Frightened about my future

elsie52

Hi Mouseann

Speak to CCCS or Payplan, National Debtline........ You really need some help from them to sort this out.. I don't know what advice to offer you, but you are in good company here. We are also close to retirement, as are quite a few more people on this site, and I realize how difficult it will be for you to sort this out. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but what is done is done.!

Don't despair.....its only money and worrying will just make you feel worse. You will get some great help on here, and most people are helpful, and non judgmental.

We are on a DMP and are with Payplan, who have been brilliant.

elsie52

Just a thought, Do you have a spare room, could you take in a lodger to earn extra cash?.. Can you get a part time job?

Just mulling things over.

mouseann

Thanks everybody,

I do feel I am not alone.

unfortunately, my house is not big enough for a lodger. Also, I have a heating problem which will cost quite a bit of money to fix - therefore selling is not an option, as I don't think the house is saleable at the moment!
Plus, it even renting needs a large deposit nowadays - and it looks as if I am going to be facing negative equity, unless I get some reductions on these debts (and I can't see the banks writing off such large amounts of money)

And, yes, hindsight is wonderful - just wish I had been more careful when the credit limits kept being increased - without my asking for it!
Mouseann

happyhaddock_2

Hi Mouseann, well done for adding it all up and posting:T I know how hard it is to see it in black and white:o. Have you tried the debt remedy on the CCCS website if you can get all your info in there it gives you a couple of options, and there was no flashing lights and alarms going off when I put mine in so you should be ok:). CCCS have been brilliant with us and I'm sure they'll be able to offer some help. Try not to stress, the hardest part is facing up to it all and you've done that:A

pure_dead_dopey

It's a pile Mouseann, but there will be a solution, we just haven't found it yet. Did you manage to get a new bank account opened or have I missed that post? Your SOA looks pretty good to me other than buildings and contents, I have both for around £20 per month so yours does look expensive. You could also look at ways to drop a brand or two on your groceries, I feed 4 adults and a big sloppy dog for around £360, it used to be around £600 but we worked at getting it down, and there is probably room for it to shrink a bit yet, so yours is doable. Look at the old style board for some really good ideas and recipes. Could you downsize and buy a smaller house? That might be a possibility you could look at?
I wish you all the best, I was feeling just like you a couple of months ago, and here's me giving advice now!!!! The people on here are fabulous and they will find you an answer and point you in the right direction. So have a cuppa and a wee relax and I'm sure some of the really experienced people will be along shortly.
PDDxx

mouseann

Thanks HappyHaddock,

I had about four goes at the CCCS web site but it kept crashing.
This made me think that perhaps I had too many cards/too big amounts for them to handle!
Am going to give them a ring on Monday and am also going to try Payplan.
At least I know the bottom line now!

Shoe_Gal

mouseann wrote: »

Thanks HappyHaddock,

I had about four goes at the CCCS web site but it kept crashing.
This made me think that perhaps I had too many cards/too big amounts for them to handle!
Am going to give them a ring on Monday and am also going to try Payplan.
At least I know the bottom line now!

You may be right about having too many cards for the site - that happened to me Rather than waiting until Monday try adding a few of the smaller ones together and putting them in as one amount. Won't be 100% accurate but will give you a good idea of where you stand - and I'm sure you'll feel better when you know wht your options are, however bad it might seem

Take care of you :A

mouseann

That's an excellent idea.

Think I'll give it a try - you are right about knowing what the options are!

katsu

Hi mouseann,

Did you find out whether you could do any other jobs in your current company? Do you have any skills such as dressmaking, for example, which you could advertise in newsagents, supermarkets etc (you could also put up cards to take in ironing or do cleaning)? These might help up your income somewhat. You will still need help from a debt charity, so please do follow them up.

Good luck.

mouseann

Unfortunately my current organisation has a policy of not employing anyone over 65 - which is why I could not stay any longer.
I have my name with some agencies for temporary work - but not sure how reliable this will be.
I will investigate vacancies - though i suspect they prefer younger people!