anyone else completely broke?

ch81

are there any other families out there completely broke or are we on our own. not making our mortgage repayments or direct debits for personnel loans/bills.we are both unemployed finding it impossible to get work have kids. so what do we do where do we go for help?any one else feeling my pain?

DublinWriter

You really should make an appointment with MABS - there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

LegacyUser

MABS as previously suggested, or www.welfare.ie
You can also look a this Forum http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=861

There are plenty options available to you:

You can Ask your Mortgage provider to allow you a "Holiday" with your payments, some allow up to 3 months.

You can try the same with the other companies you are in debt to.

You are entitled to apply for mortage interest payment relief from the HSE, There are links in the above form.

If both if you were working then you both will be entitled to Jobseekers Allowance & other benefits.

As the previous poster says:There is always light at the end of the tunnel, I've been unemployed, with a mortgage for 3 months, but I have a job interview on monday

Seek advise from the Dept of Welfare, do not be embarassed or ashamed to do so as you are entitled to any financial assistance this state can provide.

Best of luck to you & your family

RedXIV

Yet you can afford internet?

As said above, meet with MABS. Also, get a job, there are ALWAYS jobs going. I work for a company that are CONSTANTLY seeking new staff so i know there are jobs out there

Wurly

What type of work are you looking for?

You may have to not work in your chosen job for a while but surely that is better than no income coming in at all.

I do not accept that its impossible to get a job. There are jobs out there, just maybe not the one's you would choose ordinarily.

Good luck.

Big_Mac

Tri wrote: »

What type of work are you looking for?

You may have to not work in your chosen job for a while but surely that is better than no income coming in at all.

I do not accept that its impossible to get a job. There are jobs out there, just maybe not the one's you would choose ordinarily.

Good luck.

+1

Needs must. Anything is better than nothing, and you need work to put food on the table. What does it matter what you do, so long as its gainful employment?

Abi

Theres some great advice here. Follow up all I say. Red, the OP could have been in an internet cafe emailing his CV when he posted for all you know, so be carefuls


Im not suggesting that a positive attitude will fix all, but you have to keep thinking this way. Other wise things will never sort themselves out. Seeing as you are posting anon, why dont you throw out some ideas as to what yourself and the mrs usually do?

There are some great sites and agencies out there you might not have come across.


But keep it positive OP

MagicMarker

OP: How did you come to be in this position? If you opted for payment protection on your loans then talk to the bank, they may be able to help you out in that regard.

As for jobs, there are plenty, they may not be what you want, but beggars can't be choosers.

Kazobel

Normally I'd unreg for the likes of this but I won't this time, OP alot of people, even on here, are in that situation. I've been fcuked for the last two months because work contract I though was going to last ended suddenly and I have a flat, ESB, Broadband and food to pay for. Right now I get 197 a week signing on, my landlord won't take rent allowance so out of that I save 165 a week for my monthly 650 rent and that leaves me with 30 quid a week.

I buy my food in Tescos and all Tesco own brand stuff, my trolly does be loaded with white packaging but fcuk it I can pay my ESB and Broardband feed myself and keep a clean flat for a week on 30 quid so screw how it looks, trust me "Johnson, Mooney and O'Brien" 2 quid bread tastes no different to Tescos own 79 cent brand when you consider all that stuff is liable to go off before it's ever fully used. Shop around and don't be afraid to go for the cheaper option. When I was working (I've gone from 200 a day to 197 a week) I spent money like it was confettie but now I'm starting to see the value of it. I've no plans to stay like this but for now I'm learning alot because I've never been in this situation.

By the way, Tescos sell cost cutter bulbs that come in a 3 pack and cut your ESB bill by 40% a year for 7 quid for a 3 pack!! thats about 250 a year saving

Anyone can **** on me about this post but I have to say there's a saying from WW2 where poor people wouldn't paint their houses because they couldn't afford paint but whitewash was cheap and they still wouldn't use it because, as the saying went, "They were too proud to whitewash but too poor to paint", don't be one of those people, as long as you have a roof over your head, food in your mouth then fcuk what everyone else thinks.

