Massively in the sh*t…

[Miren]

Just found out that the contractor that contracts to DH (98%) of his work load has essentially sacked him. He's been used as a scapegoat by the 'project manager'.

Lessons throughly learnt - never having our eggs in the same basket again!

This coupled with an abrupt end to maintenance payments for DS1 (£400 per month) means we are throughly in the shit.

It will be a while before DH gets back on his feet (a lot of money owed out) so I'm trying not to go into melt down and looking at how we can stay afloat.

Also, (although not the top of priorities, I know, but this is our first holiday abroad and the DC's are more than excited about going on a plane) we have already booked our holiday and paid for the flights and 50% of the accommodation cost as a non-refundable deposit. Do we forfeit the money paid or pay the remaining £300 and go with minimal spends? My first priority should be how do we pay the rent but for some reason I feel most sick about the holiday!

I'm hopefully going to get back to work and possibly will start next week. It will net us £500 per month so will at least make up for the CSA shortfall and £100 more.

We've also got some massive unexpected expenditures crop up including a £200 vets bill, a £250 car bill and £125 gas bill on top of our normal £125 per month because of an unnoticed missed payment.

Can anyone offer me some miraculous money earning/saving advice? I feel I'm on the edge of a breakdown.

Have you checked whether you are entitled to tax credits and housing benefit on your reduced income?

Miren, I feel for you so badly although I don't have any extra advice to add. I have to say I am so angry on your behalf over what your ex has done re. the child maintenance. I used to work for the CSA and so many people are absolutely shameless when it comes to their children and will do anything to avoid paying. They think they are punishing their former partners but in actual fact it's the kids. Have some . Hope you can sort a few things out.

It doesn't help you right now but it might help others to analyse your situation and reconsider where they are.

Prior to these unforeseen problems, you had nothing put away for a rainy day yet were booking holidays, using up credit cards, credit rating shot to pieces and living in overdraft land. Quite simply, you were living beyond your means when you had far more money coming in.

The CSA or hubby losing contracts or the ex stopping paying support are not the real problem, overspending is. I hope that when things improve, you can still keep a tight rein on spending.

As to the holiday, doesn't your insurance cover loss of work ? If not, then you're paying for something you can never claim on (if self employed for instance).

If you are in real dire straits, you cannot even consider going on holiday when you have rent to pay.

Money saving expert has a budget planner. When you fill it in there's links to cheaper options.

Set CSA or what ever their name is now on the ex

Is the debt big enough for a repayment plan?

Get selling stuff to pay for the holiday if you decide to carry on with it ( totally understand you wanting to!)