Not Strong enough

Sarah2490

I have realised that the only way forward for me is go use CCCS or Payplan to sort out my debt the only problem is I don't think I am strong enough

I feel horrible as it is as I have always wanted to get myself out of the debt without help and was doing ok. Everything changed when I had my baby and my partner left me. I've had to set up house and provide for my baby getting me into even more debt. I have also gone from a salary of £18,750 to SMP of £530 a month meaning I have been living of credit when needed. I am going back to work but with childcare ext I can only do 2 days a week giving my a salary of £8,000

My total debt it just over £11,000 and my repayments are around £370 a month at the moment.

I just don't think I have the strength to deal with threatening letters and or being taken to court. This will probably happen if I don't go to CCCS or Payplan but it will probably happen if I do so it's no win situation

An I'm scared!!!!

lamarsi

Stick with it hun, from what you've put you seem to be coping with a pretty rubbish time of it recently and are still here! there's nothing wrong with needing help and that's why cccs etc are there, my friend struggled along like yourself for ages before she finally got help and now after two years of hell she's getting back on her feet and so can you. Make that phone call and get the ball rolling you should be enjoying motherhood not living in fear. ITS ONLY MONEY!! not your's or your baby's health! and it can get sorted, put up your SOA and some nice people will come along and show you how you may be able to make some savings and then keep coming back.. your not alone loads of us have been were you are and felt how your feeling and will offer you the support you need best wishes

gonzo127

well first thing first is to do a SOA which i am sure someone will post the link to soon, this is invalueble as it gets everything down in black and white and is also something that a debt charity will ask for as well so it is good to be prepared, once you have got one you can post it up here and people can see if we can advise you about your outgoings incase things jump out for us which you might not have noticed

as for the threatening letters if you go to one of the charities they will actually help deal with any correspondence and will adivse on the underhand tacktics some will try and use, as you have got a little one to look after he/she has to be your first priority NOT YOU PRIDE!

take your strength from that little person who is relying on you and go and speak to the debt charities, there are their to help and why shouldnt you have some help?

honestly once you have taken that first step everything will be easier

Sarah2490

Thank you for your post so far

I am trying to do an SOA but this may take me a little while as it's not easy juggling a 7month old and trying to concentrate/type. I also want it be be as accurate as possible so need to check bills/online banking/benefit awards ext

gonzo127

hehe i know what you mean i have a 18 month old and it can be quite a challenge, just take your time with the SOA try to think about each item to make it as accurate as possible once you have all your details down in black and white you can then start to move forward

savingmummy

Don`t be scared. Alot of people are in the same situation and the good news is help is avaiable and your debts will go with some work thrown at them.
Take time to do the SOA, your right it needs to be accurate maybe leave it until baby is in bed later on.

http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html ensure you save the data then if you need to change things it will save you time, otherwise you will need to fill it all in again x

Sarah2490

I've filled in my SOA but every time I click the to format results nothing shows up in the text box . . . . Think I broke it:eek:

I've saved the data and tried reloading the page but still not working? Any ideas?

broadpaws

Hi sarah,

not sure how to fix the soa, someone will be along soon though. How much do you owe? Do you own your home or are you renting? Do you plan to stay part time working for a few more years yet?
Congrats on the babe, mine is 9 months now!

BP x

gailey_2

Hi

just wanted to say as someone going through money probs myself its not end of world can be sorted, congrats on baby mines 4months old now and such a joy when im feeling down in dumps.
is partner paying any maintainance?
you check govermnet website or entitled to check you getting all benefits you entitled to such as child benefot, tax credits, childcare and maybe housing?

I find avoiding things makes me feel weak but action just strengthens me and improves my mood as I put things off and stress.

im sure once post your soa there be loads of help.

Sarah2490

Couldn't get form to work so did it manually -

Monthly Income - 530
Benefits - 630

Rent - 375
Council Tax - 61 - Single person over 12 month
Electricity - 0
Gas - 0
Water - 28.4
Telephone - 0
Mobile - 15 - Still over 12months to go
TV Licence - 11.87
Cable TV - 17 - This is the full package @ staff rates and includes landline and internet

Groceries ext - 260 - includes Baby milk £35, nappies an Wipes £17 & Baby foods £10. Also all tolitries/cleaning products/new baby equipment (bottles/teats/feeding equipment ext)

Clothing - 10
Other Travel - 20 - Buses to baby clinic & baby groups ext
Child Expenses - 15 - New clothes for baby every 3 months
Cont Insurance - 10.88
Presents - 30
Haircuts - 5 - Haven't had one since september now desprate as going back to work so saving up
Entertainment - 20 - Dance class once a week - Have though about stopping but this is the only me time and exersice I get

Debt
Type Amount - Min Pay - APR
Loan 6959.06 - 204.05 - ?
Card 1 1454.73 - 64 - 41.19
Card 2 411.74 - 20.58 - 27.95
Card 3 151.53 - 7.38 30.34
Catalogue 1 1403.67 - 54.23 - 40.9
Catalogue 2 136.23 - 7.13 - 34.4
Store Card 455 - 18.25 - 29.9

Adults 1
Children 1 - 7months

Total Income - 1160
Expenses - 879.15
Available for Debt repayment - 280.85
Debt - 375.7
Suplus - -94.85

Total Unsecured Debt - 10,971.96

insideinfo

Hi Sarah, your post was very honest and I enjoyed reading this thread. Without looking into your SOA, I'd like to say the following. Debt Counsellors and Advisers are used to dealing with people who are under pressure or having trouble coping. If you approach one of the larger organisations, let the people you speak to know how you feel right from the start. There's nothing wrong in asking for help and nothing wrong in feeling daunted by it all. Please pick up the phone and ask someone for "help". 99% of the debt advisers I know, do their jobs for the satisfaction they get.

When the professionals know how you feel, they'll set time aside for you. Once you know what lies beneath phone calls and letters, no matter how scary it seems at first, you'll soon know what the truth is and you will feel so much better.

Some of the most supportive people on here, started off by coming to MSE for advice. Now they spend their time supporting others. I hope you get lot's more support from MSE'ers, but do pick up the phone. You don't have to register with anyone or give your name. Debt Helplines get lot's of calls from worried people who need to sound things out. You'll feel stronger after calling someone!

I hope things work out, knowledge is power and a damn good nights sleep..