Hi, newbie (ish) SOA

Kazonline

msmicawber wrote:

I found it very difficult to deal with creditors by myself - they just kept asking for a settlement or for monthly payments that were more than I earned, let alone had spare - so would recommend a trip to the CAB, who can negotiate freezing the interest and getting monthly repayments that you can meet.

To be honest I know deep down that if it's left to me to do I'll not cope again - I've not even attempted to speak to them yet and allready I've been 'ill' and slept all of yesterday afternoon. I'm hoping that when the pack arrives it'll offer more than just templates to send off. If not then I'll try calling them again.

TBH I'm thinking of pulling out of my college course in September - I'm stuggling to concentrate and get things done as it is. I feel so lost and confused.

Kazonline

re the income figures I used the budget spreadsheet on here and the monthly total is what that gave me. I suppose I shouldn't rely on it so I'll check it again when my brain is willing to engage - but right now I seem to come up with a different totall every time.

msmicawber

Hi Kaz,

All the more reason to ask the CAB to take over dealing with the creditors for you, I think, rather than taking the DIY approach.

It would be a shame to pull out of your course now, since this will likely be sorted in a few weeks. I've been studying and struggling at the same time and found after a while that the time I spent studying was a stress free time because I learned how to concentrate and forget about all the other things. It also gave my confidence a boost and I kept reminding myself that once I'm qualified I'll be able to leave a lot of the cr*p in my life behind.

You've made a good start,and everyone here will help and encourage you. Also you're not feeling well, so are bound to see everything in its worst possible light at the moment.

When you're feeling a little better, why not make a list of suggestions that you've been given that you're happy with and work systematically through the list. Again, it'll give you a feeling of achievement and put you into the driving seat rather than a load of pushy creditors.

Kazonline

You are so right, I'm sorry, I was letting it get to me and that gets me nowhere. The whole point of the course was to get me out - and hopefully it'll even give me the opportunity to make a few pounds. Plus I'll be getting a mileage allowance, and it's virtually the same route as the boys school so it'll actually save some pennies.
I think my volvo insurance has been high as I had a small bump a few years ago - this year it should be past that 'magical' 5 year point. Also I made the mistake of having the insurance in my hubbies name while I was married and lost all my no claims. When he cancelled the insurance the same company wouldn't even insure me on it despite the fact that I had actually been the main driver for the life of our policy with them (he'd put himself as the main driver) Most companies wouldn't insure me, and those that would wanted £800 to £900. Mine's a turbo - apparently too fast and big a car for a woman, lol.

msmicawber

You've nothing to apologise for - you've got a lot on your plate and you're not feeling well.

As regards car insurance, mine's fuel injected rather than turbo, but nonetheless a Volvo's not the joy-riders' car of choice, so once the 5 years is up I still reckon you'll get a fair discount if you shop around.

Keep going, you're doing well.

skystar

Hi Kaz, I read on Old Style you were posting on here so thought I would come over and see if I could help

Hope none of this offends.


Outgoings (monthly unless otherwise stated)

• Groceries (food cleaning etc) £125 pw - I am sure this could be vastly reduced but don't try this in one week. Gradual reductions then it won't be as much as a shock.We are a family of 2 x adults and 1 child with adult appetite and we eat very well on about 30pw (including all packed lunches).
• Petrol £35pw - Again sure this could be reduced. Try and avoid unnecessary journeys or short trips.
• Mobile £28 - When contract runs out consider PAYG or one of those cashback deals. I have one that works out £6.25 per month for 200 mins and 300 texts.
• kitchen appliance ins £12
• Mortgage £110 (interest is paid by IS)
• Elec £52.50
• Gas £61
• BT £13
• Water £28
• TV £32.87 (quarter)
• Life ins £22.21 - Shop around and use a cashback site...e.g. Greasypalm or Quidco
• Talk Talk £28 - [As mentioned on other posts think about cancelling. Do you use all free mins on mobile. If not then use that as home phone.[/I]
• Car tax £140pa
• Car insurance £300 pa
• Internet £18 - Don't be scared of trying another internet provider. I have used quite a few and most are similar.
• House ins £25 - Shop around and use a cashback site...e.g. Greasypalm or Quidco
• AA £100 (not sure of exact figure) annual.

Other suggestions:

If you don't have a Nectar card then get one. At the moment I have 7000 points on mine and have spent virtually nothing getting them. You can sign up for surveys that give you a few hundred here and there but it all adds up. Just before I went on holiday last month I got a voucher from them for 1000 points (worth £10 in Adams) if I just bought something from Debenhams. Went in there on my hols and bought a bath bomb for £1.50!

In fact get any loyalty card thats going. I have them all and I don't care what information they hold about me. At the end of the day its something for nothing

Get onto a cashback site. I use Greasypalm. Got my first chq last month for £48.18. Again with virtually no outlay from myself. You can get cashback for opening a savings a/c, ordering a new mobile phone, doing a holiday review. I have another £60.00 waiting to come next month as well. Not huge sums but could be kept and used for annual bills?

