How are other people surviving financially..!!

Bitsie

OK, I know we are hearing about the recession all the time but just wondered how others are coping.. I have been out of work now since last August (im an architectural technician)...since then I have been applying for jobs everyday and had only one interview so far which was unsucessful because I was 'over-qualified'!... Savings are now nearly gone and will only have dole money left to survive on each month which just covers rent and not much more...How are people paying their way through this?? I have tried even working for myself by putting up ads do to planning applications etc..I have advertised to teach drums (as a play part time in band) and tried to think of any service people may want...but in a recession, people arent going to pay for something they can do themselves (i.e clean house, wash cars/windows etc).....I NEED MONEY!!
Ok rant over...Sorry guys!

mikemac

You could apply for rent allowance?
That'd help you

Maybe you can't, I don't know your situation. It's an obvious solution anyway.

Bitsie

Well I have just sent off the form for rent relief for last year. But ill check that out anyway, thanks.

AARRRGH

When I heard a recession was coming, I drastically cut back on my expenditure. Amazingly I now have more money than ever in my life!

Fingers crossed I get to keep my job for another few months.

shqipshume

Bitsie wrote: »

OK, I know we are hearing about the recession all the time but just wondered how others are coping.. I have been out of work now since last August (im an architectural technician)...since then I have been applying for jobs everyday and had only one interview so far which was unsucessful because I was 'over-qualified'!... Savings are now nearly gone and will only have dole money left to survive on each month which just covers rent and not much more...How are people paying their way through this?? I have tried even working for myself by putting up ads do to planning applications etc..I have advertised to teach drums (as a play part time in band) and tried to think of any service people may want...but in a recession, people arent going to pay for something they can do themselves (i.e clean house, wash cars/windows etc).....I NEED MONEY!!
Ok rant over...Sorry guys!

Sorry to hear that.Hope everything works out but i am sure you are entitled to the rent relief.Check job.ie they have alot going there
Best of luck hope things pick up for you and you get a job fast

Bitsie

Well i dont qualify for rent allowance as my other half is working...just about! I check out jobs.ie everyday but nothing yet.....

Bitsie

AARRRGH wrote: »

When I heard a recession was coming, I drastically cut back on my expenditure. Amazingly I now have more money than ever in my life!

Fingers crossed I get to keep my job for another few months.

I have cut back on spending but when rent and bills come out of dole money, not alot left......and you have more money than ever because you are still working!!

shqipshume

Bitsie wrote: »

Well i dont qualify for rent allowance as my other half is working...just about! I check out jobs.ie everyday but nothing yet.....

I am sorry to hear that:( I hope everything comes around for you two
Gumtree and experteer.com are good sites to.

artyeva

op - i hears ya.

i was made redundant last may and even though i was on sh** money i'm on even less on the dole :rolleyes:

first thing to do is apply for rent allowance - if you pay rent you should be entitled to it. there may be some restrictions if you're living with a partner - i'm not sure, this wasn't an issue for me.

second thing is take a look at your expenses. i know i've had to cut out all luxuries like brand name food, toiletries - everything really. no sunday papers anymore, i go to the library if i want to read a book instead of buying it, i buy clothes in 2nd hand shops and supermarkets (i never gave a fook about fashion anyway:D) i borrow dvd's from mates instead of going to the cinema, i scour supermarkets for special offers and reduced to clear items, if i need anything big i try freecycle or eirecycle, i make a concerted effort to reduce ESB, blah blah - there are loads of ways of reducing your costs to make ends meet.

[edit - ok just saw above re not qualifying for rent allowance - soz!!]

it sucks and it's depressing but i do what i gotta do....

first thing to do though is apply for rent allowance, and if you have any loans try and contact the lender to see if they can make any arrangements on the repayments.

just my 2cent

Bitsie

Thanks for that Artyeva, thats good advice and I am doing most of that already, have cut out buying all the fancy foods and nights out and cut down on esb etc etc. Dont qualify for rent allowance because my partner is in full time employment at the moment but I have sent off form for tax relief on rent so ill see if that comes up with anything

artyeva

there's also a form you can get from your local tax office to see if you're eligible for a PAYE rebate - think that's what it's for anyway. ask at your tax office.

i didn't use the form but a mate of mine recommended i send off my P60 with a letter and i got a rebate of a few hundred quid a few years ago - well worth the price of the stamp

Xiney

My OH is employed full time (thank God) but I don't qualify for the dole (not enough PRSI contributions) so I know where you're coming from.

He gets paid three days before the rent is due. Therefore we are never short on the rent.

