One thing after another…

[onethingafteranotherandthenanother]

Dp is off work sick so he lost 3 days of pay in the same month of it being the month after a 5 week month on Universal Credit so we’ve ended up with a lot less money than expected and it’s all gone on bills (with one that’s having to be paid late). We have no money for about a week so I’m trying to plan a weeks shop for £50 which we thankfully have been given from the Children’s centre in a supermarket voucher.

I have holes in all of my leggings and I can’t afford new ones.

We saw a mouse in the house last night and the agency can’t do anything about it until Monday and even then we will have to wait for someone to come out 😩

The microwave stopped working about 2 weeks ago and I don’t know if the agency will replace it or not but we can’t afford to 🙈

There’s probably more that I can’t think of right now..

It's just life

What's your AIBU though?

That is rotten luck.

Any chance of a microwave on freecycle? Or does it have to go through the agency?

You’re obviously not BU, it sounds shit.

I feel you. £0 UC this month because it's February so I got paid twice in 1 assessment period... By 1 day.

Do you work? No friends or family that are willing to help you?

If a family member of mine was walking around in clothes with holes in then I'd happily give them money to buy a couple of new things and to sort the mouse problem.

There loads of good recipe suggestions on tiktok and instagram if you search for £5 pound meals - so you should be able to do your shop for £50 easily if you're able to cook. You might be able to do it for a bit less and get a new pair of leggings with the change?

Microwave- I never use mine tbh but you can probably get one on freecycle, or just manage without for a month.

Sorry about the mouse though. I have no suggestions other than a mousetrap. Vermin is normally tenants responsibility unless there's a building defect allowing them to get in.

Look on money saving expert if you're struggling generally. There's some really good advice on there.

But this will only happen once a year if you are paid four weekly, so at least you can be reassured it won't happen again for a while. If two paydays fell in your assessment period because your employer reported earnings early for some reason or late, then you can ask for this to be rectified.

You can sort the mouse issue yourself op

That is rough. With the leggings - wear two pairs. Aside from the extra warmth, it’s unlikely two holes would be in an identical spot so even if they snag and run you won’t be anxious about showing your knickers!

I'm not paid 4 weekly, I'm paid on the last Friday of the month.
It's February so a week earlier than usual, my assessment period is 24th to 23rd,

What do you mean by "agency" sorting mice and replacing microwave?

Can you not sort these minor problems out yourself...Why do you have to wait for an agency?

Well she obviously can’t afford a microwave if she has no money. Could be the same for the mouse issue.

People around here put a “Wanted for free” advert up on their local neighbourhood Facebook page asking for all sorts of stuff.

I’ve given away loads of household items to young families on a nearby new-build estate.

Try it. You might get the microwave.
Good luck OP.

Have you got the Olio app for free local food? Definitely worth a look.

That sounds tough.

Definitely ask on your local Facebook pages for a microwave and mouse traps. You might get lucky with some new clothes too if your groups are anything like the ones closest to me.

I’m not sure what kind of agency would provide those things for you otherwise

Could you be referred to your local food bank to top up the food voucher?

Near me there is a community fridge where they give away leftover food from shops, pubs etc. They post on FB and sometimes are almost begging people, anyone, to go and take whatever they would like. Is there anything like that near you?

I don't think mouse traps are expensive, or you could ask to borrow one. We have one in our shed which is unused and would gladly let someone else have it.

I hope things improve for you soon.

You can definitely try local FB pages and local Freecycle groups for a working microwave.

You could also have a look at what else is on offer and maybe pick up a few other free things you would like, just to cheer yourself up.

You could also contact a local church for referral to a food bank. Or look for food banks nearby that aren't Trussell - if they are privately run, the volunteers can refer you themselves. No need to go begging to someone in authority (I don't like that Trussell rule.) Don't feel ashamed. Stats show loads and loads of full time workers in all professions are now resorting to food banks. If you have luck with the food bank, would you be allowed to spend some of the voucher on new leggings from the supermarket or is it limited to food?

There are clothing banks in some areas too. Google 'Salvation Army clothing bank near me.'
I hope things improve soon.

If she is paying rent for a home which came with a working microwave, then the rental agency should be responsible for removing vermin and replacing worn out white goods.

Check your local council website for the household support fund. Even if you appear not to meet the eligibility criteria, apply for it anyway. They do have some discretion. Do it quickly cos it's only open until end of March.

Try Olio for free food.
Maybe Too good to go.
Community Fridges also
have great offerings.
People are often buy new microwaves because they fancy a new colour , post a wanted ad on Facebook groups or try Freecycle or olio. I bought a brand new one from marketplace for £10, It had sat unused in someone's kitchen for a year and she wanted the space.