Where do I start?

dottyanne

Probably not (?) but i really must sit down and work out the exact amounts, the prob is that i have fallen behind in so many things thats its not just a case of paying these monthly amounts but also that i have to play catch up?? trying but i seem to be chasing my tail and running in circles.

I am doing my best to make more money, my dad is lodging with us at the mo so thats an extra £40 per week (bed only) he doesnt eat at home. Im cleaning for an elderly relative and earning another £50 per week and e-bay brings in about £40 per week :undecided

how do i do start this - and how do i tackle arrears etc??

Chortle_2

I think you need to do as close an approximation of an SOA as you can - if you can't make head nor tail of your position, we don't have a hope of telling you where to start!

Can you list:

your known incomings, i.e. benefits, money from your dad lodging/cleaning etc

Outgoings (normal amounts & arrears)

Debts - totals, minimum payments, and APRs?

That way we might be able to see where you are at with your known income at least, and can think about the business income later? We need as much detail as possible to be able to help I'm afraid...

dottyanne

Yep thanks will do it asap. btw - i see how much you WERE in debt and where you are now! Im amazed - hope to be in that position one day...........thanks

D&DD

I'm pretty good at chasing my tail too never caught it yet though!
On the homepage there is a budget planner which you can tweak to suit your incomings and outgoings.Its a good place to start off to give you an idea of your 'hidden' spending.
Take a look at how others have done their SOA (sorry cant do links!) and start work on yours.It doesnt have to be 100% right straight away we just need some idea so we can start to help.Also for saving on shopping etc try taking a look at the oldstyle boards the ladies there are brilliant It's all about working out what suits you and your family.You'll get there don't worry and we're always around if you need to scream!!
Keep your chin up :grouphug:

dottyanne

D&DD, sounds pathetic - but youve just brought tears to my eyes - debt is such a secretive personal thing and even tho im married my hubby is uninterested in the money side altogether - he thinks i worry too much but believe me i worry with good reason, i feel like im stuck in sinking sand. cant sleep properly and have been to doctors as im so stressed - i really need to find a solution that will help me. Thanks for your support at least i dont feel quite so alone now.xxx

D&DD

aw Dotty you've struck a chord with me too there my OH is the original 'head in the sand man'
I've lived like this for 20 years and now thanks to this site he's had a right royal kick up the jacksy :rotfl:
We CAN do this and we WILL do this stick with it hun and it'll come good you'll see :T

dottyanne

i WILL stick to it and if theres one thing ive learnt its to have respect for money - most ppl never learn it - an awful lot of my friends spend like its going out of fashion and they say - oh put it on a card - thats what theyre for!!! not anymore - ive cut all of them up bar 1 which when ive paid it off i will keep for emergencys (is this a good idea?? i dunno??), anyhow im gonna try and list EVERYTHING i owe - including those with arrears etc and look up APRs etc - which is a first for me?? oh well - i have to start somewhere??

dottyanne

ok, just thought i'd have a quick look on here for some inspration!! working all day today but im gonna make a start on listing everything after work tonight - cant promise will be done tonight but can promise i will try!!! oh well - here goes!!!!!!!