The cost of living... what can we do?

I had a new Combi boiler fitted Bosh ten year warranty for £2k, Warranty only valid if servised every year at £120 :-)

 

I always cook a large batch of Mash Potatoes, then divide and freeze.

 

Bought our coal last year and sourced logs for next two winters. After that the sycamore tree at the bottom of the garden gets the chop.

 

I've moved house a number of times and the last two had Vaillant (gas) combi boilers. They were both still working fully at the time of moving. One was 17 years old the other 14. The boiler in my current home had to be replaced just months after moving in, it was a 20 year old Grant oil boiler. I now have another Grant but it's a combi boiler and very efficient. The drawback is the initial cost, they aren't cheap.

 

I can not find any access to inform the Gov of what is happening out here
I have my full state pension, then a 9/22 military pension the total of which is
less than the living wage
I get nothing
People who have not made any pension arrangements, get all the help
Universal Credits, Lump Sum payments, Housing benefits and are now
on a better than minimum wage, Or £3k a year more than I who thought
I was doing the right thing
I just want to inform the Gov that pensioners are on less than the minimum wage
but there is no access to inform them
I contacted my local MP Nothing back other than would I donate £xx to their cause

 

Has anyone thought of bartering? Okay, the idea goes back many centuries but it still works. A local man does the jobs that are impossible for me and if the occasion arises I can get a discount by bartering. Example - the removal of large trees in my garden and the value of the wood deducted from the bill that he took away to sell.

Also, one skill can be swapped for another.

 

Do it all the time in Thailand as nothing tends to be priced, once they see me, they always start high, so good to have the Mrs in tow.

I might take up busking, my singing is dreadful so they might pay me to shut up, or they might just throw something at me instead.

 

I've never owned an electric toothbrush, mine works through muscle power.

But don't you need a licence to busk? The cost of that will diminish your possible earnings.