I think this changes things

Toto

I have just taken on an additional bit of musician work, as a resident so it's secure. It will give me an extra £600 a month so that is £800 per month (I took off £20 for the extra travel) So now I have a full £800 a month for the creditors. DO you think it is still worth going through the debtline thing or should I pretty much offer to pick up my payments where I left off. My plan is to really shave off as much as I can from the household buget to make it a clear £1000 per month then I can clear my debt in 60 months.

The down side is I am already doing 60 + hours a week, plus the kids.. but it's worth it to get out of this mess. I am really commited. Now I just need to get the creditors on side, I don't think they are very happy with me right now and not really open to friendly chats that don't involve the words 'payment in full by debit card'.

Emmzi

Is 60 hours a week sustainable for 5 years?

If not... still go for the help. In fact, go for confidential no obligation chat anyway.

bargainbetty

Toto,

Stuff them! Mke sure you pay yourself first, and cover your living expenses. If you can cover all the minimum payments, fine. If you have any extra, chuck it at the highest apr debt, and clear that first. Bring them down a bit at a time, and as you close out old accounts, see if your credit rating has cleared to a point where you can go 0% or low life-of-balance somewere.

Do still tell them you are having difficulties, and would like them to freeze/reduce the interest until you get back on your feet. They might not like it much, but they are still businesses, and it makes sense to keep getting a bit than lose the whole debt.

Well done on the job - you must be knackered, but just remember, every minute gets you closer to your dream!

Hugs to you xx

**purpleprincess**

That's a lot of hours Toto, can you really manage that??? Don't forget to have a bit of consideration and time for yourself too.

Toto

It's all gone beyond that point because they are defaulted accounts so it's a case of keeping them away from my house and my just wanting to be debt free more than anything. I work long hours yes, my business sees that I do, but that's what it takes. Hopefully by the time the business is a couple of years older I won't need to work so hard, it will bring in more money to take the heat off me a bit. But I did get myself into this and other than going to court I can't see another option. Offering them £220 between them just didn't seem enough so I felt I had to try to get some more work, it's either that or remortgage and looking at my credit file I can't see how I would even begin to release the equity... self employed CCJs recent defaults IVA... ugh.

**purpleprincess**

Awww, well good luck hun xx