Help!!!!

TASHAandKRISTIAN

Hi All, I am an 18 y/o unemployed mother of 1. I am on benefits at the moment until I return to work. I have applied for a few credit cards and loans, as well as 1 or 2 store cards. I have also tried applying for mobile phone contracts but I keep getting refused. Would anyone be able to help me?! plz?? I am wanting at least 1 credit card to start off with, just to help me with day to day costs. But it has to be 1 that I can manage so nothing too major plz! If anyone has any hints or tips, I am VERY VERY grateful!!

Many thanks, Tasha.

McKneff

Hello there and welcome to the boards.
This may not be what you want to hear but if you cant manage day to day costs on the benefits you receive how on earth are you going to manage to pay yet another bill. In this climate you arent necessarily going to get back to work in the short term. Its too easy to start on the slippery slope to debt. Just buy a PAYG phone. Contract Phone - please remember you are getting benefits so it would be the tax payer who would be funding it if you dont have a job.

Moggles_2

If this would be your first credit card, you have a limited credit history so, from the lender's perspective, you're something of an unknown quantity. They are likely to see you as too great a risk. You probably need to be more concerned about actually getting a starter card, rather than looking for the best cards to meet your present circumstances. The bank that holds your current account may be the place to start.

Are you on the electoral roll at your current address? Lenders score us differently, but everyone's rating improves no end once registered.

For more tips to improve your chances, have a look at the *Credit Rating: how it works and how to improve it guide* especially Martin's *Manage and Improve your credit score*
article

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score#improve

seeya23

try

auqa card http://www.aquacard.co.uk/
Capital One https://www.capitalone.co.uk/creditcards/secure/application.jsf
Vanquis Visa http://www.vanquis.co.uk/home/home.aspx

scorpiolady

My daughters in the same situation as you , couldnt get anything on credit, so she applied for a littlewoods catalogue ordering small amounts then she asked the bank for a small overdraft of £90 which they gave her and shes just managed to get a phone on contract through orange

TASHAandKRISTIAN

thnx so much scorpiolady. tht is a big help! is kays the same as littlewoods?? i was sent a kays catalouge this morning lol! i need a new bed as well lol!
ur all a big help, although i did apply for a barclay card initial and i was refused well, back to the drawing board! hopefully something happens soon.

PNPSUKNET

If on benefits you dont need a contract mobile, if your struggling goto the cab dont be silly stretching beyond your means. As they say human nature always wants what it hasnt got.

mandragora_2

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews100092.html

Don't, don't don't get a credit card - it's the most expensive way of getting money, and horrible when the bills start mounting up. The same goes for all HP arrangements like Kays catalogue too.

So instead:

Get registered with freecycle - people on there will be a mixed bunch, like much of life, but there are many there who will help you (I've done this for youngsters on our board, because people helped me out when I was young)

See if any friends or family have any of the stuff you need that they're getting rid of - beds often get replaced, even when they're still good - also, try the local paper - there's some great bargains in there.

Go to your local library and see if they keep a list of local charities which help those who are in financial difficulties - there probably are projects in your area, and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Make sure you're claiming every allowance and benefit you're entitled to.

Use the advice and expertese of people on these boards to help you.

At the moment you're short of cash, but debt free. That's a great place to be - because at least from there, you have a way of keeping your head above water. Don't throw that away.

TASHAandKRISTIAN

:beer:
thts great. thnx 4 all ur advice, i COMPLETELY forgot about freecycle!!:rolleyes::p:rotfl: my mum uses freecycle and they are a BIG help. i'm already on payg but its more expensive than a bloody contract phone lol! as i dont have a house phone, i rely on my mobile so it is costing 40 pound a month on top ups anyway and i'm !!!!!!ed if i aint got the cash. :mad:
does anyone on here know ALL the benefits i am entitled to?? as, like i mentioned before, with job centre and every where, it seems right hand doesnt talk to the left. thanx again for all your help and advice. ur all amazing! btw, I'M A GREASY PALMER!! lol! only got £2.50 but....its a start!:p:beer::j:rotfl::T:D

McKneff

Stop making so many phone calls if you cant afford them

debtdestroyer007

oh yeah.... just make sure you check your credit file first.... so that there are no nasties present
you can get a free report
https://www.annualcreditreport.co.uk - its equifax based though

good luck