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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

to think there's something I'm missing

30 replies

firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 15:27

Regular poster, freaking out here so I can keep it together later.

DP lost his job a few months ago and has just started a new job. Yay
I'm self-employed, just beginning to make a profit, but with no income this week due to school holidays.
While being unemployed my DP was not eligible for benefits and picked up freelance work here and there. He is currently awaiting payment by several clients, some of whom are late paying.

So, DP is two weeks into the new job and both completely skint -me due to half term and funding DP's (and my own) travel last week. The plan was for us to use DP's freelance income this week. But it seems more and more likely that despite chasing his clients will take their time paying.
Soooo, what the fuck are we going to do? I will list a few things on ebay, have put adverts on local fb groups that i'm available for babysitting but this is all a bit hit and miss.
Aibu to think we can somehiw get through this week. Any tips very welcome.

OP posts:
Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 15:28

*aibu there is something really obvious I'm missing to get us through this week.

OP posts:
Redfin · 13/02/2018 15:32

Credit cards??

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 15:32

Nope, not an option

OP posts:
Blankuser1992 · 13/02/2018 15:36

•sell clothes on Facebook groups
•offer cleaning services in local area
• offer baby sitting
•ring round local agencies
•ask close family

SpitefulMidLifeAnimal · 13/02/2018 15:40

So is it a full 7 days you're skint for then?

What have you got in the cupboards? I'm sure people could suggest meals with whatever you have. There is always the food bank too.

Do you have any Nectar/Tesco/Boots etc loyalty points you can use? Anything you can pawn?

SpitefulMidLifeAnimal · 13/02/2018 15:41

Oh yes, I forgot, you might be able to get a crisis loan (although I'm not sure they are still called that...) from your local council. The DWP used to do them but transferred responsibility to a local level.

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 15:42

Thanks blankuser
-doing it
-i'm terrible at cleaning and can't charge for it (as in wouldn't be happy with tge quality of my work)
-doibg this, fingers crossed i get something this weekend
-thanks for the tip. Will get on it. Obvious thing i missed.
-trying to avoid but might have to.

OP posts:
SmokedPaprika · 13/02/2018 15:44

Any old/broken gold you could sell for its weight value?
Anything that could go to a CEX store?

falsepriest · 13/02/2018 15:45

What is it you need to spend on over the next seven days? Focus on that

Babyroobs · 13/02/2018 15:45

Why was he not entitled to any benefits ? could he not get contributions based Job seekers allowance at least ?

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 15:49

spiteful
Will be skint until Monday afternoon. Clients will pau me in person after the session.
I think foodwise we're covered. We have lentils, pasta rice eggs and spices. Have a £5 voucher for Tesco.
My main concern is to ensure DP can travel to work. I will have some work on Friday and Saturday that has been pre-paid but, worst case scenario, I could cancel that and re-arrange for next week (obviously trying to avoid). Will discuss crisis loan with DP. This might be an option.

OP posts:
GirlsBlouse17 · 13/02/2018 15:50

Pawnbrokers? Quick loan as advertised on tv? Borrow off a friend or family

Check pockets, down sofa etc for any notes and coins

RB68 · 13/02/2018 15:51

He should look at whether he can get a salary advance from work. If they have an HR dept or Personnel he can just go and ask them boss needn't know to be honest. Its v common.

Other than that, get onto the clients and give them what for, ask them why they are not following government guidelines to pay small businesses within 30 days, ask to speak to Finance Manager an lay it on thick, Ask them if they need any further information to pay on contract terms, check they have payment details ie bank accounts etc. Be a squeaky wheel.

Singlebutmarried · 13/02/2018 15:52

Can DH get an advance in his wages?

If he explains the situation to his new employers they may plug the gap.

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 16:04

Thanks everyone, there are a few things i/we hadn't considered so hopefully this should help.
Number one priority is travel. We live in london and both use contact less travel. We should be abke to feed ourselves even though we might be having a lit of lentils.
Will be offline for a while, but please keep any ideas coming.

OP posts:
KanyeWesticle · 13/02/2018 16:46

Hassle late paying clients. They shouldn't put you in this position.

Can DP's work finance a railcard for his train travel, so he can pay over a few months?

Citizens Advice are one avenue for advice, and for Food Bank vouchers etc. Christians Against Poverty are helpful too (don't worry, no evangelism!)

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 16:57

Hope dp can get work to help with travel. This would pretty much solve our problems. If not we'll probably have to borrow money from family, they probably would help out - but y'know- pride.

OP posts:
GirlsBlouse17 · 13/02/2018 17:01

Try the small claims court to get payment from clients

beansbananas · 13/02/2018 17:04

How much do you realistically need for travel? As others have mentioned food banks can definitely be a great help. Is it even remotely conceivable to walk or cycle to work? Short term loans have very high premiums so I would try to avoid if you can.

PeacesofAte · 13/02/2018 17:15

Could you offer to have someone else’s kids over half term too, for cash?

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 17:37

We live in London, work for dp is about 50mins by tube - so walking not an option. We don't have bikes so cycling not an option. We could save noney hy using buses only (£1.50 one way, insread of £2.80) but this would double journey time.
DP needs £21 for travel (tube), I would need £10. I have, as it stands, £20.
Hopefully I can shift some clothes and shoes on facebook or pick up some babysitting.

OP posts:
SundaySalon · 13/02/2018 17:44

What about the church? I work with families in this situation and the local church is brilliant at loaning small amounts of money. They usually have a chairty attached to them for the people in their catchment area. Do you have DC? If you do your local children’s centre will be able to help or at least signpost you.

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 18:44

Would church still help if neither of us are religious?

OP posts:
RB68 · 13/02/2018 19:11

They would certainly consider it (CHurch help)

Do you have any oyster cards to cash in - you get your fiver back don't you?

Would the bank consider a small temp overdraft?

Can you offer a special locals deal on fb for your business? Just so its cash in the hand with no cost.

I do think an advance from work for him is best option, he could always say its to help with travel costs.

The gold thing can nett you a suprising amount even with 9ct broken bits. Ebaying is good but you a need a paypal account and b need 50 quid in it to withdraw for free. But if you can get stuff to sell on there that is always good.

We are in the same boat at the moment - I earn 1300 a month, hubby has had no paid gigs for around 3 months. Its killing us and admit we are killing the credit cards and my heart is in my mouth every time i use it!

If you can push one of your prepaid clients out to next week without causing a problem I would try and do that as well.

Original poster
firstevernamechange · 13/02/2018 19:29

RB, it's shit isn't it. It was. Actually easier while dp was at home - tge double travel is a killer. Can't wait till he gets paid.

OP posts: