The Diary of a reformed Ostrich! (no more head in the sand!)

petrafyde

I see what you mean. I'll look into the account properly now

MrsTinks

Ok the way to do it is to still have the funds paid in to the same account to ensure they don't suddenly decide to close the OD facility on it... Once the wages are in THEN transfer what you need to the account the DDs are coming out of
That way you should avoid them suddenly demanding all the money from the overdraft and you stay in control

You're doing good! Sometimes it takes a serious kick to get people to pay attention and so sometimes I can come across a little abrupt and harsh - but I think you've got my point The fact is that you feel much better about things and you know that the main change is that you just got the tools and ability to be in control of your lives and finances

And well done for being willing to go face the bank it's a huge step to take and you did it ok you didn't have to go through with it but it's still good!

MrsTinks

Oh mobile insurance - check it's not already covered on your household insurance it may well be!
I used to have a similar if not the same account - and when I worked out what it cost me it got cancelled asap! My reasoning for keeping it was my free AA cover with it... except as you probably know you can get basic AA cover for £15 (£35 with £20 M&S vouchers back) if you read martins weekly tips

And well done on the baked potato's too!

Don't forget to build SOME treats in or the kids will soon rebel Tonight we're going out for a friends birthday and we're going to Pizza express SO i'm printing a bunch of the 2 for 1 vouchers for Pizza Express so everyone will get a good deal hehehehe

MrsT

petrafyde

Sounds like a plan. A spade's a spade with me so I can see what people mean without taking offence Anyway, you came across fine!

I'm feeling my way around, still a bit in a the dark but the light is glimmering there at the end of the tunnel. Any advice is always welcome. Thanks again

fizz190

Hiya,

Just wanted to say I am in awe of your determination and progress so far!! I imagine your story will help so many others in a similar boat so keep posting!

Just to give you a little more encouragement - I was in a similar headspace to you 18 months ago. My head was well and truly buried, I had drawers full of unopened letters and I was too scared to answer my phone. I then sat down and went through all my debts, did a budget and wrote to all of my creditors with payment offers (all the while shaking and weeping like a baby!) Since then I have paid off more than £4000 of debt, I now get statements instead of threats and can actually see day when I'll be debt free.

You've already taken the biggest and most important step :T

Well done!

Fizz x

petrafyde

That's a really nice thing to say, thanks

Pinzy

Going back to the car insurance, from what you said it sounds like they're trying to get money out of you to cover you in case you can't make the insurance payment. In other words, Payment Protection Insurance.

PPI added on by loan companies, card companies, insurance companies etc. is usually extortionate. I've cancelled mine on my loan and it's saved me £50 per month! How shocking is that! OH has cancelled it on his ccards and has saved himself £40 a month.
PPI in itself isn't bad, but there are companies such as Ant Insurance which specialise in it, and are much more reasonable. (i.e. for my loan the charge is £3.41 a month, much better than £50)

Even better news is, if you have been mis-sold PPI (and most people have) you can claim it back. Currently I am waiting to get £500 back from Alliance & Leicester and worked out OH could reclaim over £1000. If you get time, read the PPI article and the boards... that'll get you fired up!


Do keep posting your thoughts. Your posts have inspired me to deal with that council tax bill I've been ignoring for the past few days, sort out the paperwork, and get back on the Debt Free Wannabe pony!
Thank you.

petrafyde

That's interesting Pinzy, cheers. When I get to that 'debt' that will be the first thing I have, I hadn't even considered that was what it could be! doh.

Really glad it's helped you make a move, I feel so much better now I've started this. Don't think I could bear to go back to 'head in the sand' now.

Might ring the bank tomorrow. Have been online most of the day taking photo's for eBay listings. Making myself a sealed pot for the savings thread tonight -woohoo!

I've made up a little poem about debt, because it's such a big presence in so many peoples lives! It's called the 'Another poem' because there's always something else to pay for or deal with!

Another pound, another day
Another penny to throw away
Another credit card full to the max
Interest, bank charges, council tax.
Another debtor, or a bailiff at the door
Another plain envelope containing words that say 'we want more!'

And on and on this goes until
Another day, brighter than the last
Another person who decides to sort out their past
Another way to live and find peace at last.

Phew, that's not like me Enjoyed it though

elona

petra

Well done on tackling the bills etc.

I have just been reading a copy of "Recession 2008" with tips of what to do and do not want to keep it.

If you would like it just p.m. me and I will post it to you as a good luck gift.

Elona

petrafyde

Thanks Elona, PM sent!

Also! Lookie at my new signature - yay!