too afraid to tell hubby

Francesanne

jodan wrote: »

Big thanks, think I just live beyond my means. Think that could be the answer, will probably hate having pocket money but he is good with money and I want to get out this mess.

Think you really need to let your hubby deal with the finances. You might hate getting pocket money but you'll have peace of mind and that's a very important factor. You need his help to help get out of trouble. Good luck.

Ames

I think you need to identify where the overspending comes from. If it's nice clothes and handbags that you don't need then it's something you need to deal with. If it's clothes for the kids, and household expenses, then you and your husband need to address it and work on a better split of income and spending, otherwise it'll just keep happening.

Nargleblast

Hardest part over (telling husband). Now comes the real work, setting down your joint household budget, cutting back where possible, and working out how to repay the debts. Please please make sure all credit cards are destroyed and catalogues chucked out in the recycling bin - from now on you save for what you want, and before spending anything ask yourself "do I really need to buy this?" If the answer is yes then "can I get it cheaper?" We'll make a moneysaver of you yet!!

jodan

I don't knowhow theycame to thatfigure at cccs but that's what they reckon. Maybe I didn't give enough in outgoings. will finish joint soa and post.

System

Hi Jodan, there are 'Trigger Figures' that CCCS, Payplan and others use. For example you (and these are examples and not necessarily true) are entitled to £20 per month for hairdressig, £40 for clothes. If you don't breach these figures then I think (and again this may not be true) creditors should accept your offer of repayment via whomever you choose. The trigger figures are listed somewhere and perhaps CCCS are not so forthcoming with them. When I had my annual review with Payplan in Apr they told me what I am entitled to and whilst I fell within these amounts anyway, I suspected that Payplan were telling me that this was the figure I could use. I will do some digging for you. Len

jodan

Big thanks, head is in bits. Feel I've been spending all my spare time on sorting this and getting no where. Much harder to get out of debt than it is to get in it. Big lesson learned and will live on breadline if it means keeping wolves from the door.
Think i've found a cheaper gas and electric suplier, just need sort out a new bank account, as i don't want to use the one with overdraft, and then can do transfer.

jodan

Email from cccs says that between us we have £338 surplus after paying debts. Don't know if i'm wording it wrong but they don't seem to understand that hubby is not paying of the debts. He's getting frustrated as they seem to be implying because he's my OH he should share financial responsibility. AARGH!
Going to get some sleep and start afresh tomoz.

GeorgeUK

Might also be worthwhile looking at posts that mention Quidco - a kind of cash back site. Never used it myself, but others have been able to make savings from a reduction with a new supplier, then getting money back on top of this. If you are looking at new insurance and utility suppliers, it might be worth looking at this too.

System

Hi Jo

Ive found this from HMRC. Im sure there is more info about trigger figures but its a start and it gives you an idea of what the government considers acceptable for you to be spending on essentials. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/dmbmanual/DMBM800120.htm I'll keep looking for more because I am sure that there is a more comprehensive list. I think in many ways it is easier to get out of debt than to get into it because you see the light and the error of your ways and the light at the end of the tunnel that you see by the help and advice offered on DFW and the debt charities it is a truly enlightening experience.

System

Look at Post 3 of this thread and the PDF file that shows budget guidelines from Payplan from 2007. http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/debt-collection-industry/108185-trigger-figures.html