Take care

MJOR

i too am in a similar situation moved jobs and took a paycut for my sanity.... i have a mortgage and have been struggling but totally agree that tesco own brands are a godsend. try the social welfare for FIS too and either you or your partner need a full time job and the other needs to do a few shifts at night in a chipper or bar just til you get out of the backpayment situation.

luckat

Your landlord "won't take rent allowance"? Explain, please!

Tesco is dear, and as you say, plastic packaging. In Lidl, the prices are way lower, the stuff is the same quality (Irish organic farmers have told me they sell the same stuff to Lidl and Superquinn, for instance, but SQ want dirty carrots and Lidl clean ones!)

I went to Lidl and Aldi the other day and spent €10 in Aldi and €20 in Lidl for armfuls of fresh veggies; the Lidl purchase included a €10 shortwave radio.

Then I went to M&S and bought salads and treats like hummous, etc, plus a few packaged meals (stupid to shop when hungry) and wine, and came out after spending €80.

Dunnes is also good for plenty of things - if you like occasional wine, tney've some incredible Sicilian wine for about a fiver at the moment, for instance.

You also see people in Lidl taking the fruit and veg out of plastic packaging on the packing tables after they pay, and leaving the packaging in boxes there - which is likely to make the shop use less packaging in the end.

Sounds like you need a job, though, ch81, and you need to sort things out so your landlord takes rent allowance. Is it legal to refuse to take it, by the way?

Sorry, I've conflated two posters there - the rent allowance comments for Kaz, of course.

King of Kings

Tri wrote: »

What type of work are you looking for?

You may have to not work in your chosen job for a while but surely that is better than no income coming in at all.

I do not accept that its impossible to get a job. There are jobs out there, just maybe not the one's you would choose ordinarily.

Good luck.

i work in IT and i was sacked 2 weeks ago. I am lucky to get a few offers and i'm back on monday in a new company.
but in the mean time i worked labouring (admitedly for a mate who need somebody for donkey work for his business) but i can't accept there is absolutely nothing out there.
There are even jobs you can take that won't effect your social welfare benefits if you talk to the welfare they will advise you.
And if you are long term unemployed you should be entitled to housing or something. i'm afeared i don't buy your story.
as teh poster said "how come you have interent if you are so broke?"

dazberry

MagicMarker wrote: »

As for jobs, there are plenty, they may not be what you want, but beggars can't be choosers.

During the IT crash I applied for jobs left right and centre, IT and non-IT. As a developer with 8 years experience at that time I was always discounted from non-IT jobs because I was told that I would leave as soon as I got another IT job - bit unfair but that's how it worked.

The most difficult thing I found was cash flow issues, whereby I could scrap by on the dole, as soon as I got a bit of work - income would hiccup for a month or whatever. I remember walking thru' town with a €5 for lunch and a bus ticket - there was a guy begging and he had more money in his cup than I had - total.

ch81 - keep the chin up - I know how dark things can become in situations like this and sometimes its hard to see the wood from the trees - but things will work themselves out.

D.

Wurly

Kazobel wrote: »

Normally I'd unreg for the likes of this but I won't this time, OP alot of people, even on here, are in that situation. I've been fcuked for the last two months because work contract I though was going to last ended suddenly and I have a flat, ESB, Broadband and food to pay for. Right now I get 197 a week signing on, my landlord won't take rent allowance so out of that I save 165 a week for my monthly 650 a week rent and that leaves me with 30 quid a week.

I buy my food in Tescos and all Tesco own brand stuff, my trolly does be loaded with white packaging but fcuk it I can pay my ESB and Broardband feed myself and keep a clean flat for a week on 30 quid a week so screw how it looks, trust me Johnson, Mooney and O'Brien 2 quid bread tastes no different to Tescos own 79 cent brand when you consider all that stuff is liable to go off before it's ever fully used. Shop around and don't be afraid to go for the cheaper option. When I was working (I've gone from 200 a day to 197 a week) I spent money like it was confettie but now I'm starting to see the value of it. I've no plans to stay like this but for now I'm learning alot because I've never been in this situation.

