I don't know where to start...

justwokeup_2

the title says it all... i've been looking on this site for ages and have finally got up the courage to join in... it's time to sort out my debts, and start living again. i'm fed up with being scared everytime there is a knock on the door or a nasty looking letter gets delivered...

the only problem is i don't know where to start... i have no idea how much money i owe, or even who to! i'm so worried - i've been looking at DRO's and IVA's to see which will help and i contacted the debt advisory line - just waiting for a call back... sorry i'm rambling, i think that now i've finally decided to do something, i'm all over the place! and advice welcome...

andys15

The place you start is getting all your paperwork out and finding what you owe and who you owe. Take a deep breath and jump in. That is the only place to start.

Tixy

Hi and welcome to the site,

As andy says you need to collect up all the paperwork you can find and sort it into a pile for each debt, then sort each pile into date order.

You could also request copies of your credit file from experian and equifax as they tend to have most of your consumer debts on (there are free trials if you remember to cancel or you can order for £2 for each).

I think before you start looking at IVAs/DROs etc you need to establish how much you owe and how much you can afford to repay each month towards your debt.

Do you have any debts for priority items (mortgage or rent arrears, council tax arrears, gas or elec?)

Good luck, you can sort this, you just need to be methodical in your approach.

psychopathbabble

Once you have found all your paperwork, take a look at the statement of affairs as that will help you see what you are paying out. http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html This will enable others to help see where you can cut down!

But Andy is right... you need to figure out exactly what you owe. You will need this info for debt charities to help you too.

Also, please please please don't pay anyone to help you! Ignore the 'write off your debts' schemes. Speak to CCCS, Payplan or National Debtline as these are charities and will advise you on the best route for free.

gonzo127

as above has said you need to get your details together in one place i would also say you will need to make a statement of affairs http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html which will help get everything you owe in black and white it will also allow you to post it up on these forums to allow us to try and help spot possible savings on it for you

good luck and well done on owning up and deciding to do something about it

LeeSouthEast

If you want to take the full plunge and look at your credit files, do so via quidco .. they'll actually pay YOU to check them! Good luck with it. Starting is the hardest part.

savingmummy

Hellp and welcome.
This is certainly the best place to be for you and believe me when i say you will get some excellent support and advise!

As already been advised you need to gather paperwork and sit down with a nice cuppa tea Make a list of who, what, when and how much and then go from there!
A SOA really helps too to enable you to know how you stand financially!
You can ask anything here no question is too small and you will always get a response.

flaura

well you've made the first move...

make yourself a cup of tea and a biscuit and start sorting all of the paperwork.

Make a list of who you owe what... or put it on a spreadsheet...

I managed to sort all of mine via PayPal but they need to know what you owe to whom what ever you do don't use a paid service, as the others said...

I can't fault paypal for the help they gave me and now i'm looking at 6 more months before my credit record is back to pre nightmare...

there is light at the end of the tunnel and always support if you need it here.

dancingfairy

Hi. You need to be careful who you speak to - some companies have names that sound very like free/charity helplines but actually charge you. I'm not sure about debt advisory service - where they fit in etc so I would call one of the places Martin recommends - ie CCCS, National Debtline , your local CAB etc.
Also as somelese has said - maybe best to try and get hold of your credit files and find out what your situation is regarding bills - ie rent, council tax, food, clothes, electric etc before you can think about how much you have spare to repay any debts.
df

dancingfairy

flaura wrote: »

I managed to sort all of mine via PayPal but they need to know what you owe to whom what ever you do don't use a paid service, as the others said...

Flaura -I hope you mean Payplan - I thought Paypal were the company that you used to buy stuff on ebay.
df

Moneytroubles_2

Hi just woke up, welcome to the board and good luck on your debt free journey, there is lots of people here to help you xxx