Try and shop with a list. I know its probably been said but it so works. I always have a list and a rough meal plan i.e. ensure there is sufficient food for all meals and I only digress from list if there is something I would normally buy on special offer.

Well I am sure I have bored you now.

I just hope this is of some use to you.

Keep your chin up.
xx

Kazonline

Hi Skystar, thanks for all your advice and the encouragement.
When I first joined MSE I also joined pigsback and greesy palm (I think) but couldn't suss them out. Once I've sorted some stuff out I think I ought to go back and try again as you seem to do very well with it!
I did get my clubcard sorted - which I'd been putting off for a couple of years, and I've even had about £50 of coupons added back on thanks to some encouragement on OS. My intention is to use them for deals - I would've liked to pay for a hol with them, but with four of us I think that's a bit ambitious!!
I have also noticed that I've a lot of 'points' on my AOL card that can be redeemed for free months - that should buy me about 3 months broadband.
I've not signed up for a nectar card as I never use Sainsbury's - but from what you've posted I need to find out more about it as it's not the only way to gain points.
I do try hard to minimise use of the car - allways combining journeys where possible. The down side of this is I've hardly been anywhere with the children this hols - all my petrol has been used in shopping or taxiing DS2 to band practice/gigs. I have however kept it to £25pw mostly in the hols, so that's an improvement.

I think one of my biggest concerns is arranging a DMP or similar and then prices shooting up and ending up unable to make the arranged payments because I'd underestimated things. As you can see my SOA doesn't include an allowance for clothing or home/car maintenance etc - and I think this is where I've got into trouble in the past.
TBH I wouldn't know where to begin with that - plus I really feel I should do some regular activity with the kids. I'd like to take them swimming regularly and there's a taekwondo class locally that is £2.50 each. I know we could all really do with it - the boys for the confidence aspect, me for the health and relaxation (I 'm 4st over my normal weight and on anti d's) But am I wanting more than I should? Have I got any right to have all these luxuries when I've got so much debt?
Grrrr - I just can't think straight. Mind, nothing makes sense at this time of night does it? LOL
I guess that's my cue for bed
Thanks again to everyone for their help and support - it really does help to be able to talk to someone and get some advice.
Kaz x

msmicawber

I know what you mean, Kaz, until recently my budget didn't include any money for clothes, etc. as I just couldn't see where the money would come from and I used to buy the minimum as and when needed and just live on even more blasted baked potatoes with beans and cheese and pasta with HM tomato sauce that month!

Once you've phoned around your various suppliers and reduced your outgoings a little more, you'll have a clearer picture. Then when you get your petrol allowance for college, could you use your savings there for clothes and shoes?

chralph

Kaz

Why not consolidate your phone and internetpayment by going on Orange and get the free broadband with a contract. These days you can get 12 months free on a 12 month contract and an OK phone.... Just a thought

Chris X

Kazonline

Hi again everyone. I thought I'd best update my old thread as opposed to start a new one. I hope I've done right?
Firstly I'd like to thank everyone again for all their support previously - all the support, understanding and encouragement I received previously helped boost my self esteem and get me onto that college course which I'm thoroughly enjoying. The impact this has had on our family life - well, words can't describe. Thank you.
Now for the nitty gritty.
I've been able to do a very good ostrich impression recently as college has been keeping me very busy and the first instalment of my assemble learning grant meant I managed to meet all of this months payments again..... The peace from worrying was most needed and effective (a stressed mind can't see solutions even if they're blindingly obviouse!)
Earlier this week I decided it was time to take another look at my finances as I'd gone over my huge overdraft facility while waiting for the payment.....
As you can imagine, very little had changed. Even with the generous assembly grant there's still more going out than in. I have however managed to cut my fuel costs to 20 - 25 per week (providing I don't give my friends lifts home - I still find it hard).

On a more positive note (and the main reason I'm posting) I did contact CCCS today - and they were FAB!
Apparently I can use my assembly learning grant towards my figures which gives me just enough to go onto a DMP. I was worried that once that ended I'd get in big trouble, but apparently if things change I can go onto a temporary minimum payment plan until I sort myself out (eg another course or part time work).
I know that I've not tackled these issues in the quickest time - but I'm sure that those of you who have been through similar will understand why I've been able to take small steps, and only when I've been emotionally strong enough.
I'm seriously considering going for the DMP, but want to think about it for a few days (i'm on a 'high at the moment and can't help wondering if it's too good to be true....)
I know there are heaps of posts and tons of info on here already about DMP's, but what I'd really love is to hear from those who've been on one for a while or been on one and changed their minds.
What things should I consider before going down this route?
Is there anything you wish you'd known/considered before going ahead?
My only other option is to carry on as I am, spending as little as possible, and adding to the debt each month to cover interest and buying the basics.
So, as you can probably tell from this post my mind is in a muddle again and I'd really appreciate some hand holding, guidance and opinions (constructive) as the sand is becoming very attractive again.....
I hope someone is willing to help, and that you all understand why I had to 'disappear' for a little while?
Thanks for reading,
Kaz x