By the way, Tescos sell cost cutter bulbs that come in a 3 pack and cut your ESB bill by 40% a year for 7 quid for a 3 pack!! thats about 250 a year saving

Anyone can **** on me about this post but I have to say there's a saying from WW2 where poor people wouldn't paint their houses because they couldn't afford paint but whitewash was cheap and they still wouldn't use it because, as the saying went, "They were too proud to whitewash but too poor to paint", don't be one of those people, as long as you have a roof over your head, food in your mouth then fcuk what everyone else thinks.

Take care

Wow, what an inspiration. Your attitude rocks. Fair play to you.;)

Kazobel

luckat wrote: »

Your landlord "won't take rent allowance"? Explain, please!......

...... Sorry, I've conflated two posters there - the rent allowance comments for Kaz, of course.

My landlord won't take rent allowance, he won't sign the form, he's under no legal obligation to do so either, it's a common misconception that they are but all they have to do is say no and you either pay your rent or you're evicted

luckat wrote: »

Then I went to M&S and bought salads and treats like hummous, etc, plus a few packaged meals (stupid to shop when hungry) and wine, and came out after spending €80.

I honestly fail to see the point of this other than bragging

luckat wrote: »

Dunnes is also good for plenty of things - if you like occasional wine, tney've some incredible Sicilian wine for about a fiver at the moment, for instance.

The OP has money problems and you've given advice about drink, twice! while I agree everybody needs at least one night a week to wind down advice about where to buy cheap drink isn't what the OP needs right now.

luckat wrote: »

Sounds like you need a job, though, ch81.

Well Dahhh, I'm sure that hasn't crossed his mind at all. Between this, bragging about your 80 quid spent on drink and junk food in M&S and your advice on where to find a cheap "occasional" crutch I'm sure he's ready to take on the world :rolleyes:

King of Kings wrote: »

i'm afeared i don't buy your story.
as teh poster said "how come you have interent if you are so broke?"

It costs about 25 quid a month to keep the internet, pretty much the same as it costs to keep a mobile. The internet gives you the opportunity to contact a far higher amount of potential employers, the mobile gives them the opportunity to contact you back. Nearly EVERY employer works on those two principles now a days so to be honest I think broadband should be subsidised by the government if you're unemployed to give you just as fair a chance of getting a job as someone who can afford it because otherwise you're restricted to an hour in a library or internet cafe a day if you don't have it. That's a stupid comment to make in this day and age because internet access has become a nesessity especially when looking for work. You may as well just say "You're broke but you have NTL, how very dare you! you should just be like in the 1920's and read a book you curd" :rolleyes:

Tri wrote: »

Wow, what an inspiration. Your attitude rocks. Fair play to you.;)

First time anyone's ever said that to me on here...I'm scared....:eek:

:D

King of Kings

Kazobel wrote: »

. You may as well just say "You're broke but you have NTL, how very dare you! you should just be like in the 1920's and read a book you curd" :rolleyes:

actually i do say that. it beggers belief that folk on the breadline can have sky digital or whatever. so sod off with your rolleyes.

this is weird cos i agreed with your tesco brand post 100% but you've exposed yourself as a clod now. shame

spend money on food/heat rather than internet which is a luxury.
recruitment agents can be approached on foot ffs.
I past manpower in swords today and there was a rake of jobs in the window - places like tesco have a high turnover of staff and always are hiring they can be approached on foot. I refuse to accept there is nothing for the OP (unless they are ill, drug addicts or likewise)

LegacyUser

The OP would probably spend as much money (or more) bussing it into town to check out recruitment agencies on a regular basis as they would paying for broadband where you have much more access to jobs. My wife got her last two jobs via web sites where she could email her CV to a number of companies or agencies.
The guy came on here for some constructive advise not to get told to save a few euro a week on the internet and get on his bike to look for work.
In the short term got to MABS, a friend of mine did and said they were great. People you owe money to are usually quite accomodating if you show you intend to make an effort to pay them. Worst thing you can do is ignore them.

