Serious debt and dont know where to turn

Andy8127 · 16 March 2017 at 2:55PM

It could be a possibility yes. At the moment I go to college one day a week aswell, finish my course in June and then should hopefully get a decent pay rise as I'll no longer be a trainee. The uncertain nature of my sons health problems makes it difficult to plan even current work time, and I'm often off work due to his hospital appointments or emergency illnesses. Trying to not make excuses it's just not as easy to do as it sometimes seems

EssexHebridean · 16 March 2017 at 3:35PM

Well even a small increase could help - what about looking at the Survey sites? You'll never make yourself a millionaire via that route but even if you could clear £30 a month that's your electricity bill covered, isn't it.

I take it you're not still using the Credit cards by the way? If so, you really have to knock that on the head immediately.

On the food front if "most of the time" it's just you rather than the kids as well you can definitely knock a chunk off that. start noting everything you're spending there, meal plan, cook from scratch and shop with a list drawn up from your meal plan. Start your challenge with a determination to spend as little as possible for the first few weeks as this will force you to use what you already have in.

Andy8127 · 16 March 2017 at 4:34PM

I could definitely do surveys, do you have any info on where to find them or is it just a case of googling paid surveys ?

EssexHebridean · 16 March 2017 at 4:52PM

There's a section on one of the boards here - I think it's on "boost your income".

Have a look at Scott Weiland's diary on the diary board - he's the font of all knowledge on the various sites.

I find OnePoll pretty good - although it takes a while to get to payout the surveys are short.
Opinion Outpost pays out at £2.50 so it's great for making small additional payments to a debt.
Prolific Academic is working well for me at the moment but you do need to be in a position to regularly refresh your browser through the day as there's only a short window of opportunity for each study on there.

There are lots more too - YouGov is a reliable payer although again it takes a while to get to payment level. Personally I'd avoid Toluna - takes FOREVER to get anything worth having!

joeyjimbles · 16 March 2017 at 4:54PM

There's loads of info on surveys on the Boost Your income boards on here but off the top of my head

Surveys
Pinecone
Prolific Academic
Populus
MyOpinion
Panelbase
Valued Opinions

Also Mystery Shopping
Red Wigwam
Marketforce
GrassRoots

And the GPT (get paid to) sites
Neobux
Swagbucks
Instagc
Clixsense

They all take time and pay out in small amounts but will help you bring in some additional income. If you can commit regular time then there are also working from home jobs available from companies such as Lionbridge - again there are threads on the Boost Your Income boards.

Good luck.

Andy8127 · 16 March 2017 at 5:03PM

Thanks so much &#55357;&#56842;, I'll take a look as soon as I get home from work tonight

Andy8127 · 16 March 2017 at 5:15PM

When people say it takes time to get to payout, do you mean they're slow to pay or you have to complete a certain amount of free surveys before you earn a payout level whereby you start getting paid for surveys....I'm sure it'll all make sense once I look into it

sammyjammy · 16 March 2017 at 5:23PM

Andy8127 wrote: »

I could definitely do surveys, do you have any info on where to find them or is it just a case of googling paid surveys ?

Mostly they will enable you to cash in the odd Amazon voucher or the like but You Gov is your best bet for cash, I average a £50 bank transfer every six months or so, be happy to PM you a referral code if you would like.

I use

You Gov 6-8 months for £50 cash
Power of Opinions points for vouchers
newvistalive £50 cheque but takes about 12+ months
Ipsos Isay points for vouchers
Maximiles Panels points for Vouchers
Pinecone Paypal transfer after each survey

I have to say that I think some of the suggestions on her are a bit harsh given your circumstances, although I appreciate they are well meaning. If you end up going down the DMP route you need to make sure you change that SOA before you share any info with Stepchange or the like. You are entitled to live a decent life with your sons when you have them, not having to scrimp every penny.

Fireflyaway · 16 March 2017 at 5:46PM

I agree with other posters who suggest contacting your creditors and explaining you are struggling and negotiate lower fixed repayment plans with them. You might find they will freeze the interest. It might impact your credit file but is that a huge deal to you? For me I decided to take a hit on my file in order to get in control. I would say from experience not to offer your last penny because if something unexpected happens ( you need a new tyre / the fridge breaks etc) and you miss a payment, some creditors will then get nasty / refuse to negotiate with you again. Whatever happens take care of your rent and council tax first and never get behind on those.
See if you can get extra work. A few hours in a local shop of an evening or delivering leaflets after work / weekends. It won't be forever. Also have a look at Dave Ramsey debt free screams on YouTube its really inspirational.

Serious debt and dont know where to turn

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