Your Personal feelings on debt? Ashamed? Embarassed? Worried?

learning_to_drive

Just reading a post there by Jan 20th regarding not telling anyone about debt, friends or family.

I must admit I'm guilty of telling too many people about my life, be it my stress / depression / medication / money issues etc.

I look back, certainly more so when I was compiling my bank charges via online statements and I shuddered at the sheer amount of money I was spending on Amazon / Clothes retailers / Cash withdrawls etc. Unbelivable, I earned some decent money for a lad of 16 / 17 and I cannot believe at 21 I have little to show for it.

Im happy Ive had my lightbulb moment, but Im embarassed that I have got myself into this state, when we have a lightbulb moment, you suddenly start watching every single pound and keep thinking of the snowball and what you can pay off this month, it helps you focus.

In a way Im relieved Ive done it so young, Im confident that once this particular hurdle is done with (the stress stuff, money etc) I can sort myself out and get back on an even keel, then my family (coming along in around 3 / 4 years hopefully, will be stable because I will have done my mad spending when I was younger and I will be much more financially aware.

A lot of my friends go out every weekend, have their car and things, but parents have paid for a lot of it, or their lessons, or give them money, or paid their insurance. I have paid for all my own car and things. I mean yeah, Im skint now, but its all in my name, in credit in my name so its an important life skill that Im learning now.

I would like to know your feelings on your own debt? Do you speak about how bad things are? Mse site? SOA? Are you worried about it? Embarassed? Relieved you have admitted their is an issue?

January20

Ashamed - definitely - because I've been so stupid, so naive....

learning_to_drive

Not at all, I would counter that it's a learning curve, same for me, I signed all my agreements when times were good, I had a job with Sains, I would never lose my job, people always need food.

I arrogantly thought I wouldnt get ill, then you get stress and depression and its not something that can be cured by taking Flu Plus (alleviate cold symptoms) or headache tablets, its a recovery process that you have to go through, then you cant work as much and then things descend.

Luckily Ive had my lightbulb moment, changed things around in my personal life and am hoping to join ASDA in the new year on the nights then move up the management ladder there.

immoral_angeluk

We're quite open about our debt. Although it's embarassing to admit to having debt, we're proud of how well we're doing with dealing with it and tell people to try and encourage them to deal with theirs too.

MoneyMagnet

I don't discuss it with others, because I have no reason to - it's nothing to do with anyone else. I'm not sure if I'd be embarrassed to admit to it or not - maybe a little, but not much. My main feeling towards my debt is just irritation with myself, for being so careless & short-sighted. But I'm now extremely good with money, and I'm quite proud of how my attitude to my finances has changed, so maybe it was a good learning experience!

learning_to_drive

Do people feel more confident speaking with like minded people here? I certainly do, I love to speak about my problems, not love, but I appreciate that this is a real therupatic area for us all. With like minded people who have the same problems that we have.

Broken_hearted

I remember being all happy when my debt went under £15,000. Exitedly telling my dad how well I was doing. He nearly fell through the floor, lets say he was less than impressed. He's more supportive now I was running round yesterday saying 'daddy daddy I've paid off my capital one card and saved £5 in interest charges this month'. He was like thats nice did you call in for a reason:rotfl: I walked out with £20 (present) so he must be proud deep down:p

SunderlandBlackCat

Before I actually started dealing with things I was ashamed & quite secretive about it all.

Once I had started taking positive steps I became quite open about it & now my boss & all my mates know & some have approached me on how to deal with their own debt problems.

Unfortunately though I think at least 3 people I know are in serious debt but are a few lightbulbs short of a solution either through trying to put on a front because of shame orpride or just refusing to acknowledge to themselves that theres a problem.

Mrs_Sparkle

I'm ashamed of mine and rarely reveal the true figure to anyone. I'm in a senior position at work and feel that I should keep this side of me well hidden as people would see me differently if they knew. Once my debts are cleared I intend to shout from the rooftops about how well I did paying it all off- I will be so proud.

raq

Don't agree with this quote . This day and age there are so many companies especially retail where they are cutting jobs. Especially Tesco what with having premisses in India , thus making thousands of people across the country redundant.

I was excellent in my early teens with money but then I hit 26 - 27 and things turned badly. It's only now that we have had our light bulb moment and watching every penny.

y Ive had my lightbulb moment, changed things around in my personal life and am hoping to join ASDA in the new year on the nights then move up the management ladder there.[/QUOTE]

raq

that's me all over.