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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not know what to do next

108 replies

tryharder100 · 18/08/2015 21:48

Really struggling to make ends meet.

My breaking point today was my daughters shoes rubbing and making her foot bleed due to being too small.

I have really decluttered in the last month and sold everything that is not essential to get us by but getting going back to school stuff has cleared me out again.

I need to come up with a plan for long term as can't go on like this but does anyone know if I could just walk into a clothes bank or something similar to get me by or if I would need to be referred and how do I do that?

Hate the thought of taking that help away from someone in more need than me but maybe need to shallow my pride a bit as clearly it's not helping my kids.

OP posts:
Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 10:31

I will enquire today buttercup to see if I can get anymore help, Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 10:42

Thank you for the person that directed me to the school uniform bank thread too, I have posted on there to see if anyone can help with the things I still need to get. I have had a lot of tears over the last few days and it's been hard to accept things from people but I am so grateful.

I have also offered my son's old uniform on there so hopefully can help others.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 19/08/2015 13:35

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/credit_crunch/2447182-August-Frugaleers-Part-II?

If you look on this thread you'll find lots of links for budgeting etc and generally squeezing more out of the money you have.

You don't have to post, lurking is just fine.

Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 14:19

Thanks I will have a read through. I have had it confirmed we aren't entitled to any other help and grants etc so it's down to me to get more organised. just got to struggle for a few more months before my childcare halves so we can actually eat. on the plus side having no money for food is a great way to diet.

OP posts:
lavent · 19/08/2015 14:40

Did you get a foodbank voucher? I saw someone write that's it's actually mostly working families that use foodbanks so I'm sure working is no issue.
I've been myself too many times that I can't really go anymore Blush but you can go 3 times at least.
They say they provide 3 days worth of food but IME you can make it last a whole week with a few clever/cheap top ups.

Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 14:43

How do I get a voucher lavent? do I just contact them or do I need to get referred? x

OP posts:
QwertyBird · 19/08/2015 14:44

You need to contact tax credits. If repayments are causing you hardship, they will reduce the amount they take back. Explain your situation and they will help you.

lavent · 19/08/2015 15:01

You need a referral - so many people can refer CAB, GP, health visitor, social worker, children's centre.

I would second calling back TC to rearrange payments - I owe them £450 and they were happy with £5/week.

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/08/2015 15:03

I think HV and GP's can refer but ring the foodbank or google them directly to see what you need.

Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 15:07

Thanks I will give TC a ring now bit we do owe a lot of money to them so not sure. how willing they will be to reduce the payments. worth a try though.

OP posts:
Fluffyears · 19/08/2015 15:09

Definitely try to reduce TC repayments as it is causing you financial hardship. Maybe start putting little things away for Christmas out of the £ shop (you can probably gather a lot of stuff by Christmas that way). Accept hep people want to help you otherwise they wouldn't post. For soap powder I always buy it from £ shop or Aldi as think it's a scandalous price, ditto toiletries. Hope things pick up really soon for you.

lk26 · 19/08/2015 15:10

If your daughter is a size 5 I have a brand new pair of pretty sandals I can send you. Still has tags on.
Please pm as would like to help.

Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 15:25

IK26 I have sent you a pm xx

OP posts:
Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 18:48

I have rang tax credits and can get an extra £9 a week so although not a massive amount will definitely help things not be as tight.

I'm not sure the clothes bank and school uniform bank threads are still going in credit crunch anymore so will try and get remaining uniform needed with the extra from tax credits. I have done a food plan for the next week may have to change slightly as over £30 but it has given me a bit more hope.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 19/08/2015 19:21

It's £36 a month more so it's a start. Credit crunch threads can be a bit slow.

Any utility companies you can swap to cheaper deals on?

ImperialBlether · 19/08/2015 19:26

Just sent you a PM, OP.

HippyChickMama · 19/08/2015 19:29

tryharder what do you still need school uniform wise and sizes? I've got some of ds uniform from last term which is still in good condition but too small, I'd be happy to send it to you if any good.

Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 20:03

I am on a fixed deal with energy company with a small exit fee, to be honest recently managed to build credit history up to get prepayment meters removed to credit meter so a lot better off with that.

imperial thank you.

hippy chicken I only really need navy pe shorts in 8-9 years. I am going to get him a jurassic world bag he has his heart set on, he never moans about not having the latest stuff so going to suprise him with that.

Thank you

OP posts:
RavioliOnToast · 19/08/2015 20:07

op I've private messaged you, hope I can help

HippyChickMama · 19/08/2015 20:11

Sorry, ds has black shorts. I have some tshirts and tops in 8-9 if they're any good to you (not school ones). They were only going to go to the charity shop, I'd be more than happy to send if you want them.

GobShites · 19/08/2015 20:21

www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme/eligibility

This might be worth having a look at too.

I applied last year and got it and I plan on applying again this year. You usually have to be earning under £16,000 to qualify. They didn't ask for any proof at all though, just took my details over the phone.

They sent me (British Gas) £140 in vouchers to take to the shop and have put on my key for the meter.

Original poster
tryharder100 · 19/08/2015 20:42

Yes please hippychick.

I will look into the warm discount. Thank you everyone.

OP posts:
HippyChickMama · 19/08/2015 21:03

PM me your address and I will post what I have on Friday.

CatthiefKeith · 19/08/2015 21:18

Op I have a 4 year old that has outgrown her 3-4 year old coat, plus jeans, tops and a load of size 7 shoes.

Sorting out her wardrobe is on my to do list, if you pm your address I am happy to send them your way.

cleanindahouse · 19/08/2015 21:40

What size shoes for your boy?