I try to keep our grocery bill around 40 euro for the week. I could probably get it lower but my OH is a bit of a picky eater. Lidl is great though, and Dunnes on 25% off weekends if you can afford it - they send you coupons in a few months that can get you through a lean month. (When I got a job in September I had to buy a few pairs of trousers and a few tops - bought them on a 25% back day and got over 100 euros worth of vouchers the week after I was laid off by that job... bittersweet!) Buy your phone credit at Dunnes or Tesco so that you get club card points on it. (I spend about 12-15 euro on phone credit a month)

We don't have cable. We have internet and we use that to download any tv shows we want to watch. RTE 1 and 2 and TG4 come in slightly watchable with creative use of bunny ear antennae and tin foil

A night out at the cinema costs under 20 euro with snacks, (haven't managed to wean the OH off the popcorn and fizzy yet! And sure it's his money and we don't go often ) which is much cheaper than you'd spend in a pub.

Our biggest problems in cutting expenditure are on ordering Takeaway pizza and buying dvds. I manage the pizza thing by making sure I've got dinner ready every night. The DVD thing is hard, though, since we're avid collectors and we haven't been able to resist temptation on a few occasions in the bargain bins.


Squirrelling money away into the savings account when I can - if it's in savings we don't take it out. Will be switching to Airtricity soon for a savings of 23% on ESB - just need to get our meter read first to make sure we've not overpaid the ESB at any stage.

I've also got an account on IrishOpinions.com. I've had the account for over a year at this stage and I've managed to get about 20 euros worth of rewards. It won't make you rich, but that's two books from amazon.com just for answering a few questions every once in a while. Pigsback.com is ok as well. Again, won't get rich, but you can afford a bit of extra every once in a while.

Bitsie

artyeva wrote: »

there's also a form you can get from your local tax office to see if you're eligible for a PAYE rebate - think that's what it's for anyway. ask at your tax office.

Yeah thanks, I did that too and got back a bit.....Dont worry, I have already applied for anything I was eligable to apply for!
I am doing the whole cutting back on expenses thing and we have changed from ESB to Bord Gais for electricity as we get 14% off with them.
Just wondered on the job front or making money, has anyone had any sucess. I have tried the self-employment road as well as the full time employment route and no luck.

jkmanc1974

Not a thing Bitsie, have lost count of the amount of applications(both from advertisements and off spec) since January, even had an initial interview last week and was over qualified for the role apparently, am resigned to the fact though that I am going to have to move from Mayo in order to get work anyways....

Still think myself though that things will get better!

Brgds
Johnny

artyeva

jkmanc1974 wrote: »

am resigned to the fact though that I am going to have to move from Mayo in order to get work anyways....

me too

depressing as when i moved to mayo, at the time there were more jobs available here than sligo. :rolleyes:

jkmanc1974

See Hollister in Ballina are recruiting though according to the Western just now?

Brgds
Johnny

Bitsie

I dont understand how companies can turn you down straight away because they think you are over-qualified, surely its my choice to go for this job i apply for knowing my own experience, therefore knowing i can do the job. If I am willing to go for a lower paid job or whatever then thats my decision....I would of thought!

mikemac

They don't hire overqualified people as they know that the second a better and relevent job comes up they'll quit.

As an example would you hire an umemployed solicitor (there are many!) in your fast food place even they were desperate to find a solicitor job and it was likely they were sending CV's everywhere and using your place as just a stop gap.

Maybe you would but wouldn't it better to get someone who was happy to work there and might stay with you for a long while?

Bitsie

Yeah i guess so.....its just annoying!

Munster_Gal

I agree with OP...

Companies know that there aren't many jobs out there so why refuse people who are "over qualified". Even if they do leave after a few weeks/months...there's still alot of people out there that could replace them if something else does come up!

Nolanger

mikemac wrote: »

They don't hire overqualified people as they know that the second a better and relevent job comes up they'll quit.

That's why it's better to dumb down your CV when applying for these jobs.

shoppergal

Munster_Gal wrote: »

I agree with OP...

Companies know that there aren't many jobs out there so why refuse people who are "over qualified". Even if they do leave after a few weeks/months...there's still alot of people out there that could replace them if something else does come up!

Or they could just hire someone with the level of qualification they're looking for in the first place and avoid having to re-hire in a few months time.

radharc05

I know what your saying its real tough at the moment.
I did a complete budget (sounds anal) for the first time ever on Monday and found that we were eating into our savings in a big way each and every week. Now I've cut down and out on loads of things
ie - Cancelled SKY and ordered a 'free sat' box to-day along with an RTE little aerial that goes into the attic. total cost 118.99
Skys useless anyway.
Cut the land line as well.
u'd be surprised where you can cut back.

Hang in there
But when you go for an interview I'd suggest you play down your qualifications a little maybe because sometimes it worries managers (working for an employer and conducting the interviews) see your 'over qualifications'! as a threat to them..
if you know what i mean..