Kazobel

King of Kings wrote: »

actually i do say that. it beggers belief that folk on the breadline can have sky digital or whatever. so sod off with your rolleyes.

this is weird cos i agreed with your tesco brand post 100% but you've exposed yourself as a clod now. shame

Well actually I said NTL, that's just the normal pipe, everybody is entitled to that too, otherwise you'd be sitting at home all days going nuts after 3 months of RTE 1 and RTE 2 so again I say :rolleyes:

King of Kings wrote: »

spend money on food/heat rather than internet which is a luxury.
recruitment agents can be approached on foot ffs.
I past manpower in swords today and there was a rake of jobs in the window - places like tesco have a high turnover of staff and always are hiring they can be approached on foot. I refuse to accept there is nothing for the OP (unless they are ill, drug addicts or likewise)

Yeah but I still say the internet, Monster, hotmail etc gives everyone a better chance, every single written job application (including Tesco's) has a part for writing in your e-mail address, why do you think that is? the internet isn't a luxury anymore, its a nesessity just to compete, hell even when you sign on they ask your e-mail address now. As for Tescos like most plases they don't just hire randomly either, you can't just walk in and walk out with a job, what a stupid assumption, they hire you based on your past too, if you used to be an engineer they're hardly going to hire you to work on a till now are they?

RedXIV

King of Kings wrote: »

actually i do say that. it beggers belief that folk on the breadline can have sky digital or whatever. so sod off with your rolleyes.

this is weird cos i agreed with your tesco brand post 100% but you've exposed yourself as a clod now. shame

spend money on food/heat rather than internet which is a luxury.
recruitment agents can be approached on foot ffs.
I past manpower in swords today and there was a rake of jobs in the window - places like tesco have a high turnover of staff and always are hiring they can be approached on foot. I refuse to accept there is nothing for the OP (unless they are ill, drug addicts or likewise)

+1

Internet is STILL a luxury, not a necessity. In every town in the country, there's going to be some place looking for staff and they are usually all available by foot. You can look at loads of successful people that have had nothing to do with the internet so far and have got their jobs through word of mouth, advertising or simple determination to get one.

Unless there is something the OP isn't telling us, getting a job shouldn't be this difficult. Hell if he lived in Dubin, i could get him one NOW!

mike65

The first thing to do when a job is lost is sit down and look at the outgoings, many people just have no clue about household budgeting it seems. Anything that casues recurring bills has to be given very close attention - internet, digital tv, phone, use of power (electric and gas).

If you can, shop at lidl/aldi the savings are potentially huge.

Mike.

Kazobel

RedXIV wrote: »

+1

Internet is STILL a luxury, not a necessity. In every town in the country, there's going to be some place looking for staff and they are usually all available by foot. You can look at loads of successful people that have had nothing to do with the internet so far and have got their jobs through word of mouth, advertising or simple determination to get one.

Unless there is something the OP isn't telling us, getting a job shouldn't be this difficult. Hell if he lived in Dubin, i could get him one NOW!

Cool then I live in Dublin, prove it, get me a job. I'm a software engineer with nearly 6 years experience but to pay the bills I'd shovel sh!t, my only rule is I won't work on a building site....work away

I'll update everyone on his progress :D

RedXIV

Kazobel wrote: »

Cool then I live in Dublin, prove it, get me a job. I'm a software engineer with nearly 6 years experience but to pay the bills I'd shovel sh!t, my only rule is I won't work on a building site....work away

I'll update everyone on his progress :D

You're already being picky. you have knocked out a huge section of possible work.

If you want a job go to this site, print out their application form, go to 36 morrison chambers on naussu street next friday at 11 with bank details, filled out application form and two passport photos. Job received.

Thats a valid job offer, if you decide to blow it to one side, thats your problem but that job could have you earning 500 a week starting out with plenty of development prospects.

Or perhaps you'd prefer one in the tesco on parnell street where they are currently looking for staff? Or any amount of pubs with "staff wanted" outside the premises.

