Lots of credit cards, high rates - what do I do?

hazelbl

Hi
I am a newbie to these forums despite having visited MSE for years! I have recently stopped putting my head in the sand and realised that I need to do something about my debts (especially with a little one on the way).

I have 4 credit cards all of which are pretty much near the credit limit and my special offers are due to run out at the end of this month and I don't know what to do. I did consider a loan to consolidate but was turned down (despite having a 'good' credit rating) and that has had a negative effect on my score now making me 'fair'. I don't want to open any more credit cards as I am worried about being turned down but I know I wont be able to afford repayments unless I do something about the interest rates.

My cards are as follows:
Barclaycard - already use rate for lifetime of balance which is fine
Egg - 21.9%
Santander - 0% until June then back to standard rate
MBNA - reverts to standard rate in June

Please can someone help me???
Thanks!!

CLAPTON

you have forgotten to tell us the balances
or how much you earn
or the standard rates
or how much you spend each month
or exactly what your credit files say

hazelbl

oooh sorry,

- Barclaycard £7684 (6.4% life of the balance)
- Egg £2994 (21.9%)
- Santander £2995 (21.95%)
- MBNA £8448 (29.9%)

I have enquired with Santander if they could do me a better interest rate as it expired today but they said they don't do that for existing balances just for new transfers.

I also have a mortgage and pay back £250 per month on a loan to my in-laws that was taken as a deposit to buy a house and £195 car finance. In regard to spending each month I have done a monthly plan (as advised by MSE) so I know what we have coming in and out each month which includes the credit card payments and also standard bills (gas, council tax etc) plus food, petrol etc and this covers both me and my partner. I currently have approx £300 per month that I am currently putting into savings to cover the cost of my maternity leave (when I drop to half pay for 3 months) but when that 3 months is up I will be returning to work so that money (well £280 of it) will be used to pay for childcare. I also allocate myself £150 per month as spending money which covers incidentals - other than that I have no spare income or savings.

In regard to my credit files what would you like to know? We have recently moved house but I am registered on the electoral role, the only negative that it states is high outstanding balances but I did pay for my credit score and it came back as fair.

Thanks for your help in anticipation!!