Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

To ask for advice with money

53 replies

Clackyheels · 05/12/2020 07:03

Good morning,

Wondering if anyone has any advice. I won't bore you with the sob story but my circumstances have recently changed and I've found myself in a very frightening position money wise. I have 2 small children, and already work. In order to keep our house etc I need to make some money quickly. Obviously, everyone wants this, but I'm desperate and wondering if anyone had some real life experience with this. I'm currently thinking dominos delivery? Not ideal but could probably do this for a bit until I'm out of hot water, selling mine and the kids old clothes? Any other ideas. Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Marmite27 · 05/12/2020 07:04

Who would look after the children while you’re out delivering? You won’t be able to bring them with you.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 05/12/2020 07:06

Amazon delivery if you have childcare. Easy to sign up to.

SleepingStandingUp · 05/12/2020 07:14

Have you checked if your eligible for benefits op? If you're on a low income you should be eligible for tax credits etc or the UC equivalent.

Is Dad in the picture? Is he paying towards the kids? Can he have them for more hours whilst you work?

TeachesOfPeaches · 05/12/2020 07:17

Are you single OP? Delivery, warehouse, supermarket and care work seem to be available at the moment. Do you have someone to care for your children ?

NerrSnerr · 05/12/2020 07:19

Are you single? What childcare do you have? Have you checked you're entitled to all the benefits you're entitled to.

ivykaty44 · 05/12/2020 07:20

Check benefits entitlement
Check out the £10 a day thread on “money” lots of wfh stuff

Cheesypea · 05/12/2020 07:25

I sold all my jewelry and old electronics when I was broke. I spent it straight on food.

Safffyyy · 05/12/2020 07:28

Cut back on spreading and be smart about what you spend on. Start selling things on gumtree or ebay, find something at home you don't need.
If your current job is not bring in enough money time to start looking jobs with a bit more money.
The move might do you good. Smile

lifestooshort123 · 05/12/2020 07:34

Have a critical look at all your stuff and sell everything that you don't need. I'm not sure how you'd work extra with young children - you suggest Domino's, does that mean you have transport? Do you really need it or could you sell it? It sounds pretty grim but please please don't borrow money from unauthorised lenders/loan sharks - nothing is worth that grief. Is it time to think about moving somewhere cheaper? Good luck.

Original poster
Clackyheels · 05/12/2020 07:34

Thanks for advise. Yep now single. I have my sisters who I'm hoping would help me out with childcare if I'm desperate. I've check the benefits calculator online and will start that process. I assumed they would be able to sleep in the car (I know that sounds horrendous and dont worry I am lying awake at night thinking about what a bad mother I am, I dont need telling). Thanks I'll look at the £10 a day thread that's helpful. Already sold a few bits of furniture on facebook marketplace, so I'll have another scout round. I took my jewelry to a jewellers but he said it's not really worth it, just scrap and it's my mums so I'd like to make that the last thing to go.

OP posts:
Original poster
Clackyheels · 05/12/2020 07:39

I'll look into amazon and see if they can stop at their aunties for a few hours a day. Is it flexible? Can you just do a few hours a day or 1 day a week?

OP posts:
tara66 · 05/12/2020 07:41

Food banks? Ask your Council where they are.

ZorbaTheHoarder · 05/12/2020 07:49

Hi OP,
I don't have any advice, but l just wanted to say that this sounds like a really tough situation for you.

Good luck with it - l hope things get easier for you soon.

NerrSnerr · 05/12/2020 07:54

How old are your children? Are they eligible for any funded nursery hours?

Thisisworsethananticpated · 05/12/2020 07:56

Benefits
Royal Mail
Xmas
Delivery
Any delivery driver work

Wishing you the best Op

Cheesypea · 05/12/2020 08:21

You dont have to be a Christian but Christians against poverty have a great rep and a national presence. Is it mortgage or rent payments your struggling with? Theirs alot of very knowledgeable people on this site.

SleepingStandingUp · 05/12/2020 09:14

Op if u wanted to give some context to what the money issue is people might be able to offer more help

Original poster
Clackyheels · 05/12/2020 09:40

Sorry, it's a very long story, but I was off work for a while on mat leave with just stat mat pay. I borrowed money, to pay for food Bill's etc till I went back to work. Now back at work but struggling to make much leeway with debts. I've had a significant pay cut so we're scraping by as it is. I was with my Dh 2 years ago when we bought a house. The mortgage is up for renewal and they won't do it as now my income is lower and I have debts. Rent around where we live is much more than my mortgage so not sure about options. Current mortgageis £400pm. We live in a small 2 bed terrace so no other properties around to downsize. So I'm worried we'll loose the house and have no where else to go. I realise we aren't in as dire straights as others, but I'm also frightened that were not far off. I split with Dh recently which has obviously had a massive effect on what I can afford. I'm hoping if I can pay off my debts the mortgage provider may still consider me.

I know I'm responsible for this shit show. And in hindsight I would have done things very differently. But I have to get my shit together so as not to affect the kids as much as possible. Hence wanting to make money-to pay debt asap.

OP posts:
Hayeahnobut · 05/12/2020 09:45

Is your husband still on the mortgage? If it's just a case of keeping the mortgage as it is, then most lenders will offer you a new product deal without credit checks. If your husband wants to come off the mortgage then they'll need to do checks etc. See if the first option is available to you, it will at least reduce what you're paying.

Please don't do delivery driving with your children in the car. I understand your desperation, but it's not safe.

MrsMoastyToasty · 05/12/2020 09:49

If you are the only adult in the house you can apply for the 25% discount on your council tax.
Overhaul your outgoings- get the cheapest deals on your utilities. Cancel subscriptions
Sell stuff.
Get your mortgage restructured.

If your mortgage is in joint names it's in your ex interest for it to be paid because if you can't and he can't then both of you will be adversely affected.
Get a solicitor on board to hammer out who pays what, maintenance etc.

MojoMoon · 05/12/2020 09:51

I think you need to make a priority to get some proper financial advice on managing your debts and look at what benefits you may be eligible for.

Stepchange
Citizens advice
Christians against poverty

And other options here www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/debt-advice-locator

Please be careful as there are lots of commercial companies offering debt "advice" and seeking to set up payment plans. Use the charities listed about on the Money Advice Service.

What work do you currently do and is there a possibility of taking more hours on there? Much easier than trying to get another job.

Maintenance/child care from your ex? Can he have the children more so you can work and is he paying support?

SimplyRadishing · 05/12/2020 09:55

This sounds tough.
I would go with Amazon or yodel etc.

One question: With the configuration of the house is there any way to take in a lodger?
I am guessing not but thought I'd ask.

Have you looked at accessing food banks? Or on FB groups our local area has one who are helping people impacted by covid generally in need of help.

MNHQ
YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet · 05/12/2020 10:36

Hello everyone.

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon. In the meantime, you might find some useful information on our guide for dealing with financial difficulty Flowers

Original poster
Clackyheels · 05/12/2020 13:32

Oh god. This is humiliating. I am absolutely NOT requesting money. I just was after any advise from anyone with similar experience on how to make some spare money. I shall in future not air my dirty laundry Blush

OP posts:
PinkSnowAndStars · 05/12/2020 13:34

I think MNHQ just have to be careful.

Anything you can cancel? Subscriptions? Sky etc.

How much do you urgently need to make?

Swipe left for the next trending thread