Not Sure what to do

curlytop12

oops,you answered some things whilst i was typing!
also meant to say-top cash back-think its fab,got myy AA for less than a tenner.
keep strong,you sound like you are taking this seriously,keep posting,there are some amazing peeps around on here and the "old style" board.

buzzykye

gem68 thanks for your ideas.
We have a few bits on ebay etc but not really fetching much there.
We receive working tax credit and child benefit which has been included.
No overtime available for me or my husband - not sure about working from home - wouldnt mind if i could.
I work 50 miles from home in 1 direction and hubby works 20/25 miles in the other, we only use the cars to travel to and from work and dont have anyone nearby who works in the same areas.Thanks again

buzzykye

gem68 - thanks it is really hard to 1st get it all down and really understand how much there is and where to go from here.
I am very grateful for all advice given and i will give "the old style board" a look too.

dancingfairy

Hi -the good news is you can afford to live (without debt repayments) - the bad news is you can't afford the debt repayments at the moment. You are also missing a few things from your SOA which you really ought to have/include- clothes and contents insurance for a start.
I genuinelly can't see where you can make up the 183 pounds plus shortfall at the moment in order to be able to balance.
Your debt is not huge but the aprs are not good. You've also got Provident and catalogue debts which aren't going to have great rates. Therefore my top 2 suggestions would be:
1) apply to a credit union for a loan as it wouldn't have such a horrendous apr as those debts. You've got 2501 a month for debt repayments (allowing for clothes, contents and other bits and bobs you've got say 250 a month for debt repayment). Consolidation is not normally a good idea but as your interest rates are so high it should greatly help you.
2) consider some kind of debt management plan with the CCCS.

Gotta go and grab washing before the rains starts. Be right back.
df

snookey

Hi Id try and cut back on your food bill. Even if its twenty pounds. Have a look on the frugal boards. Also invest in some hair clippers for your partner and son.
Have you thought of selling avon or some other sideline to increase your income. I know someone who takes the Avon to work and sells to work mates. Of course that depends on where you work. Another idea would be to car share. It may be worth asking in work or locally to see if anyone goes your way to work.

buzzykye

thanks dancingfairy - we don't have contents insurance and only buy new clothing for the kids when they need it.

dancingfairy

Normally consolidation is not a good idea as it just makes you forget about the debts and people often wrack up lots more- wahey the credit cards are free I can start spending again type thing. . If used wisely it can help. You are unlikely I would have thought to get lending from a major lender but a credit union is definitely worth looking into.
If this isn't possible then you should consider a dmp with the CCCS or other charity. Whichever route you go down - remember to allow money for clothes, contents insurance etc - these are essential and take priority over your debts. If you do your budget too tight you are likely to fall at the first hurdle - it needs to be sustainable as you are likely to be on the dmp for a while at least. 250 is not a bad amount to offer towards your debts either.
df

buzzykye

i have registered with a car share website but have no matches at the moment. Do you know what the initial outlay would be for avon?
i think a few friends/ family would buy it!

dancingfairy

Can you make up the 200 ish pounds shortfall though? that's the question - otherwise you are just prolonging the inevitable. Also check how it will affect your benefits etc. Best of Luck
df

Dharma_Bunny

With regards ditching the car and using public transport, have you actually checked what your local transport authority offers?
I could buy a pass to use all buses, trams and trains in all of South Yorkshire for £83.70 a month for instance. My OH sold our only car and pays petrol money in a car share, saving us a fortune.
It's hard to go without it when you're used to it, but there are often ways around needing a car. Internet shopping for instance.