how many people know about your debts?

We haven't discussed our debt or any part of our finances with anyone. I read a few money saving blogs by American bloggers and it comes across as quite normal to share such information across the pond, but I think we're more private in the UK. So, it'll be interesting to see how many folks on here do discuss their debt with others. Actually, I find we don't need to make excuses for not doing expensive activities as people are good at making assumptions. I'm a stay at home mum and there's always someone telling me 'oh, you won't be able to afford that' or just not asking us to do something because we live off my husband's income and a small amount I make from part time freelancing from home. Seems not to be the norm to be a one income family and folks don't seem to think it can work anymore, but we are thriving despite aggressively tackling our debt. Good question BTW.

I told my mum that I had been in debt and how much after I cleared it, but didn't tell anyone while I was still in debt. I just didn't want to have the awkward conversation. I told people I was saving for a house deposit (which I was also doing alongside paying my debt, towards the end) if I needed an excuse for not having much disposable income.

I think we would all be surprised by who is in debt, if we knew what's really going on in other people's bank accounts, rather than just looking at the material things they have. I've come to realise that someone at work who I thought was loaded has a fancy car on finance, and a fancy house with a big mortgage.

A few know but not the extent of the debt. Work colleagues are worst and at work I have had issues with dress code when I have been unable to pay for new shoes/suits. They openly laugh at my car but this is because they don't know and just think I'm a bit alternative I don't resent them for it and am happy to laugh along. I would never tell them as I think they would feel bad about their own banter re the car, the shoes and the repeated declining of meals, parties and weekends away. What I do wish I could do is sponsor them when they do fun runs and stuff. That does feel mean tbh Sometimes I use some of the entertainment fund to sponsor them small amounts. I have told family we are paying back debt but not how much or DMP.

Interesting topic. I'd be surprised if Americans are that open about it though.

Found out about my parent's debt (£60-70k) when I was about 14. Was a bit awkward being quiet when the door was knocked (until seeing in the peep hole) but otherwise OK. Never had a bailiff enter and presumably those debts can't be collected any more with that being 13 years ago.

My sister takes a similar approach to them, ignores it & lets it build up and only then does she mention it. At least 2 times now she's had unauthorised overdraft charges before seeking help

Interesting thread! This has been on my mind for a while. I'm on a DMP (approx £6k paid off so far, £14k to go & another 3-4 years). Initially I only told my boyfriend (who I now live with) and one close friend who helped me organise the DMP when I was first struggling.

However, recently I've been wondering if I should tell my parents too, mainly sparked by the fact that they pumped £2k into my bank account last month to pay off the only cc they know about in full (absolute heros). While this was a huge help & a massive weight off my mind, I quickly stated to feel guilty as they think I'm now debt free, which is very far from the truth! The reason I didn't tell them initially was because I knew they'd worry & wouldn't be able to help, so it would just cause more stress & worry & pain. Plus, I'm hugely embarrassed. Now though, I wonder if they could help & if not telling them would upset them if they ever do find out. I don't have kids yet, but I imagine if I did & they were in trouble I'd want to know.

I think I'm going to wait a year, until the debt is below £10k & then bring it up over a glass of wine with my mum. Dreading that conversation though! Xx