Worried sick

Eupho

Hi everyone.. Ive been a *lurker* on these boards for a long time.. I read all your GREAT advice.. then run off to worry and put my head in the sand for a while longer..

Ive realised now that its become a cycle, panic about my debt, come here.. try some of the things advised.. try to sort it out, Then it all looks so daunting and frightening I hide again for a few months. (worrying.. cant sleep.. weight of the world on my shoulders, and all those horrible feelings)

Im not *In trouble* yet.. but very soon I will be.

I havent used any of my cards at all for a few months now.. and nor have i been tempted, Ive been trying hard to sort it all out. Budget.. spend less etc.

I did go (as i read on here) to Payplan.. and spoke to them.. ( they are VERY helpful and FREE for anyone that doesnt know)

They sent me some template letters and things to help me write to the card companies to get the interest frozen? (I think)... But when i saw the big file of paperwork to read.. I scan read it.. and panicked again..and stuffed it back in the drawer. That was in October 2006..

I have no CCJ's and so far.. have not missed any payments at all with any of them.. so no nasty letters (YET) and no one knocking on my door (YET)..

The problem is.. If i dont do something NOW im about to get into big trouble.. as almost everything i have (with credit) is almost at the maximum.. even though im paying (more than the min payment).. with the HUGE interest.. I'm sure the balances are just about to start going UP each month instead of down.

I have called Payplan again today .. and someone is calling me on Saturday.. This time Im planning on handing it all over for them to do..

What stopped me doing that before (in october) Was that I had said to them i only wanted to try and freeze the interest on the cards.. and not mess about with my (2) bank accounts.. (which are okay)... But they said it would involve them too.. which made me panic, and stop again.

But before i called them again today.. I was thinking that i didnt really have much option to be worrying about keeping my bank accounts. My direct debits.. whether I will ever be able to shop online again - I dont mean spend spend spend.. just normal things. Does it mean i wont even have a debit card anymore?

I HAVE to get this sorted out.. and get moving in the right direction.. its destroying my mental health to be honest.. Its been in my head almost constantly for the last year or so.. Wherever i am whatever im doing.. in the back of my mind .. I have this little voice going.. *You are in SO much debt.. you must sort this out NOW!*... that whirrs around in my head for 95% of the day (and night) Its ruining my life and my sanity now..
I have been to this website so many times.. and read and READ. But im still scared, im here now to double check handing things over to Payplan is the right thing to do..

Im SOOOOOOO sorry this is so long.. and i will totally understand if no one could be bothered to read it all... But to be honest .. its already helped me alot just to *say* it, because.. like lots of people before their *light bulb moment* .. no one knows about this except me.

Broken_hearted

Glad writing it down helped.

Eupho

Thank-you Broken

lovetobeloaded

Hi Eupho

Well done in taking the first steps. :T
I too have just started my own SOA thread today.


You are in the right place and doing the right thing and very soon you will start to receive some very good advice.

You probably need to start with a Statement of Affairs, where you write down all your outgoings and debts with interest rates, total amounts etc and any incomings.

This way, the really great people on here can help you see where you could make savings in your outgoings, even an extra few pounds a month to pay off your debts can help a lot.

Also try the ThriftyWays board as this will help you make the most of your budget for meals, cleaning etc.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope you have a good night's sleep!

moxie_2

Payplan will advise you change banks to one you are not in debt with. It will only be a basic account, but you can do d/ds, s/os and they usually give you a Visa Electron card, which I use for stuff I buy online. It seems to be accepted most places. Most banks offer a basic account, I'm with the Co-op (basic cashminder account, no credit check) also Nationwide Flex account, and Nat West Step account are all similar. Payplan can advise, as some banks are linked and you need to steer clear eg Barclays and Woolwich, Co-op and Smile for example. You will feel much better after you've spoken to Payplan, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Good luck!

vivaladiva

Could you post an SOA - it seems your buget is going a little astray and there are loads of brilliant people here who will help to sort it out. See Southernscousers sticky at the top of the board if you need help as to what to put in. I believe Payplan will ask you to prepare something similar, so it might help to do it now. Payplan seems like a good way to go, but you also need to address the budget deficit or whatever that has caused this.
I know what you mean about worrying about having £1000 on a credit card I can look back at that from where I am now and think - I wish!
HTH

vivaladiva

lovetobeloaded - snap!

lynzpower

hello there
have you done a SOA ( statement of affiairs) before, youll have to do one for Payplan at some juncture anyway, if you feel that you are able to pursue this option.

You know we can have a look over and see if theres any extra savings for you

Anyway, do keep posting
Lynz
x

Eupho

Thank you all very VERY much for your replies.. Yanno all this time all Ive done is panic and worry inside.. Not Once have i cried.. until just now.. (now) .. and its with relief. FINALLY my *lightbulb* moment

lovetobeloaded

Hi Bizzimum and all other new SOA's

Lets make 2007 the year where we really bite a chunk out of these debts and take control again.

Power to the DFW's!!!