We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Debt-free wannabe

Archives for December 2019

Become debt free advice?
This is my first post - hi! I have an issue with debt and spending, I currently owe £13,358 in unsecured loans and credit cards, I have spoken to StepChange and they have recommended a DMP (£591 a month) but I’m really anxious about it, I’m terrified that my creditors will continue to chase me and slap me with a CCJ. Some…
Paying off debt ... then taking out a loan...
Seeking advice about prioritising debt payoff, and find myself in a position where I also need to take out more debt for something else. Current debt: Car - hire purchase. £6060 over 29 months remaining at 6.7%, £210 pcm. Credit card - £2700 at 0% expiring in Aug 2020. Currently paying £100 pcm and intend to balance…
End Of Year Debt Review
As the year draws to a close, I've added up all my remaining old toxic debt left to be paid and it is as follows... RBS (Robinson Way) - £320.40 O2 (Lowell) - £178.14 Avant Credit (TM Legal) - £1778.83 Total: £2,277.37 I will be debt free before the end of 2020 as I'm going to chuck more money at it in the new year to…
Debt Assignments - Ts&Cs
Hi, I'm new here, but a long time in debt :o I have a particular debt that has been assigned to a DCA. Looking at the Ts&Cs on the original agreement, I can find no mention of assignment as a possible outcome that has been allowed for. Does this mean that the assignment was invalid, or is it something that is there as a…
Making an offer after a default drops off credit file
I am on a DMP until October 2021, the first default to expire after the six year point happens next month, PRA Group for a Barclaycard debt, the balance is £2000. Does the fact of the default expiring have any affect on the willingness of creditors to accept offers to settle for less?
Emergency fund/savings, debt or mortgage overpayments?
Hi All A lot has happened since I last was on this site. I was left some money and hubby and I bought our very first home. I'm down to one credit card which is on a 0% deal and which will be cleared before the deal expires (just recently switched to a new card as the previous 0% was coming to an end soon), and I think I've…
Back, determined to be debt free but ever so slightly depressed
Hi all, I used to post here a lot then decided on a break. Lots of stuff going on in my life, I needed various operations and was on a lot of medication. I've not checked when I was last on but a lot has changed. I'm now mortgage free but not debt free (roughly 30k but it's come down A LOT!). But OH is the problem (sorry I…
Advice needed for reducing monthly outgoings
This is my first post on here so please just helpful advice and no judgement. I need help working out how to reduce our monthly outgoings! My partner earns between £2500 and £3500 each month (commission based) I previously earned £1550 each month, I am on maternity leave currently and will be returning to work part time so…
What small DFW things will you do w/c 30th December?
When we start out on the DFW trail we do loads of "big stuff" that makes quite a difference to our situation. These include having our lightbulb moment, cutting up the credit cards and cancelling Sky and the gym. But once we have done the bigger stuff, we often feel that we are not making the same amount of progress, when…
ways to exit Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) early to enable varying settlement offers - Scotland only
Has anyone had any difficulties either trying to exit a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) or negotiate with lenders while in a DAS? If so, you may be interested reading how to exit a DAS if you are in position to offer F & F settlements, but a third party (eg the DAS administrator) tries to lock you into staying in a DAS…
Snowballing advice
Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet Household Information Number of adults in household........... 2 Number of children in household......... 2 Number of cars owned.................... 2 Monthly Income Details Monthly income after tax................ 1700 Partners monthly income after tax....... 808…
Starting DMP with no emergency fund
Hi, I have been in touch with StepChange and they have advised me to start a DMP. I have contacted all my creditors this week and they have put my accounts on hold for 30 days while the DMP is set up. I have filled in the debt remedy form with SC and it comes out that I will be paying £579pm with it taking 3 years to clear…
At a loss
As the title would say I’m at a loss. I see no way out except one way. My ex husband and I when we were together he got a credit card. We split up and he said that I was to use it for the kids and as long as I paid it back that was fine advising that when the oldest was 16 he would want it cleared by then. Since then he…
What was your standard of living growing up?
i grew up in a house which was neither rich or poor , my parents had problems but not massive problems , just the normal ones..
Advice re moorcroft/arrow
Hi all, In roughly 2014 I took out a credit card for 5k ,due to unforseen circumstances I had to stop paying the 5k back and after a while kinda shrugged my shoulders of it ,I know stupid but I was young and now it's coming back to bite me in the rear! Since then a myriad of different debt collectors have been sending the…
Help Advice needed! I did not agree to be a guarantor for a limited company!
I have checked my creditfile and found a CCJ from a company that a limited company I was a director of used. The Limited company went out of business a long time ago and had other directors who have not been given a CCJ. I have contacted the company and they said the client care letter they claim to have sent included a…
Help with ex
I received a WhatsApp message Xmas Day from someone claiming to be my abusive ex's new wife. It asked do I not think it's time that I paid him what I owed him. I broke up with him in 2015 and he tried to strangle me. I got a restraining order and had him convicted. He then stalked and harassed me to the point where he…
Need to sort my life out - massive changes ahead
Hi , I was planning on posting in the New Year but decided to take the bull by the horns and do it today. Actually feel quite apprehensive about this. I am a married man with a 10 year old son. In about 4 weeks I will turn 39. I feel like my financial situation and life in general is out of control. I have come to the…
Best way to clear or substantially cut your debts
Here is what is working well for me so far.. 1 Get all your debts together and write all the interests and minumum payments on a personal debt A7 notebook so you are always aware of your debts! They key is that you have a clear overview of where your debts are and the interest charged on them. This will stop you from…
Out of Control.....
Once again I find myself really struggling with debt. I started a debt management plan using step change to try get my debts under control, all was going well until I found my circumstances changed in October. I became unemployed due to my Autistic son becoming a school refuser. I am in process of applying to increase DLA…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

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.

View All

Debt-free wannabe

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

Debt-free wannabe

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free