Debt-Free Wannabee Book Suggestions

Glitterari

I think there should be a section on helping others with debts if they need it

ie not putting yourself in debt on their behalf, being gurantor or whatever.

Also, the varying degrees this can take - from general pointing in direction of website to full on taking over the finances (which is more common in couples). Just a thought because I'm currently attempting to sort out my mum's finances which are in a much, much bigger mess than mine (she's had longer to get them that way) and to be honest, I have found it very overwhelming.

The onus of course should be to get people to do it for themselves - but some people, such as my mum, at the moment, just can't.

Also, other info about reclaiming bank charges and how to go about getting aprs dropped and getting more for less - often a quick phonecall and a threat to leave the company

themaccas

Can you include Minniespenders 10 DFW commandments - they were so funny I'll try and find the thread......

here it is http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=184471

jessicamb

And Ali-Oks Ode to DFWs

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=204498

overbudget

jessicamb wrote:

And Ali-Oks Ode to DFWs

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=204498

hadn't seen that before - absolutely brilliant!!

MinnieSpender

themaccas wrote:

Can you include Minniespenders 10 DFW commandments - they were so funny I'll try and find the thread......

here it is http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=184471

Thank you so much for that lovely comment, themaccas. I loved the way that thread captured the imagination of so many!

:T

Martin - how about including a list of some of the inspirational books people have mentioned?

Mirtos

As I said on the other thread, it's the feeling that you're not alone that's most important I think, so I reckon it's worth stressing that people shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed to talk talk talk about money and debt. Even if it's just being honest with your partner or best friend, having someone you don't have to pretend to is the most wonderful feeling. It might make you feel sick telling people, but it has amazing returns!

I come from quite an affluent background so admitting i was not only skint, but in debt was hell - but until I did, I made absolutely no headway against the debt mountain as I was so busy trying to maintain the mirage of affluence. Now I'm honest with my close friends and family, and am powering along. - And when it all goes to pot, they'll be there to support me and help me keep going - or give me a kick up the bum, if I need that too!

ooh! Also, stress that it's NEVER too young to start (especially with the dreaded student debts) - I'm only 24, but was putting off facing up to my debt for ages.- If I'd had my lightbulb moment just one year earlier when I had more income, I could have been debt free by now!

Sorry for the minor rant, but am really rather excited by this whole idea (bless)!

pounds_and_pensive

I disagree with the idea that the 'funny side' of being in debt should be left out because it might give a bad impression and make light of the reality of owing a lot of money - most people who do owe a lot are well aware of the seriousness of the situation and are probably in circumstances that see them cutting back on enough already, without depriving them of a few good laughs as well, particularly since these are often free. I'd much prefer DFWs to be seen as people who've had their light-bulb moment and are tackling their situation with common sense, determination and good humour (which is how most come across on here) rather than people who have written off the prospect of any joy in life and are crying into their Tesco value beer. I'd like to see the DFWs future painted rosy, because with MSE knowledge and some effort, there's no reason why it eventually shouldn't be.

If possible, I'd like to see an 'idiot's guide' to benefit and Tax Credit entitlement. I used to be slightly sceptical of the statement that there are many people out there who have no idea what (if anything) they're entitled to, until a drastic change in circumstance last year alerted me to the fact that I was one of them, and had been entitled to at least one benefit all along that I'd not been claiming. Furthermore, it's been my experience and that of a few other people I know, that the benefits agencies will simply tell you that you're ineligible for one benefit, without bothering to mention that it's because you're entitled to another. This usually leads to endless rounds of forms being sent back and forth, during which time your debts will be growing and the banks will be stepping in with 'helpful' gestures like charging you £25 for being unable to pay your electric bill DD on time.

Admittedly, the benefits and tax credits systems change fairly frequently, but perhaps a link to a regularly updated web page could be given (like it was done in The Money Diet, which is excellent).

MSE_Martin

There are some wonderful ideas here - keep them coming.

You're right about benefits and tax credits - in fact i've just finished an article for the main site about how to do that (up this weekend).

And i think that needs to be included

Martin

(this note is as much a reminder for me when we get to the book as for anyone else!)

ozzyfan_2

I think it would be really helpful to have a chapter dedicated to the debt help agencies with perhaps a contribution from each of them explaining the process that they go through after you make your intial call to them. Most people know who they should call for help with debts but unless you have access to a pc it is very difficult to find out what will actually happen if you contact them & it can be very scary making that intial call. It may help alleviate alot of peoples fears & motivate them to seek help.

KatrinaC_2

What would I like to see...?

Something laying out exactly what the pros, cons and differences between an IVA, DMP and Bankruptcy. Maybe that could go in with the setions by the different charities that someone else mentioned?

Example SOAs - I know that the figures will eventually go out of date, but it's helpful to see what sort of proportion of your money should go on food, rent, bills etc.

Ways to MAKE more money - Ebay/carboots etc for your junk, craft fairs/Ebay etc for things you make, part time jobs, full time jobs, ways to get a payrise/promotion...

There's probably more stuff, but that's the most obvious right now.

Kat