Do we always need to ask for a person's SOA?

Tr@cker

No. Cut the cards up dont use them again tell the institutions they can have what you can afford or else f*ck off.
Simple really. The rest you dont need to be told by anybody because its common sense.

kathfisch

Tr&#64 wrote: »

No. Cut the cards up dont use them again tell the institutions they can have what you can afford or else f*ck off.
Simple really. The rest you dont need to be told by anybody because its common sense.

The simplicity is attractive but life is rarely that simple or straightforward.

If everything was 'common sense' there wouldn't be people in such problems, or anyone asking for help. If we only told them not to spend on the cards they wouldn't get very far. We try to be supportive and constructive, which involves examining the detail, which is often found in an SOA.

GettingThingsDone

Initially I thought it was a bit of a 'harsh' question to ask straight away. But now I've been on this site for a little while, it kinda makes sense - it cuts a lot of the !!!!!! and gets to the point whilst remaining non-judgemental etc.

rainbowrisin

I think with this board it's a case of "the more you give, the more you get" - I would find it scarey to post a SOA up, and I'm not even in debt, so can see it takes a fair bit of guts.
That said, if you do post one up, then there are lots of people reading who have different areas of expertise who will chip in on the bits which catch their eye - so whilst the initial question might have been about snowballing, if you post an SOA you usually end up with piles of other helpful suggestions relating to other areas of income or outgoings.
It also means that as the person's thread continues, you can post now and again to see how their getting on, give encouragement and further advice and so on. With a "single issue" question it's far harder to do.
Also, "single issue" questions are often only the tip of the iceburg, and I would suggest it's easier for the poster to have a SOA upfront, rather than revealing it an item at a time over a series of threads.
I must admit what I would really like to see is a SOA from someone who isn't in debt, but who is on a very limited income, to see how they manage - although I suspect that's basically nosiness on my part!:o

lynzpower

dead on rainbowrisin

I particularly like seeing those among us who have a really really tight budget and they *still* find extra around by being very savvy, very smart, and very committed and pay off thier debts at a rate of knots. there are a few very inspirational posters ( to me, in any case) who regularly turn sh*t into stardust and the great thing is they share with us all how to do it.

There are some (more often found on OS)MSErs who are amazing at living on pence, and it really is fab to learn from, and with them.

southernscouser

Firstly it depends on the question. Obviously if posters are asking for my mobile number they don't need to provide an SOA! :think:

But I think a SOA is essential so we don't mis-advise people. I tried to make the First Time Posters thread as laid back and welcoming as possible so people don't feel too intimidated.

But if there are any suggestions or improvements I'll gladly ask nearlyrich to edit them in!

lynzpower

SouthernScouser

I was only thinking yesterday, could we change the name from first time posters to something like "whats an SOA?"

southernscouser

lynzpower wrote:

SouthernScouser

I was only thinking yesterday, could we change the name from first time posters to something like "whats an SOA?"

Yeah I kinda get the feeling no-one reads it until prompted! :rotfl:

In_Search_Of_Me

umm...this is an interesting one and actually quite emotive as I have felt on occasion that some people didnt feel that I was serious about my debt because I refused to post an SOA.
Its a very personal thing & I have been able to see where I can cut down, done a spending diary, changed utilities etc without ever posting one! I would only tell people close to me the exact numbers of my finances and I find it a bit odd that people happily share the minute details of their finances on the internet, where anyone can read them!
That said I am able to recognise that it can be helpful for some. What I find unhelpful is when some can be quite negative toward those who choose not to post an SOA & I know that the level of invasion been quite off putting for some!
People can get help without posting an SOA and what is important is that people feel supported when they're here. Most people who initially post are scared sh@tless and dont need to be scared even more by those who consider that getting rid of everything you enjoy is the only way to get out of debt. You feel a failure enough already without feeling even more so by those who imply that you're a failure if you dont follow every suggestion...
Sorry didnt mean to rant but I do know of people who have actualy left the site because they were made to feel so bad by some people here and thats a real shame because they really needed support with their debt...none of us are perfect and perhaps accepting and valuing the various way to tackle debt would generally make people feel supported. Part of that is accepting that some people will not want to post an SOA and also that for some it is not appropriate professionally to do so!

scaredy_cat_2

Hi for what my thoughts are worth - i first posted in summer and a bit of a half hearted list of debts but not a full soa - i'm back now and again posted my half hearted list - being asked for a full soa made me do it - i used southernscousers post (yes it is friendly and not intimidating - mainly the reference to looking at your signature so thanks) and martins budget planner. For me being asked for my full soa made me have my lbm - without it i truely don't think i would have had it - seeing it on the screen and the comments received was quite shocking but in a positive way (if that can be) and Kathfisch it was supportive and constructive too

i am thankful for having to post that - still not brave enough to put it in my signature yet though and do panic that somehow people will know who i am mainly for feeling so stupid for getting into the situation to start with - anyway i'm just a newbie what do i know!!

edit - jsut read fishface-69 sorry kept being interrupted!! its such a personal thing isn't it