Losing 1k pm income

[Threeinyellow]

As the title goes, it looks likely that I may become unemployed and lose 1k in income. Owe approx 11k debt. Possibly housing too.

Total income £3290 (incl UC with housing benefit element and £70pw CM for 2DC)

Total debt
Loan 9650 excl interest
Credit card 780
Store cards 185

Outgoings
Rent 900
Council tax 111
Water 39
British Gas 105
Mobile 64
Broadband 20
Dental 22.50
Dc sports fees 10
Pet insurance 6
Vet 12.50
Tv licence 13.50
Union 10
Contents ins 8
Help to save 50
FOOD 550
Child ISA 10
Driving lessons 280
Tesco subs 7

Any advice or signposting very much appreciated.

Takeaways every week? That's about £150.

It's around £40 for a family of 4.

We're a family of 3 and spend approx £100pm, sometimes less as miss the odd week. I'm usually exhausted by the end of the week.

How much is in your help to save? Can you use this to pay the credit and store card?

If possible i would move the cc and store cards onto a 0% balance transfer card and set for minimum payment then put the extra on the loan if it allows you to make extra payments- this will decrease the interest you will pay over the length of time- if its possible of course.
Stream line the shopping/ batch cook so you have accessable food for nights your tired/ short of time. Obviously driving lessons need stopped however depending how confident you are it might be worth trying to go for your test and see if you can pass/ or see if family or friends can let you drive to keep your skills up for when your ready to resume.
Its tough OP but if its temporary you can adjust accordingly and get through it.

If your mental health and DCs needs are so bad that you can’t work at all can you apply for PIP for yourself and DLA for DC?

I know this isn’t the point of the thread, but Is that your take home on uc?! That’s the same as I take home earning 59k after pension and student loan!

You are getting 3290…without working. That makes me want to cry! I earn less for a 39hour week in a role that requires a degree.

I am working. I'm likely to become unemployed and income to be reduced to £2290

Mobiles seem hugely expensive - smarty or lebara is like sub 5quid for 20odd gb

Wouldn't be doing isa savings when in debt (and if you are saving for kids stock and shares are better)

Driving lessons stop that's a crazy cost

That food bill is huge! We pay 180 all inclusive of toiletries etc including occasional steaks for 2 people per month

No idea what tesco subs are but they can go

No idea what that help to save is but I wouldn't be saving all the while have huge debts

Why are you convinced you’ll become unemployed? How many hours a week are you working?

Is that mobile phone contract for 3 phones then? When do they all end? Presuming you only need one phone then you should be able to find a contract for about £20 a month.

I wouldn’t stop the driving lessons unless you have to, how close are you to taking your test?

Now I want to cry too! I am a Band 7 as a highly specialised healthcare professional and earn a little bit more than that working 4 days a week. It seems bonkers that you can plan not to work and still take home nearly the same as me.

@Holdonforsummer yeah how horrific that a single parent with MH issues and a teen with additional needs will still be able to pay rent and eat food. She should be forced to live in a bin surely 🙄

Yes you are drastically underpaid but aiming that frustration at OP who is asking for advice isn't fair either.

But I’m not underpaid! I’m on a full time equivalent salary of £51k and my take home pay includes some Saturday time-and-a-half pay as well. I just find it interesting that the OP is going to be receiving similar money to me without working. With university debts going through the roof, it makes you wonder why anyone would train to be a teacher or nurse anymore.

It's not like OP has chosen to leave school and become a slacker. And you never no what will happen with your own life/health and when you may need that support. I'm sure you won't opt to starve your kids and become homeless if you find yourself unemployed.

I would say that your MH is going to be affected a lot with that drastic drop in income and the related changes to you and the kids lifestyles, so you need to find another role that's perhaps more suited rather than the one you had that's still bringing money in albeit maybe not as much

Of course I would never wish anyone to starve. Just finding the difference between benefits and quite high salaries quite small!

It looks like I might have no option but to home school dc. I work 33 hours pw.

Reduced income would be 2290, which includes £70pw child maintenance.

Yes, but when dc reach a certain age UC and child benefit stop and household will income will drop significantly behind yours.

DC father is not prepared to pay a penny more. Do you want DC to go without clothes and basic necessities too?

DC father is also not interested in parenting or even contacting DC for months at a time. No fault of there's or mine, his choice.

Yea thats got to go that's a crazy amount. I work 48-69h/week as a Dr and a 3h commute a day and only eat takeaways every 2-3m. Can't remember the last one tbh. Batch cook, freeze, reheat

Do you need to pay tv licence? I haven't paid it for years despite many letters from them. We don't watch live tv.

Are you getting any PIP/DLA/carers allowance? If you're not working and not getting any of those, will you be affected by the benefit cap?

Why on earth are your driving lessons so expensive? I know you said you'll stop them but that seems like a crazy amount.

Can you get a zero interest balance transfer?
Cheaper food and no take aways if you get them?
No tv licence
If you're unemployed will you need a union?