What a mess...
I got myself and 6 month old out of a really horrible toxic environment at the start of the year, I mentally hit rock bottom to the point I didn't even know who I was anymore. Since then I feel I've come a long way, we had to leave everything behind and after 6 months of moving around 1-2 times a week, we finally secured a nice little rental, we can finally call home. I'm now looking into daycare and getting back into the workforce, which I also had to leave at that time.
I've hit a massive roadblock and don't know where to turn. It's not the best way to manage finances but I pay rent (bills included) every 4 weeks so that I can pay my FTB advance off and reapply in that time to give me an extra $100 at the end of the month (like refinancing) Only this time because they have not processed my rent cert declaration, my rent assist has been removed for now leaving me short $160 and then when I've reapplied for the advance, I'm short again by $320 because they are given me less. Rent is due Monday.
I've got 2 payday loans $150 also coming out Monday $150 as I had to find money to pay the rego as I'm borrowing a car and they wanted me to pay the full amount to them meaning I couldn't go via centrepay etc. It also need a new battery. It needs 4 new tyres and a service, but I can't afford to buy another car and need to go these things as they could ask for it back anytime.
I've been to vinnies for a food hamper and signed up for their Christmas lunch one, we have been staying home to use less nappies and wet faceclothes instead of wipes, I've picked up a free Christmas tree etc to try feel half excited for the festive period, I have one Christmas present for the little one which I can sell for a formula for the week. I don't have any family around and the support network of friends I thought I had gave up on me because of my ex, who I am no contact with and there is a 5 year protection order in place. Not that he would help anyway, but I've been feeling myself tempted to reach out to him and I know I've come too far to go that far back again.
I feel like I'm really failing right now and open to any suggestions as I can't see a way through this. I had to use my super payout for accommodation over they few months so can't use that as an option. I finally found us somewhere I feel safe and a foundation to start life again and I'm scared due to the current rental crisis of losing it. I don't know what to do
11 Replies
Post a PayPal link. I want to help.
Thank you so much for your kind offer. I already feel defeated and don't want to fall further into debt
That’s what I’m saying, post a PayPal link so I can transfer you a little cash.
No debt, consider it a Xmas gift
I've been trying to exhaust everything the last couple of days, your offer would be greatly appreciated if it still stands.....thank you so so much.. ...... my PayPal email is [email protected] - that's only if if still stands though and if not, thank you so much for your kindness
What area are you in? I think you should give your real estate a call and let them know the situation regarding rent this week. They are human too and I’m sure they’ve had calls about this sort of situation before.
Have you been into Centrelink to sort out your rent assistance again?
Start with Centrelink and sort the issue out there. If possible get a letter from them stating they owe you xyz and take that to the real estate agent. I’m sure they will be understanding. Also ask to speak with a financial councillor at Centrelink.
Have you reached out to your friends since you left your ex? Now he’s gone they might be open to contact. Also approach your local council - they will be able to inform you what other services are around that can assist you. Look at all of your bills. Are any in credit? Is there any services you can cut back on? Have you made sure you’re receiving any concessions you’re entitled to if you’re a low income earner?
Also I’m confused why you are paying a full years rego and going to pay for new tyres, battery and a service on a car you’re borrowing - especially if they are likely to take it back. The cost of all of those things would nearly cover the cost of a little runaround car. Is it possible for you to just rely on public transport for a bit?
Ok so I'd first call your property manager/landlord and explain the situation. They may offer you a bit of a grace period or an extension!
The most important thing is to be upfront with them and not try to duck and dodge them!
Then call the payday loan company, they may let you make that payment at a later date or arrange some sort of more manageable payment plan (although in my experience, these companies can be pretty ruthless and unyielding).
Worst case scenario, cancel the direct debit for the payday loan and use that $150 towards your rent. That's far from ideal but in the immediate scheme of things, keeping a roof over your head far outweighs your credit rating.
I'd also stop pouring money into a car that you are only lending. As someone else mentioned, public transport is a good option. Unless you're super rural, there's usually at least some busses and trains and usually some shops locally that you could walk to.
Look for any other unnecessary expenses: If you have Netflix etc, cancel it. If you have expensive phone or internet plans, see of you can downsize them or cancel them entirely and go prepaid.
In think you could also benefit from some financial counselling, there are a lot of free services you could utilise. I believe centrelink even has one they can refer you to.
I also just have to mention that the same thing happened to me with my rent assistance, I just had to take in my lease and they fixed it on the spot.
So go in to centrelink and see what's going on with that!
Just give the car back and live without it. Dont pay their rego tyres battery and then they take it back any time. That's crazy. You have no job to go to. Just relax over xmas. Save, get on top and but yourself a car. You could be ready with a few thousand by Feb March. Then put your baby in care, then get a job.
But first things first sort out your rent assistance. Getting your money is the most important thing. Make sure your info is always up to date and you get your payment.
Then return the car so you can stop getting advances and get on top of your money.
Hi all, thank you for your comments. I went to centrelink yesterday as suggested and they processed the rent cert so that gives me a payment of $160 on Monday. I tried to explain about the advance leaving me short but I just got fobbed off and told it doesn't matter now.
I called the loan companies and one offered a half payment of $46 so means I'd have an additional payment at the end for the other $46. The other company said they couldn't adjust the repayment schedule. Ideally I wouldn't have wanted these but I panicked with the rego and then because it took me a week to get any sort of loan, I had to pay the higher amount past the due date.
I understand what yous are saying about the car and I've been driving it for around 6 months now so didn't want to give it back with bald tyres, low oil etc. I guess it has been a good sense of freedom after being isolated and controlled in my ex relationship.
I am on a periodic lease, not through a real estate. They are happy for me to stay indefinite with the only 2 reasons for immediate eviction would be if there was anything illegal going on or for non payment of rent. They'd have no problems occupying the place straight away especially with the holiday period coming up. I spoke with housing deptbefore I moved in and they agreed it was the better option to what I was doing, moving around and sometimes sleeping in the car. And I got in writing from the owner what I needed regards to eviction and also that I give 2 weeks notice if I want to move on.
I don't have any subscriptions etc. My bills are included in the rent and i don't have Foxtel, Netflix etc. I recharge $30 per month prepaid.
I was managing great apart from the refinance of the advance every month, I've been following budgeting tips, recipes etc, i know it was silly but was the payday loans that I've messed it all up with
When you get a bill and you can’t pay on time you should call them straight away. Majority of companies will be helpful and give you a payment plan or extra time to pay. I have been able to do this with my electricity bill, internet bill and council rates with no penalty & no extra payment to make.
What state are you in? In QLD you can now pay rego monthly by direct debit. Is that an option you could suggest to the car owner?
I’m not sure how it works with the advance and being short of money but you could always give Centrelink a call and ask again if you are unsure. You did the right thing going in to see them.
I also wouldn’t be getting the tyres replaced. Surely 6 months of driving has not made the tyres bald?
If you do end up replacing them then shop around because many places have buy 3 get 1 free deals.
Replacing 4 tyres from 6 months of driving is a rort. Be smart with your money always pay your rent and bills first. You've paid rego but you're also putting a lot of other money into a car that isn't yours. If you cant pay your bills it has to go and those things are not as important as rent.