Stef

Money is pretty crap at the moment, I think for alot of people they are in the same boat. With the cost of everything going up some days im actually amazed how we get by... But I feel like things are suddenly going to go from very bad to so so much worse.

Im on Mat leave, I get MMA & child benefit,

I have just had my tax credits letter come through... im entitled to Child Tax Credit, for what its worth as they may as well be paying me peanuts tbh, im not entitled to working tax credits & it states that unless the hours Chris and I both work amount to under 30 I wont be able to claim this, well Chris works full time, and so did I, but I am going back to work part time about 30 hours, so... because i dont get working tax cresits, I beleive im right in thinking that im not eligable for child care help either.

Child care is going to amount to £120 a week when I go back to work, so on your average 4 week month thats £480

I'm going to have more out going when i go back to work than incoming once childcare is taken off, my loan, bills, and car insurance... Then there is not to mention food shopping, diesel, nappies etc for olivia.

Im in a total panic. Chris has £0 left from his wages each month already by the time the rent goes, gas & eletric, his debt he was left in and his child maintence for his other daughter.

How am I going to manage? Did any one else find them self in this position and with out being too nosey did you find you was entitled to any help and how are you managing?

Thanks
x

alyxzandra

My fiance and I have been thinking about this. Are either of you able to work at least one day a week from home to save on childcare? Also, we did a paring down of our expenses. I have a lot of credit card bills at the moment and we have a strict budget in place. We bought reusable nappies in order to save money and have checked into the cheapest options for our fuel bills, etc. Also, have you checked into childcare vouchers?

A good place for saving money is http://www.moneysavingexpert.com