new start - get life straight

mum2one

Here we go, as you can see from my posts I've been active on MSE, I have had lightbulb moments before and did try to get debts sorted, but one thing and another it all went wrong.

If I explain a bit about me, Im single mum, before all the single mum bashers come out of the closet, I walked out on a voilent and abusive relationship when I was 7 mths gone. My dd is now 6, I got into a wack of debt around the time I was pregnant, my wages dropped from 1k a month to £250 ssp, and then £300 smp, this is going back to 2002.

In 2005 I cleared 1 credit card, 1 store card and a consolidation loan. Since then I ended up with more credit cards, a new overdraft, and money being spent like water.

Over the last 18 months I have been subjected to a campaign of violent threats, abuse, threats to family, property, damage to my car etc, and I had a pretty rough time, it triggered off another bads bout of depression, and with everything that was going on I did a lot of "escapeing", whether that was a weekend away, a week away, time away with my family, and again debts mounted up.

I guess the turning point this time, or another lightbulb moment, was my neighbours got evicted, thank god as the police were as much use as a chocolate teapot. I had a trip on The Orient Express, and I decided that today is the start of my new life.

As you can see my life needs a overhaul in more ways than one, on a positive note I start Open Uni again Feb 09, as with all the probs this yr I ended up haveing to cancel my courses.

Yes Im on Income support, Im disabled, I had the misfortune of being involved in a car accident and then haveing my dd, I have been on crutches for 6 yrs, I have spinal problems, hip and neck, and a few other health problems. I ocassionally do some Mystery shopping work, which is fully documented with the DHSS, as I want to keep things legal and above board.

The month of December is all over the place with money, although, thanks to a lot of planning and shopping throughout the year have been able to get a lot done.

I have done statewment of affairs, but at the mo, dont feel comfortable putting it up, yes I know its silly but thats me.

I have thrown some figures around, and have split my debts into 3 parts

Credit c\ards - Over 5k
ODraft - £1,000
Personal parents / saveings used need replaceing £5,000

Worked on the basis that is I live on the bare minimum, I can put £250 on my credit cards, £50 back to parents as they need the money back, and £30 to £50 on overdraft.

I want to aim for March 2011 for my credit cards as thats my 40th Bday, have my od paid by then and a chunk of the personal money.

I am no good at forward planning, but have made some promises to myself in the new yr

• set up direct debit min repayment on cards, then top up extra by bank transfer, that way I wont get any charges
• check online balance weekly
• keep a spending diary
• take a month at a time,
• cut all but 1 credit card up
• set amount for petrol per month
• divide car ins over 12 months, due dec nxt yr - that way have the money
• try cashback sites for purchases

I dont have a social life, for a lot of reasons, I may go out every couple of months for a meal with friends thats my treat.

Guess thats me, I intend to use this thread and update weekly, even if its just to say I have made a payment as I feel that if I have it in writing I have something to work to and should be able to see the payments coming down at the end of the month.

Any comments, suggestions etc will be fully appricated. x

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my thread.

gettingbetter

:j good luck mum :j
kas xx

mummum2

Good luck sweetie! :j :j :T :T

Lula-Hula

Hi mum2one,

:eek: you've had some grim times, I sympathise with you in many ways & just want to say how brilliantly you are doing. Trying to clear debts when living on a low income is a tough struggle - I know as I'm doing it too :rolleyes: but one thing for sure is that here you will get loads of support as you know by now . I sometimes feel ashamed when I read of people who have managed to clear twice my total debt in a year but we all have our own boundaries to operate within & just the fact that we are here & dealing with it is a huge morale boost.

I wish you every success & it's good to know my social life isnt unique :rolleyes: .

Hugs & positive vibes to you

Lula

frasersmum123

Just wanted to say good luck - you seem to have the determined attitude needed!

doodledo_2

Good luck with your journey. Sounds like you have been through a rough few years but you definately have the right attitude to clearing those debts.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

mum2one

Thank you all, Im a big softy and had a tear, each message is supportive and I feel like I could climb a mountain. (brain says yes, body says no!!) x

doodledo_2

Stick around as this board is so supportive and there are so many inspirational people here and it really does help you through sticky times.

I think it helps that no matter what your situation there is nearly always someone on here who has been there and done it.

Miss_Piggy_2

Good luck...you are in the best place!!! We are all here to support and help you. There are times when I could have sat and cried ...but coming on here helps no end, loads of people with tons of positive, helpful advice!

Miss P
xx

The_Dragon

Good luck sweetie (from another car crash crutches user!), may sound silly but why not leave the overdraft until last and clear everything else first?

mum2one

Lula-Hula wrote: »

Hi mum2one,

:eek: you've had some grim times, I sympathise with you in many ways & just want to say how brilliantly you are doing. Trying to clear debts when living on a low income is a tough struggle - I know as I'm doing it too :rolleyes: but one thing for sure is that here you will get loads of support as you know by now . I sometimes feel ashamed when I read of people who have managed to clear twice my total debt in a year but we all have our own boundaries to operate within & just the fact that we are here & dealing with it is a huge morale boost.

I wish you every success & it's good to know my social life isnt unique :rolleyes: .

Hugs & positive vibes to you

Lula

Hi Lula
Bless you, I know what u mean when others clear 10k or more in a yr, but then guess they have the income. Exactly as u said, we have our own boundaries and we can only do our best.
Thank you thou xx