When you're in a "Debt hole"..Stop Digging! 29 July 2009 at 6:44PM in Debt free diaries 268 replies 25.7K views

Chrisblue1962

Well, it's up to been one month since I finally faced up to reality and squared up to my financial crisis i.e approx £17,500 in debt and outgoings still exceeding income.

My partner is desperately looking for work but no joy. The debt is basically my credit cards (3), loan and an old gas bill.

The hardest step was discussing it fully with my partner and then calling CCCS, who have been great. My creditors, bar Eon, have been surprisingly accomodating and I am currently making nominal payments on the CCs (credit cards) and the loan. Eon, basically don't want to "play ball"...all for about £160.00...well they do have their shareholders and bonuses to worry about...grrrr.:mad:

Have set up new current a/c and that will soon "come to life" when I get paid next month.

One good item of news...had a clear out at the weekend and found £90.00 worth of gift vouchers in a drawer !!! - £58.00 B and Q, £30.00 HMV...and £2.00 Asda.

I know it's going to take a lot of hard work, self-control and courage to emerge from "The Hole" but it will be worth it. I also aim to pay off mortgage before I retire (in 20 years time!!) but let's slay this dragon first .

In my younger years I ran two marathons...if I can do that then I can do this !!!!!

Any gems of wisdom, tips and virtual hugs or virtual handshakes welcome...bye for now fellow DFWs :hello:

kizandcorez

good luck with it and yeah for the vouchers

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Chrisblue1962 wrote: »

My creditors, bar Eon, have been surprisingly accomodating and I am currently making nominal payments on the CCs (credit cards) and the loan. Eon, basically don't want to "play ball"...all for about £160.00...well they do have their shareholders and bonuses to worry about...grrrr.:mad:

Hi Chrisblue

Sorry you have not been able to come to a more agreeable arrangement with us.

Is this an old debt or do we still supply your energy? There are options available if we still supply you.

A payment arrangement can be set up to include your ongoing usage and the debt. This will allow us to spread the debt over a longer period.

Alternatively, a Prepayment Meter can be fitted and the debt set on the meter. This will allow us to spread the balance over an even longer period.

It may still be possible to set up a payment arrangement even if we no longer supply you. I would recommend talking to us and outlining your circumstances. See if a mutually acceptable arrangement can be agreed.

So long as you are willing to make realistic payments we will be happy to set up a payment plan. If you are still unable to agree a way forward ask to speak to a manager.

Really hope you are able to come to an agreement with us Chrisblue. As I say, keep talking to us.

Malc

Fire_Fox

You could sell the larger denomination vouchers on eBay if you don't have anything you need.

Chrisblue1962

Thanks Fire Fox, never thouht of that but I'm planning to spruce up the garden a bit and get a film or some CDs from HMV for some entertainment. :cool:

penelopedee_2

Hello Chrisblue, just wanted to send you a virtual hug. I found once I've admitted we're in a mess it does become easier to keep up the mse frame of mind. You should find that bit easy if you have the stamina to run marathons! Good luck and I'm happy to nag and chat to keep you going cos I'm here for the long haul too.

Enjoy your vouchers.

Chrisblue1962

Thanks PenelopeDee

Any encouragement & support most welcome and will be reciprocated.

Another bit of "luck" today, found Vodaphone £10.00 topup voucher with old mobile in drawer :T ...having a sort-out turns up all sort of stuff!

Chrisblue1962

Well, checked my online Egg card account today and they have slapped £16.00 late payment charge ...because I didnt pay the minimum amount...erm, I cant aford it!... plus about £80.00 interest on me despite my letter & CCCS involvement.

I think another letter to Egg &/or call to CCCS is required :mad:

I think Citibank (who own Egg ) may soon join Eon on my "Glorious Scumbags" List.

BTW the title is a reference to the well known country song about a miner called "16 Tons" done by Jonny Cash and others...worth a listen...song makes me smile

Chrisblue1962

Hmmm... Those nice people at Egg sent me a Default Notice today...despite the fact that I have already advised them that I can't make the minimum payments. Well, they can't have what I haven't got .

Also, got another annoying call from M & S Money, advising me that I had a Payment Agreement then that I didn't have one and but now I had one again!...where do they get these people?

To make things worse, I spent two hours trying to fix a pucture on my bike...which then went down again. Oh well, feeling slighthly deflated but not completely flat !:rotfl:Keep battling on fellow DFW'ers...

Chrisblue1962

Got in from work to find M & S statement plus a Default Notice. CCCS have said that I should not get too upset about them but just keep paying my £1.00/month. Just hate having to hang on until payday - this Friday. Have barely got enough cash to get to work. Hope next month is easier.... This DFW is really starting to bite...

Chrisblue1962

Well, I took another small step towards being a DFW today...a small act of "revenge" against the High Street banks..yes, that' them, the ones who pleaded absolute penury and asked HM Govt to bail them out ...and then paid themselves HUGE bonues with OUR money!

What did I do? I joined a Credit Union. This way, I can save small amounts and at least the benefits will go to help REAL PEOPLE get their lives under control. .

Remember, you can also vote with your wallet/purse and not just every 5 years!

End of rant...have a nice weekend fellow DFW'ers :j