Need help, all out of ideas

cap_picard

Thank you all for your advice the poeple on this forum are genuinely nice people. I think I could do nursing but the decision to do it was made out of desperation to get a career before it's too late and although it does suit my character I would still rather be in IT. I've got some information packs on the way so im going to take a look. I rung learndirect and they advised me to do the Microsoft certified professional courses as I already have a great understanding of computers I just don't have a piece of paper to say I know what I know. I still need to ring the cccs as I filled out the online form and it told me i could probably afford to repay back the debt myself so for a couple of days i pondered and figured I could probably get away with just paying a bit more than the minimum amount and pay off the cards myself. Then I saw an advert for a loan for people with bad credit so I gave them a call and it turned out to be someone offering a debt management kind of thing which sounded really good but they do charge a fee so im going to actually ring the cccs to see if they could do the same kind of thing. It would cost me less in the long run as it sounds as if the interest etc can be frozen and it would make it much easier for me to manage my money, does this option have any disadvantages at all compared to doing it all myself? I will update when I can.
Kind regards
rivageeza

cap_picard

Just a quick update, the place i got through to was http://www.debtfreehelpline.com, and from what I've read they offer the same services as cccs but they charge a fee?
Kind regards
rivageeza

mum2one

I would totally avoid any companies that advertise on the TV - ask yourself one simple question if they can afford to advertise on TV - where are they getting the money from - I know people who pay a fee for a service that is supplied free from a charity called CCCS.
I dont mean to sound harsh, but I wouldnt want anyone to waste money unnecessary.

It sounds really positive re the computer course, go far it

Re online forms, that sounds positive if they think you can manage your debts, but def go back to them, have you tried doing a snowball, havent got a link, but Im sure someone will come along soon, or plan B, put snowball in searchbox of this page and give you some posts, may take a bit longer, but your get there. xx

RAS

Spammer disappeared faster than ever before!!

fermi

mum2one wrote: »

I would totally avoid any companies that advertise on the TV - ask yourself one simple question if they can afford to advertise on TV - where are they getting the money from - I know people who pay a fee for a service that is supplied free from a charity called CCCS.
I dont mean to sound harsh, but I wouldnt want anyone to waste money unnecessary.

Couldn't agree more.

It's also Martin's opinion apparently.

From the article: Debt Problems - Where to start, what to do, where to get help

The right people to go to

You need non-profit debt counselling help, in other words a one-on-one session with someone who is paid to help you, not to make money out of you. This is different to ‘free’: many commercial companies say they’re free as you’re not charged directly, but you’ll still pay somehow. The places I'd recommend are:

Consumer Credit Counselling Service - Website: CCCS Telephone: 0800 138 1111

National Debtline - Website: National Debtline Telephone: 0808 808 4000

Citizens Advice Bureau - Website: Citizens Advice or visit your local CAB centre (find nearest

Community Legal Advice - Website: Community Legal Advice Telephone: 0845 345 4 345

These counsellors use a variety of techniques, you may be put on a debt management plan, where they negotiate with your creditors. You may be recommended an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) or even bankruptcy (not as scary as it sounds). They will certainly show you how to prioritise the most important debts to enable you to keep food on the table and roof over your head.

Most importantly they're not judgmental, they're not there to tell you off, they're just there to help you sort out the problem. The sooner you talk to them the better. It may help you sleep at night.

Unfortunately they can be oversubscribed. If it takes time to get an appointment with them, use the info on their websites to start to plan. There may also be a local debt councillor in your area, such as Christians Against Poverty (not about religion even if it sounds like it) but ensure it is a non profit/Charity.

The wrong people to go to

Avoid any of the beasts that advertise debt help or management on the TV or in red top newspapers. They are commercial companies who simply want to make cash out of you, they don't care. While in the short term their plans will make your payments lower, in the long run it'll cost you dear. Avoid them. Don't touch them. Don’t go near them.
I think this post from the Chat Forum explains it better than I ever can:

"We, my wife and I, are on a seven-year plan with CCCS" (that's the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, one of my recommended agencies – Martin) "having recently changed from a commercial debt management company after hearing Martin on Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show. The simple action of swapping to the CCCS has shaved over two years off the length of our plan as the money we were paying the management company now goes to our creditors instead! Of course, that also means a financial saving of nearly eight grand over the term of the original plans 10 year period."

This includes IVA companies who advertise about “a little known government loophole”. While it sounds good, it’s only for a few people. If it is for you the debt counselling agencies should suggest it.

lynzpower

hello rivageeza

First things first, why not put up your SOA, so we can see what you have coming in and going out.

You say you have a crummy job, BUT are you certain that there is no way they will help you get a qualification under your belt? Is there an IT part of the company for example- could you ask your boss to do one day a week in that team to help out? You never know till you ask

One thing that CAN be pretty useful is violunteering. Now I dont know where you live, but round my way they are crying out for people to help in IT training with older people "silver surfers clubs" to help older people get use out of the interweb and not be overly confuzzled by new tech. By your own admission, I think you will be more than quialified for this, so why not find out if there is one evening a week you could do?

On up your income board there is a thread "a real work at home job" its working for - i think- sky dealing with thier broadband enqs. Although this is certianly not strictly IT more cust service, its still extra money, and something IT looking on your CV.

All the best and well done on giving up the grass youll get an amazing lease of life now, and it is not TOO LATE for you at all. Loads of us on here are constantly changing and developing, trying this, having a go at that, the world is your oysster mate! After all, think of the silver surfers who are learning thier new skills well into thier 80s - bet they could teach me & you a thing or two about keeping on keeping on

Best of british x

mummytofour

Have you done any care work at all? How about contacting the hospital and getting your self a job as a bank carer that means as and when work to suite you. Round here even that at a Min pays over £7 an hr and £11 on Sundays. You would get a real feel for nursing and you could do it in addition to your normal job while earning some extra cash for your debts. A lot of student nurses do bank work also.

RAS

rivageeza wrote: »

Im aged 26 in a crummy job, living with my parents and im completely broke all the time. I want to sort things out but it feels like i've left it too late

You are a baby really, got a whole life time ahead of you - another 60 years and probably at least another 4 careers.

Well done for sorting out the dope situation. Please take care of yourself and be kind to yourself over the next few months. It takes time to turn the ship around.

Do you have any junk in the attic at your parents you can sell? Can you do mystery shopping or bar work if that gets you a bit extra.

And please take advice from the debt charities about your situation.