Take care;)

bobbbb

AARRRGH wrote: »

When I heard a recession was coming, I drastically cut back on my expenditure. Amazingly I now have more money than ever in my life!

Fingers crossed I get to keep my job for another few months.

Now that is the smartest thing in this thread.
If only everyone had been smart enough during the boom times to work like beavers and stash some cash, everyone would have been ok.

We've been saving like mad since 2004 because having been through it a couple of times before i know every boom ends in a recession and every recession ends in a boom.

We lived on my wifes wages while saving all of mine (and whatever was left of hers)

Nothing nicer than having 6 or 7 years wages stashed away for a rainy decade.

For all those who are worried that the recession will never end. It will. They always do.
And anyone still with a job - stash the cash like theres no tomorrow. Pay off as many debts as you can, while you can.

And for those without a job - find out all about the benefits you can get and apply straight away.
If you live with your other half, NEVER EVER tell the social welfare that you are a couple. Say you are friends. Once you say you are a couple forget about getting money off the social welfare.
See if you can get on some training courses too through FAS etc.

PGL

bobbbb wrote: »

Now that is the smartest thing in this thread.
If only everyone had been smart enough during the boom times to work like beavers and stash some cash, everyone would have been ok.

We've been saving like mad since 2004 because having been through it a couple of times before i know every boom ends in a recession and every recession ends in a boom.

We lived on my wifes wages while saving all of mine (and whatever was left of hers)

Nothing nicer than having 6 or 7 years wages stashed away for a rainy decade.

For all those who are worried that the recession will never end. It will. They always do.
And anyone still with a job - stash the cash like theres no tomorrow. Pay off as many debts as you can, while you can.

And for those without a job - find out all about the benefits you can get and apply straight away.
If you live with your other half, NEVER EVER tell the social welfare that you are a couple. Say you are friends. Once you say you are a couple forget about getting money off the social welfare.
See if you can get on some training courses too through FAS etc.

what if you're married and the wife has a safe full time job? - would you have a hope of getting money off the social welfare?

bobbbb

PGL wrote: »

what if you're married and the wife has a safe full time job? - would you have a hope of getting money off the social welfare?

If you have enough PRSI payments you will get it.
That advice was for people without enough PRSI payments.

CorkFenian

Off the booze till I find something...Hoping it wont be long..(Mid January)

doolox

Good to see some others into Fas courses, saving money and living frugally.If it can be done.
Too many people maxed out on the credit cards buying expensive **** and now have nothing to show for it if the job tanks.
Recessions are like sieges.Those who are prepared for them. with a good stash of cash and low gearing on their house and a paid-off car will have a stronger bargaining position and be able to pick and choose their employment or train for better employment without worrying about an immediate cash shortage.
Today is about using the slowdown to develop skills and new ways of doing old work so as to ready for the next uprise in employment when it comes.

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

dellas1979

bobbbb wrote: »

every boom ends in a recession and every recession ends in a boom.

Hehehehe I have to say, this line actually cheered me up on quite a miserable day! Do you think we will become less materialistic? What is your opinion on the other recessions? Are they better or worse than this one (In your opinion).

jank

You're right just defraud the State. Sure it's not like the country is in trouble because people are crooked or anything...

G'OFF D'High Horse.

daveirl

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kevmy

To the OP you say you aren't eligible for rent allowance what about moving?

Rental market is flooded at the moment why not try downsizing and moving to a different place with lower rent. You could easily drop 50 euro a month by doing this.

bobbbb

dellas1979 wrote: »

Hehehehe I have to say, this line actually cheered me up on quite a miserable day! Do you think we will become less materialistic? What is your opinion on the other recessions? Are they better or worse than this one (In your opinion).

The late 80's early 90's was way worse than this one, both in Ireland and the UK. This one isnt as bad as the media are making out at all.
Back then you might know 2 or 3 people with a job.
Now you might know 2 or 3 people without a job.

EllaF

Hmm, i'd say know about 10-ish people without a job.. yeh. Probably depends on what line of work your friends/family are in.

Anyway, how am I surviving financially? Barely.

Bitsie

kevmy wrote: »

To the OP you say you aren't eligible for rent allowance what about moving?

Rental market is flooded at the moment why not try downsizing and moving to a different place with lower rent. You could easily drop 50 euro a month by doing this.

Hey i have actually just moved somewhere a little bit cheaper which has saved me a €100 a month.....it does help alright.

jank

daveirl wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Its the world we live in I'm afraid. Dog eat dog. Defrauding is a strong word to use in the case of a couple saying they are "friends" to get an extra few bob. They are not exactly bernie madoff now are they!

