Terrible Council Tax debt

Storm

Hi Heckles,

Just read through the whole thread. Posting a SoA can really help, because apart from anything else it can be scary when you realise how much per month you're spending on the 'little' things like newspapers, lottery tickets etc. Even if you don't want to post it here, I would advise doing one for yourself (see SouthernScousers sticky)

The areas that are most often where people can cut back on are:

Food shopping - go to Aldi/Lidl/Netto - whatever your cheapo supermarket nearby is! Set yourself a strict budget (I'm on £15 a week for 1 person, if that helps!) Look at the old style board for inspiration, make stuff from scratch & take packed lunches to work.

Mobiles - You said already youv'e cancelled the contract - when you switch to PAYG make sure you budget an amount each month and when it's gone, it's gone (I do £10)

Sky/Cable - tbh this can go completely, or at least look at reducing your package

Cars - check you've got the cheapest insurance & breakdown cover, try to cut down on short journeys, make sure you're getting the best deal on fuel.

Utilities - go to USwitch to see if you can get a cheaper rate, then switch through Quidco to get cashback. Then be very strict with turning off lights, not leaving TVs on standby, keep the heating as low as you can stand etc

Water - if you're paying loads look into getting a meter.

Hobbies etc - look into whether you REALLY need to do them at the moment. I know you've said you've cancelled the gym already, but are there any other bits & pieces you pay out for?

Socialising - this was a biggie for me. I have had to accept that I can't afford to buy rounds, and I don't let people buy drinks for me either. That way I can alternate a beer with a soft drink to keep the cost down for a night out. Look into doing the Orange Wednesdays for the cinema, get free DVD trials (search the internet) instead of renting them, ask friends round to yours for drinks instead of meeting in the pub etc.

Finally - ebay/amazon everythin not nailed down that you haven't used in the last couple of months. Take on any overtime at work, offer to housesit, walk dogs, anything to get any extra little bit of money coming in.

I honestly don't think you should go bankrupt for only £2000, especially as you're in a position to pay it off in 20 months. As they can only jail you for 'wilfully' not paying I would recommend sending them £100 cheques each month (either hand delivered or recorded delivery) as if they bank them or refuse them they won't have a leg to stand on in court.

If you don't open the door to bailiffs (or leave windows open) they cannot enter your home - it also sounds like there's not much that they could take to sell anyway.

Good luck

Storm

Mikeyorks

I was hoping you might return ..... with some good news?