Jobs are everywhere

TestTransmission

Most ppl are too proud to take "lesser" jobs,i returned from Oz last October.
I work in I.T and tbh i was finding it hard to find a job,couldnt handle being on the dole,
So i went working in a toy shop,worked there till january for minimum wage.Most of my mates laffed at me but if its gotta be done,its gotta be done.

luckat

Well done, jackn.

I don't see how internet can be regarded as a luxury, actually - it's about as much of a luxury as having a phone was in the old days. And it's a help in job hunting.

That said, I'd be trundling down to the local Lidl, etc, looking for work to earn a crust while searching for IT jobs.

Other ideas: see if FAS needs IT teachers, or your local VEC; try for ECDL teaching; if you're creative, write some useful shareware. Look on Craigslist.

LegacyUser

I'm surprised that so many people simply live from day to day.

Does anyone not save anymore? Whatever happened to the rainy day fund?

Kazobel

RedXIV wrote: »

You're already being picky. you have knocked out a huge section of possible work.

If you want a job go to this site, print out their application form, go to 36 morrison chambers on naussu street next friday at 11 with bank details, filled out application form and two passport photos. Job received.

Thats a valid job offer, if you decide to blow it to one side, thats your problem but that job could have you earning 500 a week starting out with plenty of development prospects.

Or perhaps you'd prefer one in the tesco on parnell street where they are currently looking for staff? Or any amount of pubs with "staff wanted" outside the premises.

Jobs are everywhere

Hahaha not a chance, you wanna know why I'm having a hard time finding a job? because I'm transsexual and that's it, I transitioned in my last job but now, every interviewer, no matter how much I know, says the interview was great, I knew my stuff yadda yadda but "She just wouldn't fit in with our team" and that's in IT where I don't have to interact with the public or customers so there's no way I'd go for a job where I do have to interact with the public, there's no chance I'd get it and at least getting turned down for 50,000 a year jobs feels a little bit better on the aul ego

RedXIV

Kazobel wrote: »

Hahaha not a chance, you wanna know why I'm having a hard time finding a job? because I'm transsexual and that's it, I transitioned in my last job but now, every interviewer, no matter how much I know, says the interview was great, I knew my stuff yadda yadda but "She just wouldn't fit in with our team" and that's in IT where I don't have to interact with the public or customers so there's no way I'd go for a job where I do have to interact with the public, there's no chance I'd get it and at least getting turned down for 50,000 a year jobs feels a little bit better on the aul ego

Leave it with me, i'll come up with something

Agent Smith

Kazobel wrote: »

Hahaha not a chance, you wanna know why I'm having a hard time finding a job? because I'm transsexual and that's it, I transitioned in my last job but now, every interviewer, no matter how much I know, says the interview was great, I knew my stuff yadda yadda but "She just wouldn't fit in with our team" and that's in IT where I don't have to interact with the public or customers so there's no way I'd go for a job where I do have to interact with the public, there's no chance I'd get it and at least getting turned down for 50,000 a year jobs feels a little bit better on the aul ego

at least your not blaming the economy for you wanting to dress up like a girl.

Nevyn

Can we stay on topic and get back to helping the OP.

ch81 make sure you are claiming all your current entitlements and keep looking for work.

Kazobel

Agent Smith wrote: »

at least your not blaming the economy for you wanting to dress up like a girl.

Why? is that the excuse you use?

Agent Smith

Kazobel wrote: »

Why? is that the excuse you use?

I'm in Full time employment.

What i mean is, Your choice of lifestyle, while not illegal, is not normal.
Many employers Would be weary of Hiring someone like yourself.

Nevyn

Agent Smith Unhelpful and off-topic posting will get you banned from this forum.
Do take time to read the charter which contains the rules and abide by them.
Have a nice day.
Thaedydal

Kazobel

Edit: Sorry for responding Thaedydal

Monkey61

Aaargh....of course NTL is a bloody luxury. My girlfriend and I have been living in poverty since last July. We moved to London to do Masters' because it would mean better oportunities for us in the future.

After rent, transport and electricity bills are paid for we each have £10 to do what we wish with. Of course this means buy groceries.

