Im in a big fat ugly money mess...

MS_Kitten

Hi Northern lass! I'm a Yorkshire lass! OH is self employed and business is not as good as it once was. The reason there is nothing for social life is because he takes care of that and always pays when we go out etc.

I really have nothing much to sell on eBay and family life tends to take up most of my spare time.

I work in a sales enviroment and do get generous commision from my employer. Strangley I think today has put things into perspective and made me want to sell more at work.

I am interested in all these challenges! Especially the lunches at work one so may do baby steps and start with that! xx

MS_Kitten

P.S Thanks for th positive spin on things and turning the bulb back on xx

garfield44

Hi Gem,

Firstly well done on getting on the first step to sorting things out. I'm 29 and have £23.5k of debt so know exactly how you feel! But we will do this, even if it feels like one small step at a time.

I've had a look at your SOA. There'll be people along soon who can help a lot better than me but my first thoughts were this:-
Is there any way your OH can contribute more to the general living expenses? Does your OH know the debt situation?

Also I know this ones a toughy but is there any way you could pick up a part time job for some extra income? At the moment I have my main job and a second job which I do a few hours a week but its enough to give me some extra money for myself. Have you any items you could sell on ebay or possibly a car boot sale?

I've also found it really handy to keep a diary of how much I am spending every day just to see where it goes as its amazing how it mounts up.

Good Luck tomorrow and lots of hugs are sent your way

garfield44

sorry I just noticed Northern Las has already mentioned these things. My typing is obviously getting a lot slower!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway Goodluck

Garfield

MS_Kitten

Hi Garfield,

OH knows I have debts and I worry about money alot but dosent know the big figure! I think he would probably kill me if he found out! I know it's a conversation I need to have with him eventually!

He has debts too. Maybe 3k or so. Then again he could be just like me! I do have good instincts and I doubt it's as bad as mine!

I know i should get a second job but I really don't have the time spare! I wish I did. I think that maybe before I was stuck in auto pilot at work. I didn't try to earn as much commision as I could because I thought I didn't need to. Now I know the extent of my probelms I have some focus. I've basically been living a care free debt free life since late 2008!!

AnnieG

Hi Gem
Whatever you do, don't put your head back in the sand, things won't ever get any better if you do that. The best thing you can do is face up to where you are- and believe me, Ive been there, as have the majority of others on this site, so we know how it feels - and feel positive about doing something about it. I think you're in a very fortunate position in that you're young and (as far as I can tell) you don't have any children to worry about at the moment. So, get yourself ready for your appointment tomorrow and feel good about yourself for dealing with what's gone wrong.

Is there any way of upping your income to help get the money moving? Do you have room for a lodger, time to take on a second job, anything you can ebay/ sell at a car boot sale etc etc?? Have a look at the 'Up your income' thread, there are loads of suggestions.
Can you reduce your feed bill? You say you're spending £160 at the moment - is this just for you or for both of you? I'm sure you could shave a little from that with some clever meal planning and taking part in the grocery challenge.
I can't think of any other suggestions at the moment but I'm sure someone else will be along soon to help.
Keep smiling, there IS a way out.

Let us know how you get on with the CCCS tomorrow, and if you want a chat, feel free to PM me.
Take care x

AnnieG

Haha, same as Garfield, I was typing away and you got loads of responses while I was doing it.. too slow Annie!!

Happytogetdebtfree

Hi gem :-) were all guilty of not knowing figures. Many people don't know there figures still, before we had our lbm we just knew we paid a lot out a month itvwasnt till we sat down and added up that we realise what was what :-/ by gosh it was a shocker !! But then as ive progressed and money has started to tumble off I can see what abit of focus and determination can do to the figure I feel better. At first you feel suffocated you can't remeber what it felt like before you knew about the numbers. But rest assured when it strts trickling off you feel pretty pleased. I look at it as a future investment if I can clear that amount of outstanding cash in another year or two then think what I can save with abit of sterness :-) x glad you back. X

happyandy63

Get rid of sky telly
Look into reducing you insurance costs

As long as you are spending less than you earn you are eating into your debt. Its a tough lesson but you will be wiser after and much happier. You will be so happy when you break even:-)

I was in similar situation now I spend half my income and it feels so good. I even decided to go part time as I not need the cash. I don't earn more I just spend less.

Happytogetdebtfree

Hi happy andy what a luxury and nice that you can do that :-)