Debt-Free Wannabee Book Suggestions

System

Not blowing smoke up 'mi own bum, but my experience with telling my employers and possible discharge from the forces because of my financial irresponsibility was a huge weight on my shoulders until my 'lightbulb moment'. Ultimately it showed that despite the amount of debt one has and even giving the position of responsibility I occupy, taking charge of the situation had no bearing on my employability. I suppose the thread displays another angle of trauma that excessive debt can bring to your life. http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=187310

Debtomaniak

Feel free to use any info from my thread £100,000K Debt "club" if you find anything of a help to anyone in it. Lots of people were very supportive to me and helped me a lot with their suggestions.

I really do think that without moral support from people on this site, I would have been "off the rails" by now.

Have not sorted myself out still, but hope will do soon.

immoral_angeluk

1. Getting the most out of Ebay
2. The joys of Freecycle
3. You're rights with regard to DCA's, baliffs and their threats and intimidation.
4. Spending Diaries
5. Setting yourself targets, such as the £1024 in 11 weeks challenge etc
6. Where to go for help and support for free instead of places like debtfreedirect etc.
7. Getting out of the see, spend, see, spend cycle
8. Talking to partners, friends etc about your debt.
9. SOA's
10. Dealing with spending addictions/habits
11. The psychological side of debt and that there is always a way out..

immoral_angeluk

Oh and also about rights to benefits etc and how not to get swindled by tax credits.

plattinum

The book really is a fab idea. I do feel alone when I'm stood at the bus stop scrimping and scratching round the bottom of my handbag for my bus fare, although in reality I'm not. You only need to watch the news to put things in perspective.

tryhard_2

it is good to calculate the cost of anything like sky/telewest/cinema etc over the year £45 per month does not seem to be much but £540 (annual cost) can hep you clear some debt or go on a holiday if debt free

Goldilox

I think it would be quite funny to have a cartoon image of someone slaving away at their computer desk trying to earn money on the Internet.

I go out to work...but it has kind of turned into a hobby of mine earning money on the Internet. You're never going to earn millions doing this...but random cheques I have recieved from surveys for $30, £50, £10 boots voucher etc...have all come in very handy at times and occasionally really helped me out.

I think it would be a good idea to list some websites where people can earn money. Such as YouGov.com, SurveySpark.com, SurveySavvy.com, PureProfile.co.uk.

robertbruce

Hi
I still think the biggest task is getting people with SERIOUS debt problems to accept changes in lifestyle.

Many think they can write-off the debt and just start again, but unless STARTING AGAIN carries with it a new air of RESPONSIBILITY for ones actions, then the cycle of WANT-GET-PAY BY CREDIT merely re-starts and comes full circle a few years later.

All the ideas about EDUCATION are essential, from as early an age as possible since kids can create some of the biggest demands on your earnings.

Love the idea of a focus book. Cheers. Bob.

Punkygoth

What an excellent idea! I think I have just had my lightbulb moment today. I realised that whilst I had been paying my loan every month, I had been essentially ingnoring it when it came to spending, so I am now resolved to cut back on my silly spending and really get down to paying off extra each month. Which I can do as I have a flexiblw loan.
The book would help to spur me on further

hibees1875_2

I think it is very important, as has been mentioned, to emphasise that becoming debt free is a rollercoaster. But an underlying theme should perhaps be HOPE. As this site is testament to the fact that people cand and do become debt free, there is a positive end that is achievable, and that it's ok to have some support in making the initial steps. I think also, the book should have the ability to bring a tear to the eye as you read it, as that is something that these forum pages often bring to me. Not negative tears, but hopeful, happy tears.