We have never had a night out since we moved here, we don't have television, we don't ever go into shops, we don't rent dvds etc. We read books from the library. We eat baked beans every day and occasionally fish finger sandwiches. We can't afford meat so haven't had any in a year. Every now and again we have some wonderful delight such as potato korma or pasta tikka massala.

It sucks a bit, but we manage. Maybe once a month if we are careful with cash we have a treat of a 30p bagel each on a Sunday.

Living on the breadline is mangeable. It just takes a lot of determination. The OP didn't give much information but it doesn't seem neccessary for two people to be unemployed. That's just silly.

Xiney

Honestly we don't know their situation.

I was unemployed for 3 months - applying for everything going, minimum wage, didn't matter. Needed a job so I was finding a job.

Three Months - I didn't even get a call back except for the job I eventually landed in.

I write a good cover letter and I've a good CV, great for a 22 year old.


It does depend a lot on where you're living - sure there might be plenty of jobs going in Dublin all the time, but here in Sligo there are clearly not a lot. I suspect a lot of places in Ireland are similar.

the_syco

Monkey61 wrote: »

Aaargh....of course NTL is a bloody luxury. My girlfriend and I have been living in poverty since last July. We moved to London to do Masters' because it would mean better oportunities for us in the future.

Correction: on the breadline looking for a job.

Monkey61 wrote: »

Living on the breadline is mangeable. It just takes a lot of determination. The OP didn't give much information but it doesn't seem neccessary for two people to be unemployed. That's just silly.

Correction: two people with kids.

=-=

OP: please give location, skills, and type/industry of past jobs.

ch81

why is everyone referring to me as op?
sorry im new to this site.
thankyou all for your advice i have an app made with mabs i never heard of them before. i would have no problem getting a job in dublin as they are looking for my skills all the time but im in mayo and its not so easy. i will also contact social welfare and see what they can do for me. thanx.

as for the internet - did i mention our direct debits have not been paid this month im sure its only a matter of time before they cut this off.

i do shop at tesco and lidl all the time.another big expense is petrol has to be got to get son to school.

it seems if i was to find a way of putting our two loans together the monthly repayments work out alot lower so im looking into seeing what bank will do this for us.
thanx again everyone.:)

chuckles30

op = opening poster...i.e the person that started the thread.

MysticalSoul

OP = original poster.

Could you ask the bank to put you on an interest only repayment for your mortgage. Sometimes if you can offer to pay something, rather than nothing on loans it can help keep them on your side, as it shows a willingness. Could your OH do housework or babysitting perhaps for anyone?

SarahMc

To the OP: No you are not alone, I have a friend working in MABS, they are incredibly busy, huge spike in clients.

All you can do is live within your means. Aren't you in college? Can't you work for the Summer to get some cash together, or mind children whilst your partner works?

Monkey61

the_syco wrote: »

Correction: on the breadline looking for a job.



Correction: two people with kids.
.

Correction Number 1 - What is that supposed to mean??

Correction Number 2 - It does not take two people to look after kids!!!

luckat

ch81/OP, I'd be inclined to ditch the car and borrow a bike for a bit until you're working - you can bring the kid to school on the back of a bike. You can put the car off the road and pay fire-and-theft insurance only, and defer the car tax for something like three months at a time.

Don't shop in Tesco, it's very dear. Lidl and Aldi are your man. And don't buy packaged dinners, buy ingredients and make food - much cheaper, nicer and better for you.

But these are all bitty little changes. The first thing to do is head for MABS and get a plan going - they'll get you to budget out exactly where your money's going and how you can control it.

For job hunting, is there an association/union for software engineers? If so, get involved with it, go to the meetings, do some voluntary work for it, and you'll hear about work in your trade through this, get known, make contacts, get a network.

:|

you can use the internet free of charge at your local library so broadband at home is not a neccesity

sunnyside

sdgdhfhddyttte wrote: »

I'm surprised that so many people simply live from day to day.

Does anyone not save anymore? Whatever happened to the rainy day fund?

