Hi brinormeg
Unfortunately, and as you fully realise, the major challenge to overcome is that of your income.
Firstly, this new financial requirement of minimum £18600 is set as THE ONLY threshold.
There is no 'balance sheet' review on personal finances that take any account of outgoings (mortgage,credit card maintenance payments and other debts.
In other words no affordability analysis at all.
Secondly UKBA will not take into account the previous, current or prospective employment and earnings, or any job offer, of the migrant applicant at the entry clearance stage.
This is all closed up by the strict requirement for submission of evidence of meeting the financial requirement in the 6 months (or 12 months) prior to application.
I know this may not be what you had hoped for. But at least you know what needs to be done.
It seems you are not far away from reaching that minimum threshold so have a reasonable chance to find ways to get there.
Any amount of savings you have above £16000 can be used against any shortfall in income.
For example if you were say £600 short on income then cash savings of £17500 (£16000 + (£600x2.5)) would be needed.
Hope this helps to clarify
