Upsetting comments on another board - but are they right

mrsdumplin

ok, so we are in debt up to our eyeballs and beyond.

Instead of burrying our heads in sand we have done something relatively responsible and are entering a DMP in an effort to get back on track.

Our estimated date of repayment is some time in 10 years although I will do my darndest to make sure it doesnt take that long.

Anyhow, we have cut back everthing, we dont go out, no pub, no meals out, no cinema, didnt even do valentines day cards this year. but I have hung on to our sky...we were paying £72 a month, I called them up and explained the situation that I was entering a DMP and couldnt justify this level expenditure any longer, two phone calls later it was down to £46 a month. Cheaper than going to the cinema twice a month...

I posted my success on another board and recieved these comments.

"Why not cancel and use the £46 a month to pay off the debts that have made you need a DMP in the first place?! Sky is a luxury not a neccessity.

In a DMP ...AND YOU CAN STILL AFFORD £46 pm FOR SKY

but are they right?... I've done the check and £46 wouldnlt decrease the term much, or have I still got my head in the sand !

MrsD

Clarie_2

Mrs D - that sounds like it was hurtful :-(

At the end of the day we all make our own decisions about decreasing our debt - about where we save money, and what for us, is needed. If you've made the decision that your entertainment budget is going on Sky - well that's your decision. Yes you could cut it and save £46 - but that's up to you. If you are using a charity to help you work out your DMP then they will set a reasonable amount for living - and if your Sky takes you over, fine cut it. If not, and you can afford it because you are cutting back in other areas - well that's fine too.
There are people on these boards who are frankly inspiring with their frugality - let them remain an inspiration to attain to, not a whip on an already bent back!

I think what I'm trying to say is well done for facing your debts, for getting the DMP, for making the cut backs. You are doing great, keep going.

God bless,

Clarie

Jinx

They are not wrong and neither are you.......

A DMP is based on your statement of affairs - this belongs to you and while you may ask for opinions on it - it is you who has to live with it.

For example in my SOA (which Ive never posted online for comment) I dont have Sky but have always included a small socialising budget, money for my daughter whether its pocket money or now maintenance re uni... oh and my eyebrow waxes lol I could have paid off my debts quicker, but its a long haul and you have to live...... I think you can be superstrict for a short time but not ongoing for the next umpteen years. If you are happy and doing your best, I think you are allowed one treat.

McKneff

To be quite honest, I agree with you.
Living frugally, you have cut out all your 'treats' and to live like that for the next 10 is just ridiculous. You have to have
some sort of incentive.

Mind you, when your deal ends, i really would think about cutting some of your SKY out,
£72 a month on SKY is a bit over the top, or cut out SKY altogether when your offer ends and get a
freeview box.

Tixy

Hard to judge MrsD (though plenty of people clearly will).
If its basically your main source of entertainment then I don't see why you should feel you have to cut it out. Presumably your DMP provider is happy with the cost?

If you are going to be on a DMP for 10years then it has to be sustainable, and all DMP providers recommend a small entertainment allowance. You cannot just live on beans and toast and stare at 4walls for 10years.

Lots of things can be classed as luxuries to one person but others consider them basic living costs. Some would say a mobile is essential, a TV licence so you can watch TV, internet access etc. But others will tell you they manage fine without these things.

Its down to you of course - personally I've never had paid TV so its not something I would miss. I assume at that price you still have a lot of channels? do you watch them all? would a more basic package be something you would consider?

Does your SKY include internet access or home phone? if so then arguably the whole 46 isn't just for sky. If it doesn't include home phone and internet is it worth exploring to see if it would be cheaper to bundle them than to pay separate suppliers?

mrsdumplin

Thanks for your support all...

I agree that £72 a month was/is a horiffic amount to spend.

I will be making the call in 6 months to try and maintain the deal, We honestly said that if we cant get it reduced then we would go without and use the box as a free view.

I am selling my "baby"..not the real one my car, it will break my heart to sell as I worked hard to buy her, shes probably the only thing I own outright !...

dlb

I too am on a dmp and have been for over 5 years and have just entered our final year, and i have had sky the whole way through...i just phone up every 6 months and try and get a deal, doesnt alwasy work but if not i try again a few months later...i have actually renewed it tonight and got 6 months and half price.
Just beacuse we are on a dmp doesnt mean we dont have the right to enjoy ourselfs now and agin...we cut back in so many other ways to pay the debt back...please dont feel bad for having sky or the odd takeaway day out ect....you are dealing with your debts and should look at these treats as a way of saying well done for dealing with them.

Jinx

Could you not keep your 'baby' and ditch the sky then???

Lucy1010

mrsdumplin wrote: »

ok, so we are in debt up to our eyeballs and beyond.

Instead of burrying our heads in sand we have done something relatively responsible and are entering a DMP in an effort to get back on track.

Our estimated date of repayment is some time in 10 years although I will do my darndest to make sure it doesnt take that long.

Anyhow, we have cut back everthing, we dont go out, no pub, no meals out, no cinema, didnt even do valentines day cards this year. but I have hung on to our sky...we were paying £72 a month, I called them up and explained the situation that I was entering a DMP and couldnt justify this level expenditure any longer, two phone calls later it was down to £46 a month. Cheaper than going to the cinema twice a month...

I posted my success on another board and recieved these comments.

"Why not cancel and use the £46 a month to pay off the debts that have made you need a DMP in the first place?! Sky is a luxury not a neccessity.

In a DMP ...AND YOU CAN STILL AFFORD £46 pm FOR SKY

but are they right?... I've done the check and £46 wouldnlt decrease the term much, or have I still got my head in the sand !

MrsD

Hey MrsD

You HAVE to have something in life! You don't go out, you've tightened your belt, what else is there to do other than stare at the walls hoping 10 years will pass by quickly?

NO, you need to have some form of entertainment to keep you going and I absolutely advocate the Sky subscription. Don't let silly comments get to you, those people are not living your life!

There is a lot of good advice on here and please do listen to people but when you have a long slog ahead of you, you have to have something to make it worthwhile! Keep the Sky but keep paying your bills and your debts and you'll be OK x

McKneff

Dont just watch Sky for your entertainment, get the trivial pursuit out, monopoly.

put a table tennis net on your dining table and have a game, £1 in the £1 shop,

Have a fancy dress night (just the two of you)

Fun doesnt have to cost much.
Good for you OP and if you want some support, keep coming back on here,
Make up a quiz for us.
start a joke thread.
10 years will be a breeze................

Go for it.
x
annie

SJ1

I think that was very mean. There are things we all spend money on where people go 'WHAT!'. We all have our priorities and the things we are willing to cut.

If your 'thing' is sky, then go with it.

We are all individuals, that's what makes it all interesting!

SJ