how did you end up in debt?

rubydoiwannabee

Any tips Penguin, you have reduced your debts loads?

Tonylpool

hi Ikkle,

You are an inspiration to us all! Yes, we ultimately take account for our own personal financial mess and whilst I should have got my head out of the sand earlier, it was also to do with an ex partner that left me with tenancy agreements, unpaid council tax bills,utility bills etc. I could have walked away like she did but thats what makes this site, its the people that face upto their problems and whilst dealing with their own issues, they want to help others!

Hold your head high hun!!!! Loved reading your post!

Take care

Tony x

spam.jam

Tax credits £1442.63, they haven't contacted me about paying it back yet and there will be a fight but I still view it as a debt, £364.60 lent to ex (later discovered to fund coke habit, Im single now and prob'ly won't see this money but it came out of my bank ie overdraft so is part of my debt, albeit I have been an idiot), the rest is catalogues, also interest free. Nothing exciting, but I can see how things can spiral out of control plus who knows whats around the corner. Im aiming for savings not debts........:D

penguin83

I have done mystery shopping, survey sites and things like Quidco to bring a bit of extra cash in. There is an Up your Income board on here that has loads of little tips to increase those pennies but most of all I have just rejigged my finances. We are lucky in that we have a fairly good income but I was so disorganised that out bills werent being paid and god knows where the money was going.

The snowball calculator at www.whatsthecost.com has been a godsend and its a big boost to be able to update the figures. I have a spreadsheet that I update daily so now I know exactly what is getting paid when.

And above all keep posting here for inspiration, hints and tips off everyone! x x

rubydoiwannabee

Thanks penguin... I am slowly working my way through all of the fab suggestions on these boards, there are soooo many.

Hi spam.jam, thanks for your reply.

Tonylpool

Ruby thanks for a great thread today and I think this has brought even more people together which is the main thing. I had a lovely PM of someone earlier as a result of this so thank you! I'm sure everyone else joins me in thanking you and also for setting up the July 08 support group up!

Tony x

rubydoiwannabee

Tonylpool wrote: »

Ruby thanks for a great thread today and I think this has brought even more people together which is the main thing. I had a lovely PM of someone earlier as a result of this so thank you! I'm sure everyone else joins me in thanking you and also for setting up the July 08 support group up!

Tony x

Ahhh bless you, I am chuffed because I have never had a thread that so many people have contributed to. Feel like I am a proper member of the MSE family now.

It is great that so many people have been able to comment, the honesty, support and encouragement really is stunning. Especially when you think we might pass each other in the street and not know!!

GeorgeUK

_pale_ gambling _pale_
And not having the sense to realise that putting things on creditcard and paying more than the minumum, but keeping money in my current account was actually wasting money.

I guess i have an addictive personality as well as being a bit of a miserable git. Not exactly the life and soul of the party you could say. At least now i realise that having a gambling problem means i will always have a gambling problem - it's just that it may become easier to control with time but i'll never be rid of it.

As long as i keep aware of things like this i should be okay.
(How much does it cost for a personality nowadays?):p

Tonylpool

i agree, i have only been here 2 weeks but i feel really strong! you have done well Ruby!

Need to change my signature as we said but will do tomorrow now as I've been up since 6 so off to bed!

Goodnight all!

Tony x

rubydoiwannabee

Night Tony.

Hi George, thanks for your post. I think we all have addictive personalities in one shape or form. Like you say, realising it is half the problem solved.

I am currently addicted to this site.

Goodnight for now.