Frightened about my future

mamajojo

Hi Mouseann,
I've nothing to add to the sound advice you've already received, as I'm still relatively new to this, the sands still on my shoulders! Well done for facing this and totalling it all up. You will feel better when you speak to the good people at CCCS and start working on a solution to you debt. Keep posting, there are a lot of us in this together and the fabulous support on this forum has kept me going over the last 4 months. Take care x

bluebag

Hi mouseann,
All this is well scary isn't it? I felt like I just wanted to go to bed, pull the covers over my head and stay there forever. The sheer size of the problem left me gasping for energy.
I wasn't just scared I was terrified and to overwhelmed to do much

Bit by bit though, I got through it.
I got some good help and slowly over the years it just got smaller and easier. I learned a lot about money management and even more about myself.

Money saving is a way of life for me now, it gives me peace of mind and to me that's priceless. It was a long and interesting road to get from there to here but it starts with the first step, then the next and the next.

You will find a way through this, you have taken the first step now all you have to do is keep going and take the next one. You don't have to know where you are going to start the journey.

Good luck, we're all rooting for ya!!!:)

Shoe_Gal

thewad wrote: »

Can't find that Eager Learners Guide.

The Wad

Here you go!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2132075&highlight=eager+learner

mouseann

Thanks George,

This is a very realistic and honest response.

To answer a couple of questions,

I am already claiming the single person allowance. My house is quite small and banded at rate A, so cannot reduce this.
My heating is electric - and malfunctioning - but will look at changing supplier. The heating system really needs replacing - but this is not even on the horizon at the moment! Although a good heating system would make buying the house a more interesting proposition.

I did not have any PPI on the cards.

I am still investigating work and really would like to hang on to the car - while I can. Good point about selling it and the creditors - am I right in thinking (hoping?) that the courts won't set the repayments unrealistically high? Or is this clutching at the proverbial straws?

Am going to speak to CCCS asap and, of course, will report the outcome.

mouseann

Thanks Kevicho,

I do have family and friends, none of whom are in a position to help me.

I am trying desperately not to let them know my situation, as I don't want to worry them. Also, I do feel a complete sense of shame about my situation - and I have to take full responsibility for this.

The total amount is more scary than I thought - I knew it was going to be huge, hence my reluctance to put the figures down in writing.

Pity there isn't a prize (financial, of course!) for having the biggest debt ever. I am sure I would qualify for this - desperate attempt at gallows humour!

savingwannabe

Ann, hi.
I am a real newbie. So i cant offer lots of advice unlike fab people on this site but i can mention a few things which may or may not be useful to you.

My mum and dad retired and they used to use their car all the time. Then they had free bus passes and it has made such a difference to their lives. They do lots of day trips and travelling and buy cheap, nice veg from markets etc. Can you sell the car and use a free bus pass if you qualify.

Also with regard to jobs, try to apply to Do It All or a retailer that offers jobs to mature workers. Maybe a supermarket like Mr A. (then you have discounted groceries too). Go in and speak to the manager and raise your head above the parapet. Explain you want a job and are a good worker. Your application form will get more attention that way.

Drop a brand or two with your weekly shop. I have done this for two weeks now and my supermarket shop has fallen from 40, to 25 to 20. Plus i am not stopping off at the corner shop daily as i am buying cereal bars in my weekly shop. It is amazing what you can save.

Good luck pet.

:j

paybacktime2008

I don't know anything about this but could you be entitled to pension tax credits? Also with your new lower slary would you be eligible for a reducyion of your council tax....run your figures through www.entitledto.com and see what it throws up.

Toomuchdebt

Probably won't be a popular view but have you considered bankruptcy-especially as your credit card debts are so high?

thechippy

Toomuchdebt wrote: »

Probably won't be a popular view but have you considered bankruptcy-especially as your credit card debts are so high?

A lot of equity in the home would make this route an issue unfortunately..:(

mouseann

Hi,
Have thought about bankruptcy - but the thought is quite scary!
Not sure what would happen about the house - not very saleable at the moment, and how I would be able to find rented property - but my credit history is going to be bad, anyway!
Am going to explore all optons