John Mason

jank wrote: »

Its the world we live in I'm afraid. Dog eat dog. Defrauding is a strong word to use in the case of a couple saying they are "friends" to get an extra few bob. They are not exactly bernie madoff now are they!

if i know you , i would report you straight away.

i am actually better off then i was a last year, all the bills and cost of living have reduced and i finally managed to find a lodger.

my job is safe until december, so i am aiming to be debt free by then just in case

dirtydress

pink fluffy bunny wrote: »

if i know you , i would report you straight away.

i am actually better off then i was a last year, all the bills and cost of living have reduced and i finally managed to find a lodger.

my job is safe until december, so i am aiming to be debt free by then just in case

Hang on now, there's a BIG difference between a couple in their 30's living together with good professional jobs looking to marriage/kids etc and a younger couple on an admin-type salary renting together. One of my friends made the mistake of saying she lived with her boyfriend (both 23) and so was turned down for the dole, a salary of 25,000 does not pay the rent and support two adults each month and this should be taken into account. I think what people are saying is that in these situations then its best not to mention that you live with a boyfriend/girlfriend because its not reasonable to live on one low paying salary.

ellie2528

What do people think about the next billionaries being born through the recession? - according to Richard Branson. That its time to do what you really LOVE doing, I know its hard when you are worrying about how to just pay the bills, but a lot of people I know are using it as the push they needed to get that idea for a business out of their heads and onto paper - there is money for innovative business ideas I think, we just need to be creative.

grahamo

bobbbb wrote: »

The late 80's early 90's was way worse than this one, both in Ireland and the UK. This one isnt as bad as the media are making out at all.
Back then you might know 2 or 3 people with a job.
Now you might know 2 or 3 people without a job.

I totally agree. As a teenager in the 80's getting a job was tough. I was lucky enough to get one. The money wasn't great but a job's a job. Almost all my friends were unemployed. Most of the lads I grew up with ended up on building sites in London or Manchester.
The Media are hyping this recession up.
The standard rate of tax back then was 33 or 35% compared to 20% now and the dole worked out about £35 a week so times were hard.

techdiver

dirtydress wrote: »

Hang on now, there's a BIG difference between a couple in their 30's living together with good professional jobs looking to marriage/kids etc and a younger couple on an admin-type salary renting together. One of my friends made the mistake of saying she lived with her boyfriend (both 23) and so was turned down for the dole, a salary of 25,000 does not pay the rent and support two adults each month and this should be taken into account. I think what people are saying is that in these situations then its best not to mention that you live with a boyfriend/girlfriend because its not reasonable to live on one low paying salary.

Exactly. I find it funny the way the state will all of a sudden recognise a partnership when it suits them. Yet these so called co-inhabitants have no legal rights in the same manner as married couples.

I see no problem with people who have worked all their lives and contributed to the tax system getting help in their time of need without this bureaucracy. After all they are the people who funded the long term unemployed scum (people with no intention of working) during the last decade.

byrne0f56789

There are opportunities out there. I have not worked PAYE since 2004. It was though throughout the boom when my friends were making lots more money than me. However, now I am in a better position than most of them. I feel sorry for people who are having difficulty getting a job. Over time everything seems to even itself out. The problem is that we have had such a large boom we are going to suffer an equally large bust.

People are just going have to try harder to make money now.

Mrs OBumble

dirtydress wrote: »

Hang on now, there's a BIG difference between a couple in their 30's living together with good professional jobs looking to marriage/kids etc and a younger couple on an admin-type salary renting together. One of my friends made the mistake of saying she lived with her boyfriend (both 23) and so was turned down for the dole, a salary of 25,000 does not pay the rent and support two adults each month

There are middle-aged couples out there on admin-type salaries like 25k and no prospect of making any more, and raising kids on it too. Yes, I've done the budget, it's tight, but possible.

I agree that it's harsh that the welfare rules recognise such partnerships, but the tax rules don't. The solution is to fix the tax rules, not to allow the welfare rules to "overlook" relationships that are marriage in everything but name.

happy09

Here are few saving tips...

Do
-change to fluorescent light bulbs
-rent a room
-eat at home more often and avoid takeaways or eating out less
-when buying petrol check pumps.ie before you go
-switch your gas/electricity provider. Check Bord Gais thebigswitch.ie or Airtricity. Switch and save up to 14%
-go North for shopping
-research before buying. Check few shops before spending your well-earned cash
-sell on Ebay or Buy & Sell unneccessary items
-keep and analyze your spendings. Try Xpenser as online budget diary
-send sms messages from online
-take made at home lunch or at least sandwiches to job
-shop at Lidl or Aldi
-use Dublin Bus Ramblers

Hope it helps!