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Debt-free wannabe

Archives for December 2017

Last day of 2017. Staying in or going out for NYE?
Wow another year has flown before our eyes! I saved some but still have bad spending habits (shopping, unneccesary luxuries, which I need to kerb). I've just come back from Tesco's, will be staying in this NYE (like the past few) with wine and nibbles. What's everyone doing tonight? Also key money goals for 2018.. go!
Learning to budget
I've been a DFW for years and years, but have just realised that I really don't know how to budget. I keep setting up lists of how much money I can afford to spend on things, and then either celebrating or commiserating every time I hit or miss target, but with no real plan on how to control this. I've been kind of hoping…
No interest or charges
Dear all, Please could you give some advice based on your experiences. I am undecided between bankruptcy and DMP. Having researched the pros and cons of each my main query is : what is the likelihood of charges and interest being stopped on a DMP ? If this varies then I will more than likely consider bankruptcy. However,…
Setting a budget
Feel a bit of a fraud for posting on here as I am not in debt but this seems like the best board for this question. I need to set myself a budget so I have spare money at the end of the month. Can anyone recommend where to start with setting a monthly budget. I don't want to look at what I spend on things now (as I have no…
Advice about a credit card?
Hello, I currently have 3800 on a capital one credit card with high interest rate. I pay 150 a month, but the interest is around 100. I was declined for a 0% balance transfer card from Tesco, am wary about applying for another one as my credit rating isn't great so more applications will make it worse. I might be able to…
In a pickle and not sure where to go.
Well I've got myself into a pickle financially and I just don't know where to turn. I starting to struggle since a relationship breakdown earlier this year. Things are getting on top of me and affecting my health and my relationship with family and friends. I've attached a list of my finances and hoping someone can advise.…
Littlewoods Help
Hiya, Have a credit account with littlewoods that is supposed to be 0% for 20 months. However, even though my balance is now only £218 (yay!) my statement says my next payment should be just shy of £38. Any ideas why the jump? Thus far it has been around £13/month and I have had the account less than a year. Statement…
CapQuest: same old story, maybe a twist
Hey everyone, Long time listener, first time caller. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, google searches led me here. Over the past couple of years I've been receiving numerous letters claiming a debt I don't owe, all relating to 4 accounts with Shop Direct Finance. Every time I ring the company writing to me, explain the…
Debt for course
Hi, Around 5 years ago I enrolled on a electrical course with a company called Train for Trade Skills. Part way through the course they informed me I would need to pay to go away for various weeks throughout the year as a part of the course which I wasn't aware of at enrolment. Being a single mum with no supportive father…
Tackling debts advice
Hello, i have 13.5 thousand pounds of debt made up of 2 credit cards 3.5 k on one, and 4K on another 2 k on a NEXT account £500 Argos card £1400 overdraft £2000 overdraft I have a sort of self managed DMP with the two credit card agencies and Next, where I pay a set amount almost interest free. The overdrafts I just pay…
How long have you been 1.0 Debt free 2.0 In debt
Answering 1.0 Debt free just ignore 'good debt' (Mortgage and paying off CC immediately or utilising 0% free period and paying that before period ends Answering 2.0 you may yo-yo in and out of Debt, so include this cumulative period. There have been may Threads on the definition of debt and it just got me wondering on this…
Full And Final Settlement Offers
Hi Everyone, Just looking for some advice on the above please? I have not worked since April due to illness and it doesnt look like ill be back at work anytime soon. I have quite a few debts as i had a good job and good salary when i was working. I havent paid any of my debts since May so i have now hit 6 months with no…
'Can't afford lower repayments' rejection
Apologies if this has been covered before, but has anyone challenged or complained about being rejected for a new loan from an existing lender and been told you can't afford the lower repayments? Having lost a job I'd had for 23 years, and being in my 60's I embarked on a mission to drastically reduce my monthly outgoings…
CCJ debt is not mine
Hi, I'm looking for a bit of advice; if anyone else has a similar issue that they've resolved or know anything that may help?! I received a CCJ in August for an debt with I have never seen on my credit file before. Initially I assumed it was a scam because I didn't recognise the debtor and the CCJ didn't appear on my…
Do you count anything you owe to family as debt?
Asking in general. I owe my Fiancee £444.00 I was wondering if you co unt this stuff towards yp ur debts.
Ccj letter - pay before CCJ received
Hi I have got a letter through re a CCJ Claim and have until next week to respond, I wish to pay in full so I do not get the CCJ. On the Court letter it states solicitor costs and court fees ; do I pay this amount too ? Thanks
'Abuse' of default judgments - government asks for response to proposed 'crackdown'
https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/default-county-court-judgments-2/
Change of address
I have unpaid debt from banks and now I am moving to new address. 1) If I update my new address with DVLA, will my new address appear on credit report? 2) If I update my ADDRESS with basic bank account (where I keep money for priority bills), will my new address be known to other creditors with whom I have debt? 3) If I…
New dmp
Me again. Dmp due to start and i finally told my husband and mum. Mum offered to give sum of money so stepchange advised to ask the creditors if they would accept full and final settlement rather than drawn out small payments? Creditors are creation finance, mbna, cahoot, littewoods and very. Are any best to try? Or…
Token Payment by bank transfer
1) I send token payment to my creditors by bank transfer, and use my 16 digit credit card number as Reference number while doing bank transfer. Once the validity date printed on credit card is over, can I still use the same reference number to make token payment? 2) If my credit card is in arrears, will the bank send me…

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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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