I work but after paying my mortgage and bills etc, there really isn't enough left over for a rainy day fund.

I agree with internet being necessary. My sky television is also necessary because there is no reception in my area without the dish, it's on the lowest price plan €20 a month as is my internet from 3 so not too extravagent.

The problem is that we've all gotten used to having a lot of facilities and going without is difficult to adjust to.

Enii

wrote: »

you can use the internet free of charge at your local library so broadband at home is not a neccesity

I second this suggestion.

Most libraries only charge a nominal amount to print CV's and some even have free WI-FI.

LegacyUser

sunnyside wrote: »

I agree with internet being necessary. My sky television is also necessary because there is no reception in my area without the dish, it's on the lowest price plan €20 a month as is my internet from 3 so not too extravagent.

The problem is that we've all gotten used to having a lot of facilities and going without is difficult to adjust to.

How is internet at home necessary? do you not have local libary you can use?

Why is television a necessary? this is bizzare. read books? listen to the radio? learn a new skill to help bring in more money and further your career? what do you think people did before television?

you could sell your tv = profit
save on tv license = profit
save on sky sub = profit
do more with the time you waste watching mind numbing tv = profit
save on broadband sub = profit

Life is difficult, there will be times where we have to adapt to these things but the human mind is well able for these adapations, you're just being lazy using silly excuses.

Amazotheamazing

sunnyside wrote: »

The problem is that we've all gotten used to having a lot of facilities and going without is difficult to adjust to.

There's a lot worse things though.

I lived for a year without tv and only using the internet in the local library. It didn't kill me. Both are luxuries. No one ever died from not being able to watch their soaps.

Echo what everyone said about Lidl and Aldi, also, better to plan out a week or two weeks dinners, so you know what you're buying and so you end up with less waste.

luckat

Look, I've been poor, and I know about it. Believe me, internet at home is worth it. Some luxuries aren't, but internet is.

When you're poor, you just have to learn to think differently - don't bother with a car, use the bike; don't buy packaged foods, cook from ingredients; don't go out, have friends in for a meal - it doesn't cost much, and if you've a group of similarly poor friends, they'll invite you back.

The main thing when you're really broke is first, to get advice and get a budgeting plan going; second, to get any kind of work so that you're in work mode, not dole mode; third, to get involved with other people in the trade you're qualified for, so you hear of work that's going; fourth, to find freelance work in your own trade so that you get a name as a solid worker; fourth, to live like a poor person - use the bike, buy your food in Lidl and your clothes in TK Maxx and Penneys, have fun in free ways like museums and libraries and walks and running.

It's dear to be poor - things cost you more if you're not able to take advantage of offers and so on. This is less so than it used to be - look at all the laundrettes closing because everyone has washing machines now, for instance. But it's still dear. But some things, like internet and (should you like it) TV are worth it, because they're cheap home entertainment.

CodeMonkey

luckat wrote: »

But some things, like internet and (should you like it) TV are worth it, because they're cheap home entertainment.

Not if you really are broke and unemployed and can't afford the luxury. It's a luxury even poor people can normally afford but if you have debts to pay then maybe get a job, any job.

lorna100

op - i have no sugestions really, except for dont waste any food - frreeze it. buy in bulk - often meat is cheaper in larger quantities, or if its on special - buy it and freeze it, or buy it and make dinners and freeze them - it works out a good bit cheaper.

completly understand re not bein gable to find work - i live in dublin south and cant find a job anywhere. ive tried eveywhere - ive introduced myself to managers, sent in cvs, put myself on gumtree etc. nothing - perhaps its because im young and a student, i dont know - i have experience working with the public and working with food, im willing to do anythin at this stage - its gone so far as to say im willing to work for under minimum wage. so i completly understand not being able to get work!

to the other posters who say that there is lots of work out there, please point me in the right direction!

good luck op. oh, another thing re not having a telly, it cuts down on the esb bill. its good all round!

the_syco

Monkey61 wrote: »

Correction Number 1 - What is that supposed to mean??

Correction Number 2 - It does not take two people to look after kids!!!

My bad