How long have you been in debt????

rluc

Hi,
Just wanted to get some feedback from people, I guess so I dont feel so alone about it all!!
I have been getting pretty down about all of the debt recently because it has just been going on for ever it seems.
In a sleepless night the other night I worked out that I have been in a downward spiral of debt since I got my first credit card as a "Just In Case" for a holiday when I was 21. I am now 38 and with a failed marriage behind me ( in part due to the debt!) I am about 23 grand in debt, renting a room in my friends house with nothing much to show for all the debt and looking on the snow ball calculator if I can keep up my payments will be debt free by november 2010!!!!
A lot of the time I can deal it pretty well but sometimes I just think that is this was my life is all supposed to be about .
Hopefully tommorow will be a better day, I know there is light at the end of the tunnel as I have not used a credit card for 18 months now!! 2010 just seems like a long way away!!!!!!!
Ta for listening to my ramblings

matbe

Just remember "don't let the bast@rds grind you down "

also del boys "this time next year we'll be millionaires"

keep your chin up

:beer:

~Beanie~

Same here really, I am 39 and have been in debt of one degree or another since getting my first credit card at about aged 20!

I worked for a Bank back then so over the years have had at least 2 consolidation loans from them, one from Egg a few years ago (which I am still repaying) and I STILL have credit card debt!

I finally had the LBM in February this year and have chopped up all my cards and am slowly repaying them.

pureaswhite

I completely know how you feel. Downward spiral started with a £350 credit card and £300 over draft when I was 18! Downhill from there really and not including my mortgage I am now over £20,000. Only just had light bulb moment and not in a position to overpay anything at the mo. I'll get there though.

Just remember that you are a lot better off than when you started & two years might seem a long time but it will fly. Just imagine how you'll feel when you take a holiday because you have the money (not credit card). Imagine when your left with a decent amount of money at the end of the month because you do not have any monthly payments to some debt company. Keep up the good work! :A

Numpty_Monkey

2010 might seem along while away, but it isn't
have you looked at just paying the minimum repayments calculator???:eek:

and good luck on getting debt free in 2010, maybe 2009 :rolleyes:

rluc

Thanks matbe and beanie, sometimes just feel so alone with it all, most of my family don't know and and only a few friends know but try to keep it all to myself and like you say keep my chin up!! Just having a bad few days I guess

rluc

Numpty, trying to pay ~ £800 or more a month depends on what i earn as i am self employed. It will be good to be debt free i think it sometimes seems so far away ( which you are right in all reality it isnt) it somehow seemed easier when my head was in the sand and pretending it wasn't there!!
pureaswhite, keep on going yourself one day we will all be debt free!!
Thanks people, am going to hopefully try and get a good nights sleep now

Deep_In_Debt

rluc wrote: »

Hi,
Just wanted to get some feedback from people, I guess so I dont feel so alone about it all!!
I have been getting pretty down about all of the debt recently because it has just been going on for ever it seems.
In a sleepless night the other night I worked out that I have been in a downward spiral of debt since I got my first credit card as a "Just In Case" for a holiday when I was 21. I am now 38 and with a failed marriage behind me ( in part due to the debt!) I am about 23 grand in debt, renting a room in my friends house with nothing much to show for all the debt and looking on the snow ball calculator if I can keep up my payments will be debt free by november 2010!!!!
A lot of the time I can deal it pretty well but sometimes I just think that is this was my life is all supposed to be about .
Hopefully tommorow will be a better day, I know there is light at the end of the tunnel as I have not used a credit card for 18 months now!! 2010 just seems like a long way away!!!!!!!
Ta for listening to my ramblings

I've been in debt most of my life, although I guess I coped with it for years.

By the way, am a fair bit older than you, owe more, with a mortgage and I'll be debt free probably well into my retirement at this rate!

Similar circumstances though.

Good luck, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

matbe

I am also nearly 39 (october) have also been in debt but you just have to keep going i work as much as poss and always look on the bright side.

You have a debt free date and its only a couple of years off.

if you work at it you could be sooner.

all the best

mat

:beer:

LilacPixie

I'm 27 and have been paying some debt or another since I bought my home at 22. I have now totally changed my thinking and mortgage is being considered a debt just like a c'card and I will be clearing them as fast as possible.

Sue-UU

Hi rluc. I think most of us here either have been, or still are, in a similar situation as you, and yes, sometimes it's harder to cope with than others. However, if mine had been cleared by the time I was 40 I'd have been ecstatic! Clear your debt as soon as you possibly can and then steer clear of credit cards as they'll only entice you back to a world of credit and if you're not careful the ball will start rolling again!!!

The amount you owe seems like a mountain right now, but if you can see yourself having paid it off in about 2 years then just grit your teeth, get on with it and look to a much rosier future. You CAN do it and WILL so long as you remain strong and determined never to let it happen again. You'll even have time for a good, solid relationship..... without all the money worries to come between you both.

To answer your question though, we've been struggling for 8 years and, all being well, will see it all straight by 210 as well.:j Go for it rluc, you have a great life ahead to look forward to - get there, then live it credit-free and you'll remain money-problem free! All best wishes.

Sue