I converted my Vauxhall so I can live in it instead of paying rent – I save £900 a month and I’ve got a kettle
A HEALTHCARE worker has moved into a converted Vauxhall after the cost-of-living crisis made it “impossible” for him to afford rent.
Gareth Ward, 48, said making the move could save him over £900 a month after he joined a growing movement of motor-home savers.
Faced with mounting bills amid the skyrocketing cost-of-living crisis, Gareth said he was barely keeping his head above water while living in a suburban flat.
The 48-year-old quickly realised he needed to get creative to save his hard-earned cash.
Alongside avoiding rent in his Vauxhall Zafira, Gareth said he has also invested in a gym membership so he can still afford a shower without the burden of everyday water bills.
He told Norwich Evening News: “I can save and travel when I am off work without the weight of rent, heating and water bills.
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“On my own I earn just over £1,000 monthly.
“Rent is £800 for a one-bed flat. Tax is more than one hundred, food is going up and then I have my car to keep.
“Unfortunately I been unwell and had to take some time off work.
“Due it this I am in debt but I was struggling to keep on top of all the bills anyway.
“It feels as though it is almost – if not actually – impossible to live this way.”
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To prepare his motor, the healthcare worker has also installed a mattress and a series of batteries for charging points.
He plans to use laundrettes for his washing, and if his gym is unavailable, he said he has even bought a kettle for an improvised shower.
With his savings he hopes to live off take away meals and easy-prep food, adding: “I am doing this just as much for my mental health and I will have money for myself.”
What cost-of-living help can you get?
Up and down the country, people are feeling the cost-of-living squeeze as we head into winter.
But there are several options available to help hard-up Brits.
Among the support available is £150 for those with disabilities, a £400 energy rebate for 30 million UK households, and a £650 cost of living payment that is expected to help out over 1 million families.
The second Cost of Living payment is due to hit bank accounts from next week.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that the payments will be made from November 8 to 23.
Pensioners often feel the brunt of winter payments more than most – but the £300 pensioner cost of living payment also officially started hitting bank accounts yesterday
To qualify for the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, the following must apply:
- You were born on or before September 25, 1956
- You lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 19 to 25 September 2022
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If you are struggling with debt and faced with mounting bills, there are services that offer free debt advice,
Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.
- Money Helper – 0800 138 7777
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
- StepChange – 0800 138 1111
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Money Helper – 0800 138 7777