And it goes a little something like this...

cherryblossomchris

Well it started a few years back when i was with my ex. I was on 10k less than him but he expected me to pay equal amounts (except that i was the one paying for all the shopping, anything that the flat needed and anything for the animals). He then left me and as i took the debts on (he couldnt get credit at the time) im stuck with them.

My monthly pay - £1,238

Benefits - £0

Total - £1238

Monthly Outgoings:

Rent, utility bills & council tax - £500
TV License - £paid up front
Mobile Phone - £40-£60
Food - £120-£200


Total: £660-£760

Loan £113
Credit cards £140

total £253

incoming £1238
outgoing £913-1013

I owe £7k at the moment. I've just finished paying off one credit card (not included in the sums above)

coldstreamalways

Did you want soe help with your outgoings? If so it's best to post an SOA, if you're doing a diary, it may be best to post in the diary section.

Good luck

cherryblossomchris

Hi
my outgoings are listed above. the rent etc i cant change as im renting and tied in with who the owner uses.
the credit cards are interest free and the loan is 8% interest.

thats it

NorthernLas

OK - do you have £200 - £300 spare at the end of the month?

If not a spending diary is a good idea.

Do you walk to work? go out at all? go on holiday? buy clothes? take food from home for lunch?

The SOA from http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html is a good idea because it helps you check that you have not forgotten anything.

Apart from that if you have multiple cards then http://www.makesenseofcards.com/snowcalc.html helps you work out which one to pay off first.

cherryblossomchris

Hi
yes walk to work (1.5 miles each way) and take my own lunch.
My 'spare' cash goes towards my pet (believe me he doesn't get a lot). I also need to keep some spare for any dental care for me but have had to pay out for equipment for my relative recently as the council cant fund it anymore.

NorthernLas

So are you posting this information as a diary ... or is there something that you want help with?

MFWannabe

cherryblossomchris wrote: »

Well it started a few years back when i was with my ex. I was on 10k less than him but he expected me to pay equal amounts (except that i was the one paying for all the shopping, anything that the flat needed and anything for the animals). He then left me and as i took the debts on (he couldnt get credit at the time) im stuck with them.

My monthly pay - £1,238

Benefits - £0

Total - £1238

Monthly Outgoings:

Rent, utility bills & council tax - £500
TV License - £paid up front
Mobile Phone - £40-£60
Food - £120-£200


Total: £660-£760

Loan £113
Credit cards £140

total £253

incoming £1238
outgoing £913-1013

I owe £7k at the moment. I've just finished paying off one credit card (not included in the sums above)

Hi
Welcome to the board. If you are looking for help then you need to post a full soa to get the best advice.

cherryblossomchris

I guess really a bit of both.
I havent had a holiday in 5 years and i dont go out. Im being told that because my grandparents have savings the council wont/cant help them with their mobility issues. If i could somehow get that sorted (ive spoken to help the aged and they couldnt suggest anything other than what i had found out) then i would be able to pay more of my debts off...

cherryblossomchris

Monthly Budget Summary Amount(£)
Total monthly income 1,238
Monthly expenses (incl. HP & secured loans) 875
Available for debt repayments 363
UNsecured debt repayments 243
Amount left after debt repayments 120
Personal Balance Sheet Summary Amount(£)
Total Assets (things you own) 0
Total Secured & HP Debt -0
Total Unsecured Debt -7,000
Net Assets -7,000
Household Information

Number of adults in household 2
Number of children in household 0
Number of cars owned 0
Income, Expense, Debt & Asset Details

Income Amount(£)
Monthly income after tax 1238
Partners monthly income 0
Benefits 0
Other income 0
Total monthly income 1238
Expenses Amount(£)
Mortgage 0
Secured/HP loan payments 0
Rent 500
Management charge (leasehold property) 0
Council tax 0
Electricity 0
Gas 0
Oil 0
Water Rates 0
Telephone (land line) 0
Mobile phone 50
TV Licence 0
Satellite/Cable TV 0
Internet services 0
Groceries etc. 200
Clothing 0
Petrol/diesel 0
Road tax 0
Car Insurance 0
Car maintenance (including MOT) 0
Car Parking 0
Other travel 0
Childcare/nursery 0
Other child related expenses 0
Medical (prescriptions, dentists, opticians etc.) 0
Pet Insurance/Vet bills 0
Buildings Insurance 0
Contents Insurance 0
Life Assurance 0
Other Insurance 0
Presents (birthday, christmas etc.) 0
Haircuts 25
Entertainment 0
Holiday 0
Emergency Fund 100
Total monthly expenses 875
Secured & HP Debt Description Debt(£) Monthly(£) APR(%)
Mortgage 0 (0) 0
Secured & HP Debt totals 0 - -
Unsecured Debt Description Debt(£) Monthly(£) APR(%)
bank loan 4000 113 8
credit cards 3000 130 0
Unsecured Debt totals 7000 243 -
Asset Description Value (£)
Cash 0
House Value (Gross) 0
Shares and bonds 0
Car(s) 0
Other assets (e.g. endowments, jewellery etc) 0
Total Assets 0

whyowhy_2

Hi cherryblossomchris

I recognise a lot of my own situation in what you've said. I was debt free three years ago before separating from my partner. Due to the terrible accusations that she made I was investigated by the police, my job was put a risk and, most hurtfully of all, was denied access to my child. It was resolved through the courts - but it cost me £30k and left me seriously in debt.

I was very angry - and that anger left me unable to face up to the financial mess that I was left in. The situation wasn't my fault. It was, however, my debt. I have always been careful with my money - and feelings of anger and impotence would sweep over me every time I tried to deal with my financial situation. There came a time when I couldn't hide from the reality of the situation any more. I called the National Debtline and it was a huge turning point in my life. It's not been easy, but by dealing with the financial situation I have felt so much better in myself. I feel in control of my life for the first time in quite a while. It feels so good to separate money from emotion.

A critical part of that process was taking a long hard look at my income and expenditure. The people on this board are wonderful, but you need to be honest with them and (more importantly yourself). Complete an SOA with all of your expenditure on it - dental bills, vet bills, TV licence, presents, entertainment - everything - and we can see where you are at. There is always a way forwards, as the posts on this board will testify to. It's just money at the end of the day.

cherryblossomchris

Thank you for your post.
to answer the last part:
I havent been to the dentist (cant find an NHS one in my area, I dont drive either).
Havent had a vet bill for a year and the last one was paid for by my dad. Their food is included in mine.
My family know how tight my money is and i havent bought any presents for them and I dont go out. The only thing i do is go to the football (paid for as a present to me)
TV licence was included in my rent as are my bills and council tax