Selling up to become debt free?

brownedoff_2

Hi everyone,

Feeling a bit dejected today.. I phoned the utility people and they will only accept a minimum monthly payment of £34. Anything less than that would be classed as an underpayment and will in turn be passed to a debt collection agency. So I had no option but to agree. I may as well have not bothered switching suppliers in the first place as the combined payments will not be much less than I was paying originally…

I’ve just phoned HMRC Customer Service for an update. After being cut off twice (!) I was told that the person dealing with my case doesn’t work Fridays??? When I suggested that surely someone must know what’s going on they finally phoned me back and told me a letter had been sent out on the 30th March. I haven’t received this letter and they were unable to tell me what it says. So I asked them to send out another recorded delivery as often the post here is left in the downstairs lobby and can go astray. However their policy only allows them to send out letters 2nd class post… Grr…. I’m sooo frustrated I feel like throwing something! :mad:

Rant over… sorry

brokeinlondon

HMRC are so frustrating at the best of times, and it's shocking how slowly they've been dealing with your case! Fingers crossed this new letter actually materialises...

Fly_Baby

brownedoff wrote: »

Rents in this area for anything half decent would be around £700 - £800 per month.

My flat does have 3 bedrooms and I have considered taking a lodger, ...

I am sorry but are you sure that renting anything half decent would really cost £700-800 per month? That's the price to rent 1-2 bed flat in my area but around here you would never find a 3-bed flat for £135,000.

Not that I would advocate renting somebody's 1-2 bed flat for £700 when you have your own 3-bed at £244. And all for the sake of serving around £4000-worth debt? I am sure there must be a less painful way to manage the situtation and somebody will hopefully come up with one!

Good luck.

brownedoff_2

Hi Fly baby,

I kind of have a tick list of things I’d want in my ideal place to live.

• Ground level, either a small house or bungalow.
• Small private garden or courtyard
• Preferably a garage or at least off street parking
• Minimum 2 bedrooms.
• Decent area
• Near to work

£700 - £800 is a ball park figure and not unrealistic, i've trawled the net and i could find something for that price. I don’t see anything wrong in wanting to live somewhere nice if its attainable.

I know the debt isn’t that high compared to some, but it is increasing at a rate of over £200 a month so something has to be done. That said I’ve decided to stay where I am and let a room for now which will definitely be less painful.
Once I get back on my feet I can re-evaluate the situation.

Still-in-debt

Hi brownedoff,
firstly well done on all you have acheived so far. I know it can seem so daunting at first.
Regarding your housing dilema, have you thought about a park home (mobile home)? My aunt has recently moved to one and it is perfect for her and the site is lovely too. She has 2 bedrooms, a huge lounge/dine, a great kitchen, bathroom, a small conservatory, a wrap around garden and a garage. In fact, I think her new home is sounding nicer than mine!!
S-i-d

brownedoff_2

Still-in-debt wrote: »

Hi brownedoff,
Regarding your housing dilema, have you thought about a park home (mobile home)?
S-i-d

They're great aren't they? I do like things that come in boxes lol.. must be my Virgo personality, but none in my area unfortunately. I wouldn't discount it in the future though.. thanks

de1amo

i dont know how HMRC can send a letter out and have a log of its date and not know what is in it!---so when you ring them up to discuss their letter say it agrees to everything you need!!!

Sounds like your looking to upgrade Brown--if you sold your own flat what kind of place on a lower level could you afford?-to me that sounds what you should aim for because of your tight budget--with a rent of 700-800 will come higher rates etc!

vw_campervan_mum

Hi - just wondered if you have tried getting mobility allowance? Friend of mine just got it very easily lately - although only early 40's she has had hip replacement. Thought this might help as either you get a paid for car or money towards travel costs. Good luck

brownedoff_2

de1amo wrote: »

Sounds like your looking to upgrade

I already have 3 bedrooms, a balcony & communal gardens, i have a garage too, so i wouldnt exactly be upgrading if i went for a 2 bed place. The main criteria is for ground level and i would prefer not to live in a flat again, unless it was something really special. I'd have to keep an eye on the council banding too and take it all into account before making a decision.

But none of that is going to happen in the near future anyway, as i'm definitely going to let a room for the time being.

vw_campervan_mum wrote: »

Hi - just wondered if you have tried getting mobility allowance?

I received the DLA forms in the post today! Been reading through them and also reading up online.. i think i've got a pretty good idea of how to fill it in, but i'm going to take it to the CAB first. Also i've decided to keep a diary for a few days, just to remind myself of how often the pain affects me.. i've lived with it for so long that i take it for granted.

beanielou

Good idea on diary.
If you need any pointers PM me.