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Debt free diaries

Archives for April 2019

Counting down to being debt free
Hi all I’ve been a ‘lurker’ on these forums for a long, long time. Over the years I’ve made some very poor financial decisions, spent money that I didn’t have and finished up in serious debt on numerous occasions. I’ve made many mistakes along the way. I have to say however that I have enjoyed life and have lots of very…
DMP freedom in 15 months!
Afternoon all! I have been in my DMP agreement for over 8 years now and according to projections have another 32 months to go. Well, I've had enough of it now - it has to go! I'm aiming for the end of July 2020 so that when my August birthday hits I can say I'm DMP free! More details to follow as I get time and as I…
Debt free......again
I'm finally debt free for the second time in the last few years. This is excluding a smallish mortgage of £40k but this will be gone in the next couple of years. I can say with confidence that my debt free status will not change and I will not be in that position again. How do I know this? It's because for the first time…
Is there a way to find out what debts I owe?
First time posting, so apologies if this is in the wrong place. When I turned 18 a few years ago things were a bit of a mess. I’d take out new phone contracts/gym contracts every few months then completely lose track of them. I had a £50 unplanned overdraft that spiralled out of control with fees so just opened a current…
Taking the scenic route from chaos to calm!!!
It’s time to get a grip and restore a bit of calm in my life. I’m fast approaching 40 and need to take back a bit of control. I’ve been on the debt roundabout since university days 20 years ago now :eek: borrowing, paying it off, vowing never to do it again and so on. The latest ‘blip’ comes about following a massive…
Let's not fall at the last hurdle!
Well Hello! I felt a change of scenery and a shiny new page was in order to document the next chapter in the Hinge households route to debt freedom! So many changes have occurred these last 12 months, obviously, the biggest change being hitch hiker joining us early last summer! As a family we have welcomed this change and…
The simple life
I have debated a lot about starting a diary. I love reading others and have got so much inspiration and tips at times and it really keeps me motivated with my own debt busting! So I thought I'd jump in with my thoughts, debt payments and daily life journey! The debt I have is manageable for now but I want to pay as much as…
HELP in drowning and can't see a way out
I don't know if this is the correct place to post as it's my first post, sorry if it is. I've buried my head in the sand for about 15 years if not longer. We have been so foolish in the past and I'm so so sick of living so anxious everyday. To cut a very long story short I have lived with a gambling addiction most of my…
Struggling
So, I have recently (last weekend) had a bomb dropped on my head and life by my husband; he is 44,000 in debt. He has lied about it to me for the last 5 years, living beyond his means and taking out pay day loans to try and keep up appearances. He also committed fraud with a previous company, taking money when he was…
Mission to reach "zero" before 2020
Hi all, I currently have £2,400 of credit card debit that has snuck up on me. :eek: Luckily it's interest free until September 2020, but the thought of having this debt leaves me feeling anxious. Therefore I'm on a mission to clear it by the end of the year. This will be a two-pronged approach: 1) Regular monthly payments…
Direct Debits
I've recently taken out some holiday insurance (annual) I've checked my bank today and the company have taken the money, which of course is fine. However, I happened to check my direct debits (I only have two) but I've come across three set up in the last few days-all insurance related-one eon, one pet Insurance (I don't…
I’VA Problem
Hi everyone! Today marks the beginning of my journey towards financial freedom. I have just shy of 17k in debt. Spread across one loan, and five credit cards. I’ve found myself in this mess through no ones fault but my own. After what can only be seen as a series of poor financial decisions, I have finally had enough.…
Wow, things are a bit different
A long time lurker, I’ve been both moved and impressed over the years at the kindness, determination & resilience of people on the debt free boards. So time to join them all. So technically I am not in debt at the moment (other than an alarming mortgage). However I left my job recently and don’t have a new one sorted out…
So here I go....
Hello everyone First time on here, long time in debt, long time worrying about what I'm going to do to pay it back. I got into this mess trying to do the best for my family, yes we can have this that and the other - don't worry - I'm going to win the lottery and pay it all back - how short sighted was I?- and I'm normally…
It's final, the debt must go.......
Hi All, After many years of just treading water with our debt I have decided that it has to go as we are fast approaching our retirement and it needs to be way gone before then. In addition, we need to learn to live frugally and within our means so this diary is a combination of our journey to becoming debt free and…
Charging order interest
Hi all, New on here, looking for guidance re the interest rate that can be attached to Charging Orders on property. TBI obtained a charging order for a credit card debt in April 2009 (£8,000 and therefore unregulated), at that time our creditors were being handled by Eurodebt, on receiving notice of the court case at…
My diary
Hi all I started off with £3,500 of debt around 7 months ago. Im now at just under £2,000. Its still a long way to go but all the accounts i am paying have been fraudulent accounts set up by my ex partner (regrettably i have to refer to her as my wife). I am going to get through this and keep you all up to date. Wishing…
CCJ Threat - Help!!
In 2007, I was issued with a default for a mobile phone bill I didn’t pay. The total amount was £360 It was referred to debt collection, but stupidly I ignored this and didn’t pay it off. In 2013, I was contacted by a debt recovery chasing me for the outstanding amount. At the time I was out of work due to health reasons,…
The Last Furlong
Been round these parts before , just want a home now for the final push to be debt free . Not putting a definite date on it , but roughly around Summer 2020 would be good. I have around £2900 left to go ,not a lot in the scheme of things but enough to keep me on with the budgeting and being careful with the spends . Have…
My year of living dangerously
My work is moving to a new part of the country. So, I won’t have a job after August. What do I do? :eek: The money situation could be better. There is only me but I am debt and mortgage free :j (Thanks to people on this forum) FINANCIAL POSITION A work payment (tiny! less than an average PP1 payout) Savings from salary…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Debt free diaries

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