To summarise from all of us above
1)Have a budget: where does it all go?
When there's not much coming in, you have to be completely aware about what you do have. Budgeting will show you exactly what you earn, and how you're spending it. Use a budget planner to track your spending. www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning from all of us above
- Maximise your entitlements
entitled to or/and money saving expert or the government one
3)Find a bank account that suits you
Shop around for bank accounts, credit cards and personal loans
The cost of financial products can really vary. Here are some tips on how to shop around for bank accounts, credit cards and personal loans.
basic bank accounts with:
No account keeping fees
Free monthly statements
No minimum deposit amounts
No overdrawn fees
recommendations can be found on the money saving expert website here
and credit cards for people with debt and poor credit ratings here
- Find help
food bank via CAB
See if your local council offers a free crisis loan, they are much less common now but some councils will still do it for short term crisis funding.
Check online for local grants available for children starting/already in education...there are loads but you have to go looking and be prepared for some form filling. it will pay for school uniform, trips and sometimes homework aids like internet access at a basic level.
5)Smooth out your bills
Some months are more expensive than others due to big bills, birthdays or unexpected events? Smooth out the ups and downs of your expenses.
Mark your calendar
Gather together as many of your bills and bank or credit card statements as you can. (This is also the first step in creating a budget.) Highlight the big bills that come less often, like electricity, home contents insurance or school expenses.
Then work out what day or month each bill is usually due. Mark each bill on your calendar or yearly planner, together with birthdays and periodic events. you can alter the dates that bills go out by agreement with your suppliers... but also aim (not now but in the future when you are back in control) to set aside some money
Add up how much your big bills cost in total for the year. If you wish, add an extra amount for gifts and celebrations. Work out how much this is per pay or benefit period (for example, per fortnight).
Put this amount aside each time you are paid (you may like to set up a separate high interest, low fee account for these savings). Then you will have the money ready to cover the next big bill or special event.
Contact your utilities provider (gas, electricity, water) and ask about 'bill smoothing'. See if you can arrange to make fortnightly or monthly payments to them, instead of having to pay the whole bill in one go.
Home Energy Saver Scheme
If you are on a low income, you can get help from the government to heat and light your home. CAB will know about this.
Once your youngest is in school you will be able to look for work. with the determination and renewed strength that having your life back gives you i am sure you will pull yourself back and rebuild your life for you and DC.
I found that, for me, being self employed works as I can work lots of hours but am home for the children...it may not suit you but may be worth considering, however it doesn;t provide me with much in the way of adult company or stimulation so does have it's down sides too.