Can't believe the mess I'm in!

Pink-Angel

Hi all. Yes, I'm another newbie. I've finally realised that my debts are not going to miraculously away and I'm poised to sign up for a DMP. I'm in the process of changing bank accounts as I have debts with my current one. I also need to see about changing my pre-payment energy meters for normal ones, as I'm guessing that will be more difficult once I'm on a DMP and its listed on my credit reference file. I also have a couple of things outstanding on credit cards where I'm waiting for refunds to go through on mail order purchases. But maybe I shouldn't wait for this, presumably the amount will still be reduced by the credit companies? Its just I can't give an accurate figure yet for that debt.

I can't believe I'm in such a mess - but know I have myself to blame. I feel so stressed and ashamed of the situation I am in. I guess I should be thankful that I have at last seen the light. I know that being on the DMP will help becuase then at least I will have money to live on, pay bills etc without constantly going into the red. I've lost weight because I haven't been eating properly (to save a bit of money!) although I've realised this is stupid because I am slim anyway and don't have any spare weight to lose, plus I'm feeling ill all the time.

I know that no one can help me, it just helps to share with those who are in a similar situation. Thanks for reading :-)

Squirrel29

Just wanted to say hi before I shoot off for work. I'm in exactly the same stage as you in about to start my DMP. I owe approx £19.5k. I seem to have been in debt since my late teens and I'm sick of the stress. I'm just waiting a couple of weeks until my wages go into the bank and then it's all systems go!

Lets support each other. Xx

honeybear68

please post soa as this will gain some advice for you.

Pink-Angel

Squirrel, I'm in the same boat ... Debts have spiralled since my teens. I'm in my 30s .... you'd think I would have learned by now wouldn't you?! I agree, let's support each other :-)

Honeypot, sorry to appear dim ... what does soa stand for?

ceejaydee23

Statement of Affairs, theres a thread on the top of the forum that gives a link for you to put in all your incomings and outgoings, so it gives others an idea of where you maybe able to see where you can make your cut backs/savings

honeybear68

Pink-Angel wrote: »

Squirrel, I'm in the same boat ... Debts have spiralled since my teens. I'm in my 30s .... you'd think I would have learned by now wouldn't you?! I agree, let's support each other :-)

Honeypot, sorry to appear dim ... what does soa stand for?

statement of affairs. a list of all you income and expenditure.

dollybeads

Pink-Angel wrote: »

Squirrel, I'm in the same boat ... Debts have spiralled since my teens. I'm in my 30s .... you'd think I would have learned by now wouldn't you?! I agree, let's support each other :-)

Honeypot, sorry to appear dim ... what does soa stand for?

Its not dim at all, on here you can ask anything and someone will give you a sensible and kind answer. Just wanted to offer some virtual support, as can't help on the advice side, as have 35k in debt at my light bulb moment (LBM) but since joining on here have managed to work out how to save a staggering £474 per month. All of which now going towards my debt. it is truly amazing how much you can cut back if you have to. Lots of really knowledgable people will be able to help when you have put a copy of your Statement of affairs on here. its really easy to do, (needs lots of info, but you can get most of this from statements etc). It will give an accurate picture of where you are at. Pls don't feel embarrassed, its horrible but the help will keeping pouring in and you will see a real difference really quickly. Well done for posting, its the first step........:T

LexieLou

Hi Pink Angel,

Welcome to the boards, we are all here for you and each other. It gets tough at times, but then at other times it seems bearable and a mountain that you can climb.

I've been on the board for about a year and i'm not necessarily following the same path as you or others, but I'm doing what works best for me.

I'll subscribe to your diary and pop in and say hi every now and then.

Take care,

LL xx

abbie105

Hi Pink Angel

Sounds like you are in the same position as we.
I've been lurking around the site for a few months and finally taken the plunge and am in the process of setting up a DMP.

having read a few posts everyone seems really supportive (I guess we have all been in the same situation and know how it feels).

Good luck

hounslow_boy

Pink-Angel wrote: »

Hi all. Yes, I'm another newbie. I've finally realised that my debts are not going to miraculously away and I'm poised to sign up for a DMP. I'm in the process of changing bank accounts as I have debts with my current one. I also need to see about changing my pre-payment energy meters for normal ones, as I'm guessing that will be more difficult once I'm on a DMP and its listed on my credit reference file. I also have a couple of things outstanding on credit cards where I'm waiting for refunds to go through on mail order purchases. But maybe I shouldn't wait for this, presumably the amount will still be reduced by the credit companies? Its just I can't give an accurate figure yet for that debt.

I can't believe I'm in such a mess - but know I have myself to blame. I feel so stressed and ashamed of the situation I am in. I guess I should be thankful that I have at last seen the light. I know that being on the DMP will help becuase then at least I will have money to live on, pay bills etc without constantly going into the red. I've lost weight because I haven't been eating properly (to save a bit of money!) although I've realised this is stupid because I am slim anyway and don't have any spare weight to lose, plus I'm feeling ill all the time.

I know that no one can help me, it just helps to share with those who are in a similar situation. Thanks for reading :-)

Welcome to mse, and congrats to having the courage to post your troubles on a public forum.

It's great that you're facing up to your situation but you really shouldn't feel stupid or ashamed - we're all under tremendous pressure 24-7 to live the aspirational lifestyle that's supposed to make us happy and fulfilled.

The United Kingdom plc is bankrupt, broke, insolvent. Do you ever hear politicians fessing up and apologising?

My advice to you is to string out as small repayments as possible for as long as possible. It's only debt, quite frankly who gives a monkeys? Life your life.:)

Pink-Angel

Thanks everyone. I'll have a look at the soa too. In a funny kind of way it's nice to know that there are others who know how this all feels. (Not that I would ever wish anyone to be in this situation.) Funny thing is I'm a professional, intelligent, independant woman, so I should have realised I had to do something sooner! Anyway, at least I am now. It's amazing how now I'm serious about sorting out my debts I'm constantly looking at ways of how I can cut back on unnecessary spending, and I've listed lots of things on ebay that I really don't need.

I'm looking into changing bank accounts at the moment - far more complicated than I imagined! I've heard the Co-op is good but I don't have one locally, and I'm stressing myself out about making sure I don't get a new bank in the same banking group as my current bank, so that the new one can't take money off me. I feel like a duck what seems to gliding around serenely, while underneath the water my feet are frantically paddling! I'll feel better once the DMP is up and running, as at least then I won't have this awful constant sinking feeling in my stomach about the fear of running out of money for the month.