To be worried about prices going up and up and up

[AMAZINWOMAN]

I am getting scared of the way bills are just rising and rising all the time. Fuel is predicted to rise another 40% this year.

Even though I really am good at budgeting, I can't see a way of compromising any more than what we do now. Our only luxury is the internet, (or essential according to kids and their MSN needs!) which I would be reluctant to give up.

I have looked at loads of money saving tips websites, which is what I already do. I am just worried about the way the economy is going

Well I am rubbish at budgeting so I tell myself that if I get better at it we will be fine

Can you find any ways to increase your income if you already have good control over your expenditure?

Is there a way of fixing fuel bills? The electriticy and the gas for example? I'm sure I read something about that.

we're struggling too and dh is starting to suffer sleeplessness.

It is a very worrying time right now.

how much do you pay for internet and phone?

Yes I worry. We are struggling a little atm but haven't had to cut back much yet. But DH has been told there is no more work for him - he's a self-employed carpenter and has been working with one small building firm constantly for a few years. They have run out of work and there is very little left for any but the big companies atm. I am trying hard not to think about it too much But I am scared. I went part-time when my 3rd baby was born so DH's wage is nearly half of our household income.

It wasn't bothering me at first, I thought it wouldn't affect us as we shop in the market and don't own our house and work in care and an off licence, two industries that will never die! But now I'm starting to get worried, eg if tax credits or student loans get cut back we're in serious tyrouble. But I suppose theres always some disaster round the corner, all we can do is vote for what we want and hope for the best.

Does anyone think there might be another resession coming?

I think if the media carry on talking about it, it will happen

But it's definitely going to be a tougher time in the next few years.

coming??! Feels like it's here!

I don't blame the media completely ...

With oil at record prices, it is very hard to see the cost of living going down, I just hope that things are going to stabilise ...

Nice that the MPs have reportedly given themselves at 10% increase in their salaries - really keeping things real!!

There just seems to be so much talk about it at the mo! I cant escape the scaremongering!

Recession is two consecutive months of negative growth. We're nowhere near that yet.

It isn't scaremomgering they are reporting what is already happening.This govt did nothing when things were good and so they have nothing to help everyone out now that things are tougher.It is going to be extra jumpers and hot water bottles this winter!

I'm already saving up for extra blankets and jumpers for this winter - I'm not going to be able to afford much heating at all if it's really going to get that expensive

Im secretly a bit worried too.DP talks about it non stop and its getting on my nerves.We are really skint now.I went to a pawn shop today and sold all of my old gold £140!Couldnt believe it, i did feel ashamed after tho.I hope no one saw me.Im tryin to find extra ways of earning money around childcare, any ideas?

Have a look at www.moneysavingexpert.com
It's that Martin Lewis guy off LK Today and GMTV.

There's some really good tips and things on his website.

I signed up with npower for electricity the other week, their prices are going to be fixed till 2011 (i think thats what they said!) He said we would save considerable amounts of money, martin lewis mentioned npower which made me decide to do it.

thanks ill have a mooch

Shattered - dont feel ashamed about selling your old gold. I have done this and persuaded others to do it as well! I got rid of all sorts- broken chains, odd earrings etc.

I've just raised £400 selling what I considered old junk on ebay ! Lots of effort but worth it for the rewards. Wonder how much I would get for 2 small children who aren't keen on sleeping at the moment !!

YANBU. Quit. Come to Germany like I did

I dont understand nighbynight? Is it cheaper in Germany?
Mousemole - what did you sell if you dont mind me asking
Thx bluefox dont feel so bad now
x

I sold old handbags, clothes, shoes, a juicer, childrens clothes, shoes, costume jewellery. Basically anything and everything. Took a while to list it all and the posting things out is a faff but it really is money for old rope !

I have sold a few things on there before but i found clothes didnt sell and i have loads of them. Might give it another go thanks