritte each month - that costs me £9.99

It is far cheaper then using Royal Mail once you hit 2kg.

That is a good link for any MNetter who is thinking about posting Christmas gifts next month.

Hi Ruralretreating

Can you check your PM settings please. I am not allowed to reply to you.

Thank you

SW