How are people reducing their outgoings

happyman

Hi, hate posting this and really thought twice about posting it. But I am in a situation now and I know people in the same situation where they are struggling with the cost of living and with the pip changes could make it worse.

So, I thought It would be a good idea to find out ways people are saving money on bills and outgoings.

Does anyone have any tips on how to do this. Would love for scope to also do an article on this.

WhatThe

Hello happyman, love the name 😍

I use a food bank and save a small fortune on groceries. I drink fresh coffee at home and cook all my own meals. No takeaways or holidays but so what? I'm on benefits and don't expect to live like working people do.

Zipz

No holidays

No takeaways

No food banks because I need a taxi and physical help to leave my home

Minimal outings for reason given above

No new clothes except for shoes because I can only wear one orthopaedic brand

Cutting down on gifts for other people.

I can no longer give to charity

I eat less. I scored highly on the PIP cooking descriptor. I depend on ready meals I can't afford

I cannot maintain my home as I would wish.

I think about how long I can afford to stay alive.

I don't expect to live like a working person but sometimes I think the residents of an animal refuge centre do better.

Dragonwolfsprite

I have a friend who is an accountant and helps me budget.

If dla/pip ends I need stop all care costs.. but I could still get by my rent and bills and food with £40 left each month. (only cause I work part time that used to be under permitted work and get paid £127 a week)

But....

if lcwra goes with it? we'll take the £432 off that..... I'll be in the red. plus I woukd struggle to be fit for work as I won't have carers to help.

So I will need to live on bare minimum food, cut off electric as won't be able afford, cut off my tv/streaming services.

sit at home all day with nothing to do counting pennies day by day to see if i can even afford to eat. (especially as my council even if on basic uc and nothing else still expect you to pay 50% of the council tax bill so really left with under £300 month)

So i too will watch this thread for advice! (hopefully I can get 4 or more points on pip when I get moved from dla but you know what the assessments are like)

happyman

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038665#Comment_1038665

For years I did not apply for council tax discount. at first because I just wanted to pay for it myself but this year I was forced to, but even though they have now given me the discount, I am still waiting for the letter and that has been four weeks now. they have given me 31% discount, so not sure how they have worked that one out. wished it was $50 as that would have made things easier. My daughter is having to help out which I am ashamed of.

WhatThe

Dragonwolfsprite Online Community Member Posts: 35 Connected12:02PM

especially as my council even if on basic uc and nothing else still expect you to pay 50% of the council tax bill

I'm on the basic allowance and pay 10% of the CT bill.

happyman

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038673#Comment_1038673

how have you managed to just pay 10%

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038638#Comment_1038638

Until 5 years ago, I gave approximately £20-25 per month to a food bank I can no longer give anything. Fewer people can give yet the need rises.

OverlyAnxious

Councils all choose their own rules for Council Tax Reduction, it's not the same across the country.

I only drink tap water. No money wasted on tea or coffee or boiling a kettle. 😉

Seriously though, I'm not in a position of needing to budget now, but don't spend any more than I did before. I do genuinely only drink tap water. Can barely eat anything, just toast, plain crisps, potato waffles. Can't go anywhere so don't spend anything on transport or experiences. Don't have space to store anything and can't get to the door for deliveries so avoid ordering anything unless absolutely necessary. I often see posts on social media with people saying that money would solve every one of their issues but don't understand that. It hasn't solved a single one of mine. As I've mentioned elsewhere, this isn't a life, it's just an existence, and I'd rather not be here at all than have to exist like this.

WhatThe

happyman, there have been discussions on the forum about managing on a low income. Perhaps Scope or another member will help dig them out.

I have never had money to burn so I'm used to making do. Always disabled and always struggled.

Scope offered us free heated throws and energy vouchers last winter and Octopus Energy runs similar schemes for vulnerable customers. My electric blanket saves putting the heating on and my monthly energy costs are £45. Using my slow cooker costs pennies. A smart meter makes all the difference to monitoring which appliances to use and for how long.

There is also WaterHelp which gives a 50% discount on the bill and any arrears you may have. It's available to anyone on a low income with or without welfare benefits.

I do however recognise that suddenly becoming disabled or suddenly having less money is an entirely different matter.

"how have you managed to just pay 10%"

No idea.

WhatThe

Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 2,141 Trailblazing12:32PM

Until 5 years ago, I gave approximately £20-25 per month to a food bank I can no longer give anything. Fewer people can give yet the need rises

It's all surplus food from supermarkets. Fresh and frozen. Another option is a Pantry which allows 10- 15 items for around £5 total.

Most of it is overpriced and doesn't sell so it's otherwise wasted! I don't mind but it's tough on consumers who can't get out to find reduced stickers or use foodbanks.

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1038688#Comment_1038688

No good to me. I need a taxi plus helper to get there. They don't deliver.