Newbie, scared to even look.

Comfort

Hello there

I've just stumbled on this site and found it inspirational.

I have debts mounting, and to be honest I couldn't even tell you what they total. I have no idea what my outgoings are and all my paperwork sits in a plastic carrier bag. Well its 3 carrier bags now, as I've been burying my head in the sand for the last 6 months. I have credit cards, a loan, a mortgage, and overdrafts. I'm not up to the limit on my overdrafts yet, well I don't think so as I still seem to have access to cash and I've no nasty letters from the bank manager yet. However, I do know that if carry on like this them the day will come when payments will start bouncing. I look at those bags of receipt and bills and paperwork and can't even bare the thought of opening them. I really haven't a clue where to start.

To be honest the whole idea scares me....although I know the solution to my problem starts with going through those bags. I need to start an incoming outgoing thingamebob, but I'm frightened of the results.

But coming here has really made me realise I need to do something.

So lightbulb moment, right here right now!!!

rchrisp

well you've made the first step. we can help you if you can try and provide us with a list of how much you have coming in and how much you are having to pay out.

Serialdieter

Hi and welcome to dfw.

First things first, you need to look in those carrier bags and sort out what you owe. There is a good thread at the top from Southernscouser for newbies. If you can put together a SOA (Statement of Affairs) others will be able to offer help / suggestions.

Jx

bluezone

Hi there Comfort,

Dont be scared we've all been there. Make yourself a cuppa, turn the tv off and do a carrier bag at a time.

Sort them into - receipts, credit card bills, household bills, loans, bank statements. (this bit isnt that bad as you dont actually have to look at the amounts on them yet )

Once you have done this and have gone through all the bags you need to start writing some figures down - another cuppa will be needed or a hot chocolate! Still keep the piles seperate as this will make it easier.

On credit cards - write the credit limit, apr, and current balance.

I dont want to bombard ou with more stuff just yet so you can take this one step at a time.

Bluezone x

HairyHandofDartmoor

Hi comfort. You have found just the place to help you.

You know what you need to do, dig out all that paperwork and find out what the true picture is. It may not be as bad as you think but even if it is, you will feel much better when you're not hiding from it. A lot of people on here have had trouble facing up to all their debts, but they are dealing with them now and feel great. Once you have got all the facts at your fingertips do a statement of affairs (see southern scousers sticky thread) and you will get some really good advice.

Comfort

Thanks for the replies.

Bluezone, I'm going to that right now. Its the knowing where to start that been getting me down. Sorting it out into piles is a best way to go.

I've read the thread about the soa and I'll try and draft one of those too. I'll have a reply back here asap and thanks for taking the time.

bluezone

the fact that your not getting nasty letters yet is good so your head is still above water at the mo

bluezone

let me know when you have done the piles from all 3 bags

Will.Power_2

You've taken the first and biggest step to sorting it out, well done.
It'll take you a little while to work out where you are with your debts, but keep using this site for information, guidance and support.
While you're sorting through the bags, stop spending money, unless you absolutely have to, and just because the cash machine likes you enough to give you money, it doesn't mean you've got any. You need to keep your credit clean and if you draw cash today, the direct debit due tomorrow might bounce.
Pull out all the statements and sort them into date order, get an up to date bank statment, and find all the credit card slips that are newer than the last statement date. Don't worry about the older credit card slips, just put them to one side for now.
Your debts equal your last statement balance, less payments made, plus the total of all those new slips.
Get yourself a notebook and write down every transaction you make; you can then keep a running balance and tick the items off when they appear on the statement. Alway get an advice slip when you get cash from a machine.
And don't forget to shred all the old stuff with your card details and name & address on before you throw it out. (If you haven't got a shredder, you can't afford one now, so just tear it all up into little bits and mix it with the food waste... who's going to rummage through that to steal your details...)
Good luck

LJD1_2

Just wanted to add my support. Hope you get those bags sorted soon and i'm sure you'll feel a sense of relief once you know what you're dealing with. Good luck.

James&Shell

Go for it and try and sort it out before the roblem escalates.

Have you got lots of recipts in ther if so is there anything that you can take back to reduce the debt.

with the recipts you should get the full money back.


If they are over there time limit ring up the customer service number on the back of the recipt i used to work for Burtons (arcadia Group) if you rang them with a sob sory say someone or you hae been ill or something they will usuallly agree to a refund as a one off.

If you are like me then you mus have a few bit that you can take back.

Good Luck