Breakfast chat video

Good morning. I was going to put this out yesterday, but I was busy in the morning taking the car for a service and having a walk while they worked on it. I made a video and took photo's for that which I will put on tomorrow. Then when I got back the sad news came through and that stopped me in my tracks. So anyway, better late than never. 119 comments on yooootooob. 

On a similar money saving theme, I found this scrap of paper on the road after the bin lorry had been along to collect the rubbish. It shows someone's attempts at trying to work their finances out in a notebook. I always say write things down because it helps to focus on the job in hand. 

Predicting how much we are all going to have to pay is becoming a nightmare. I actually haven't done this for the gas and electricity, but I can see how important it is for families, because everyone in the household has a part to play in cutting down their usage. Everyone has to be onboard with it and make an effort. 

I am sticking with the three monthly bills in the post, because I find that way of budgeting the payments the simplest for me. Monthly direct debits are going to be very worrying for some people. I have read that a lot of people are going to cancel, and go back to a pay on the bill method. This will inevitably push people over into debt, because first they need to eat and pay rent or a mortgage. 

If you are in this group, speak to your utilities provider, don't just ignore the bills as they arrive. Often an arrangement can be made to pay off a smaller amount over a longer period of time. Contact a debt charity such as StepChange for advice. 

Keep your eye on Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert. He is working hard to push for a better deal from Ofgem.  

I wish you well in your endeavours to get through this very difficult time. Try to be pro-active not re-active.

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.  ilona