financial dire straights, boring I know sorry

[thoughtthiswouldnthappen]

Checked bank today and we are 1800 overdrawn. Do not know how this has happened. Most of the stuff is cheques (school trips dinner money, card payments) but the rent and a few more bills have come out. I am supposed to be paid last Tuesday and the money hasn't gone in yet and I am in no fit state to ring them. I haven't been there long and I gave my time sheet in late so I suspect that's why.

To make things worse Dh has texted me to say his work may reduce his hours to part time from next week to cut costs. They are doing this to everyone.

My mouth and tongue feel numb and I am shaking with panic. I felt suure we would escape the credit crunch but looks bad for us right now.

I know people are in worse situations than us. I just feel crap now and daren't ring DH.

Have name changed sorry

My friend was in a much worse situation than you. She went to citizen's advice and they were fantastic, gave loads of really good advice and practical help how to phone companys with regards to card payments etc. Good luck, I'm sure you'll sort it out ok.

Sorry..Its shite it really is..I get this feeling alot when I look at my bank account and its got considerably less than I thought in it and Im not sure how.

When will you get paid..will that ease things at all? (even if just very short term)I know its been a shock this morn, but I would ring and find out, then you will at least know how much you have for now..

Are they definately going to cut DH's hours?When will he find out?

My wage is so little it will barely touch overdraft as I only work part time. DH should find out by tomorrow. It's just a shock. Last month we were ok and this month everything going wrong.

you need to check what has gone out

can you check online? £1800 is alot in one month

you need to ring work and get your wages

I have been to CAB in the past too for financial advice and they were brilliant.

I know it's obvious but also look at every outgoing and try to cut it. If you do this today at least you will feel alittle more in control of things.

Sorry this is happening to you, it is scary and worrying I know.

Very scary.

The run-up to Christmas is the best time to pick up extra casual work, though. Could you ring the Royal Mail and all the shops and pubs in your area to see if they are hiring extra staff?

Have you anything you could ebay?
Any childrens toys would get a higher price at this time of year.

From now on, don't use cheques, pay cash so you know when it's going out. My DH makes me do this, it's a faff but then you know where you are.

Or care work..care agencies always need people and they rarely want experience ()Plus you caN do weekends when DH could mind the kids, thus you wont have to worry re child care costs if this is an issue?
I manage two care services and get paid really well but we are starting to struggle at the moment just due to the size of our mortgage and DH's debts from before he met me, which are large.So Im thinking of doing at least one weekend day somewhere to ease us along a bit.(Even though Im scarily knackered at the moment)

Thing is its almost scarier to look and find out what you are spending on and where its all gone..I was convinced I had been the subject of card fraud once.And I er, hadnt been..and its not like Id been on a apree..most of it was spent on food in Tesco..
You must look OP though..knowledge is power and all that.

The first thing you need to do is open a new basic bank account with no overdraft. Something like the Co-op cashminder or the Barclays Cash account is good. That way any money that goes in is yours.

The next thing you need to do is get in touch with one of the debt charities and have a chat with one of them over your options.

Main recommended sources of help:

• Consumer Credit Counselling Service - Website: CCCS Telephone: 0800 138 1111
• National Debtline - Website: National Debtline Telephone: 0808 808 4000
• Citizens Advice Bureau - Website: Citizens Advice or visit your local CAB centre (find nearest)
• Christians Against Poverty
• PayPlan

Then get yourself over to the Debt Free Wanabee board of money saving expert and pop up a SOA and they will help you find where your money is going and wher to make savings and which debts to sort first.

SOA link.
www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

DFW link
forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=76

sorry links here

www.cccs.co.uk/

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/

www.adviceguide.org.uk/

www.capuk.org/home/index.php

www.payplan.com/

Thanks will take a look at the links. Am just listing all my books on amazon.
I work Sat/ Sun and DH works Monday to Friday and we have pre school children and no family help so not many options there.

Dh is working away at the moment. Will have to have a proper talk when he gets back and we do have loads to sell on ebay which would tide us over if DH hours got cut. Just scary as we both work in the housing industry. Zero job security.

Most of money goes on rent,food, petrol, gas/electric, council tax I don't have a car.

We are in a stupid situation where our rent and council tax is really high and just over the threshold for tax credits so get almost none. Tis crap

Well if his hours do get cut then make sure you apply for tax credits straight away.

Look at www.entitledto.co.uk and it will show you what benefits you may be able to claim.

Do you have online banking so you can check exactly what has come out, if you're so unexpectedly overdrawn? DP checked his balance about 6 weeks ago and he was majorly, and unexpectedly, overdrawn - somebody had cloned his debit card and was spending on the internet. He got all back though, but it's best to be sure?

well first step, you must find out when your wages come in - even if you haven't been there long and your timesheet was late, they should not mind telling you. Believe me, LOADS of people are a bit diorganised and the payroll/hr/finance department will be well used to it.

also please check with your bank what the charges will be for that overdraft so you don't get another fright when they come through

I find it very helpful to order food online through mysupermarket website I find I save heaps and of course far less temptation than walking round store! You still get to see lots on the website and there is a swap and save facility so when you pick something more costly it gives you option of cheaper equivalent, it is great!