When you're in a "Debt hole"..Stop Digging!

Chrisblue1962

Had a positive weekend. Whilst sorting out the two sheds, I came across a few bits n bobs which I can sell on Ebay. Having a good tidy / sort out was quite inspiring to get other things done. Did some more DIY tonight.

Will try to get OH to start using a Spending Diary as we are still living beyond our means...wasn't helped this month by having a reduced salary due to SSP - was off 10 weeks recently due to broken ankle, which is now better.

Must balance damn budget for this month!

Chrisblue1962

Not a good week. Got a call from a company - while I was at work :mad: - called UDS claiming to be acting on behalf of Eon, requesting settlement of an old gas bill of about £151.60. I politely explained to the lady caller that I am experiencing financial difficulties, can only afford £1.00 per month at present and was being assisted by CCCS.

The caller replied that a £1.00 a monouth was not acceptable to which I replied that I was struggling to pay this.... The call ended by me being informed that they would take further action.

Yesterday (Thursday) I received a letter printed on red paper threatening baillifs and court action. Their letter was factually incorrect as it stated "...you have not contacted our client despite previous requests for payment." NOT TRUE...I have spoken to them by phone on 3 occasions and also written to them confirming my circumstances and have sent them a copy of my budget. I have written a reply today re-interating my circumstances and enclosed a copy of my CCCS budget. No doubt they will ignore it...skid row here I come

ZiggyStardust_2

I'm sorry that you've had a bad week

Here's hoping that you get some sort of positive outcome from your letter?

Chrisblue1962

Those lovely people at Barclaycard, yes that the people who phoned me at 8.40pm on a Saturday night went one better this morning and phoned me at 11.00am !

I hadn't posted my complaint letter to them yet so I quickly redrafted it and it's going by Recorded Delivery to Gill Rice, Collections Manager at Barclays tomorrow- Why shouldn't I name and shame organisations who bully and harrass people despite knowing that they are in difficulty?

I'm not actually that worried because if they do take me to court, I'll use their bullying tatics as evidence against them

Chrisblue1962

I've now posted my letter of complaint to Gill Rice, Collections Manager. Strangely enough the phone calls have stopped for the moment....

Lets hope she takes heed of my "harrassment" charge / complaint.

Chrisblue1962

Two items...
1. Received letter from Barclaycard, stating they are "investigating" my complaint....will wait and see what happens :rolleyes:.

2. Received letter from M & S who have for the next 12 months accepted my £1.00/month and will freeze interest :cool:.

As Cairman Mao said, "A journey of 1000 miles begins with just a single step.."...a few more steps by yours truly to debt freedom :cool:

Chrisblue1962

Just thought I'd post as not done so for a while.

Everything seems to have gone stranglely quiet...too quiet :eek:.

Last activity was a call from Egg who seem to have "lost" my letter outlining my circumstances and my CCCS budget, so will have to send another copy tomorrow (Friday).

On a positive note, OH had a job interview today and she's through to 2nd interview next Tuesday :T, when she will find out if she gets the job...ALL fingers and toes crossed!

Plus, I've a job interview next week for another job, which has a higher salary.

As a certain Mr. Ferguson would say "Squeaky Bum Time" next Tuesday and Wednesday!

hallsy85

Keep on trucking Chrisblue, the fact your taking positive action against these companies is an inspiration to us all!

savingholmes

Hi Chrisblue - sorry you are having such a rough time. I'm currently out of work too and it is getting increasingly hard to make the money stretch. Not yet on a dmp - hope I can get a job before I get to that.

I think the main thing to remember is that this is hopefully a temporary situation and long term you will be able to sort this out. You and I are just the "victims" in this recession, and although we do need to make every effort to find work for us and our families - if there are no jobs, there are no jobs and we shouldn't beat ourselves up. Some of the jobs I have applied for have had 200 applicants! I got down to the last 2 GRRRRR! Oh well one day it will work out.... In the meantime keep your chin up and keep posting.

Also look at the Make £10 a day challenge for ideas on creating extra income!

Chrisblue1962

Firstly, a BIG Thank You to Hallsy85 - I know it's a long haul for all of us and a few kind words have made me smile again.

Also, Thank You to savingholmes - I am actually luckily in full-time work but sadly my ever-loyal partner :lovethoughas been out of work for 22 months and it's slowly killing her. She gets so "down" it's unbearable to watch a proud and talented woman be ground down by companies who wouldn't know a loyal and hard-working person if they fell over one. To her immense credit, she does charity work for the British Red Cross and she was actually working today for nothing but her own pride and self esteem! So, given a choice, I am praying that she gets the job on Tuesday as she really deserves a break. I am really worried that if she does not then it will break her, both physically and mentally.

I've just checked the monthly budget and we have nothing left until 15th October. I am now scouring the house for things to sell on Ebay. I never thought things would come to this...:(