Money Problems

Cammatia1

Hi! So while I wait for my PIP tribunal decision I’ve been really struggling with money due to the cost of living on top of my disability etc, I know there’s a chance that I won’t win the tribunal, hence I’m hoping people have money tips?

Im kind of living on a knifes edge, getting by but I have £0 savings which really stresses me out (if I win the tribunal everything backdated is going to savings and debts). Can’t afford things like a dentist either, my NHS one closed down and I feel pushed into private being the only option which just isn’t an option right now

a big contributing factor to my situation is the reliance I’ve had on Klarna the past few months for food etc. the repayments are becoming exponential and I’m trying to get out of the spiral of it. UC goes to that too.

Even if it’s very small things I would love some input, the cheapest places to shop? Cheapest foods ( like is frozen or fresh better)? Most beneficial ways to save (I don’t understand interest rates or financial concepts, so I don’t really know how to save. Plus is saving very small even worth it?), maybe side projects to earn a bit more. I’m open to absolutely anything down to the smallest tips

I have a few things I can sell for a bit of short term cash to help out, but that and loads of overtime is all I can really think of, and they’re still only short term fixes.  overtime would also be detrimental to my mental well being due to my autism. I only work part time because I can’t cope with much more.

I know other people probably have it worse, I’m just looking for a bit of guidance, I really am clueless when it comes to finances

Thanks x

Cher_Alumni

Hi @Cammatia1

Living on the breadline is super hard, I really feel for you and hope some savvy signposting could help.

Please check out the following Scope advice pages for help with saving money and reducing debt:

• Free food and food banks
• Help and advice when you are in debt
• Budgeting tips

Plus, maybe try to find an NHS dentist taking on new patients to save money in that aspect. 

Have you had some support with the PIP tribunal? Please let us know and we'll endeavour to help.

riversong234

That sounds so hard! We are in debt and have to be careful. Food banks are there for you to use, no shame in using them! If you can get out the house some community space are free and can provide snacks and drinks. I use an app called curious cat. It's paid surveys that lets you cash out to paypal after £1. If you do it for a few hours you can earn about £3. I know that sounds like nothing but all the other ones I tired are rubbish. Lastly you could try crowd funding. We did this to help my partner, and it was incredible how many people wanted to help. People will want to help you. Stay safe 

66Mustang

Only advice I can offer is where you ask about savings and is it worth it.

Any financial advisor would say the first and best thing you can do is reduce debt. You shouldn't have significant savings as well as debt, as you are very likely to be paying more on the debt than you are earning on the savings.

By all means keep a little bit for emergencies but use the rest to pay off debt.

Hope this helps and sorry to hear of your troubles.