Yippee. Big one paid off!

cazziebo

Before I start the celebrating can I give you some background? don't know how to do the signatures but in 2004 I owed around £30k over credit cards and loans. I managed every month to pay something towards everything but I really resented that I worked hard to get a job with a good salary to find most of it disappear in debt repayments. Rarely had holidays, (kids had great holidays with their rich dad so never felt that guilty) no treats, and only ever bought clothes from ebay or second hand shops. things were beginning to get a bit better with some of the debts beginning to clear - mainly credit cards. At the end of 2005 I was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel and was made redundant. I was devastated but got another job pretty quickly at same salary but no car. Had to buy a car and also pay a lot more than I was used to for petrol. This was a killer. My bank allowed me to run with a 2k overdraft (authorised to 500) and then suddenly in July held me to the overdraft and charged me £400 in bank charges. I never recovered from that and things spiralled out of control. My salary didn't cover the overdraft so the direct debits bounced, the bank charges got worse. I asked the bank for help but they were so unhelpful Everything was so black - I really didn't see any way out. I thought of IVAs, secured loans from sharks - everything.

And then, someone to whom I remain grateful pointed me in the direction of this site (I was looking to book flights for work and I work for a charity so we always try to find the cheapest way to do things). I started the claim for bank charges, I took on a lot of the other hints and tips on here, and just before Christmas I got all my charges back - 3K, most of which were incurred last year.

So I've now paid off the overdraft, my family had a much nicer Christmas than we would have, and I'm well on my way to being debt free.

Finished paying a great big debt off yesterday AND I FEEL SO MUCH LIGHTER IN SPIRIT!!

So Jan 2004 Debt stood at £30k
and Jan 2007 Debt £3400

I've learned a lot of lessons - made a lot of cyber friends, and I'm not letting up on the purse strings yet, not until that final debt is paid off (one loan, one credit card, and one store card) . I'm back in control, the past few years it has been the finances controlling me!
Thanks to everyone for all their support. :T :T :T :T :T :T
Keep going guys - if I can manage it, anyone can!

cheers

Cazzie
xxx

LookingAhead

Well done cazziebo. I am so glad you got bank charges back, it must have been awful when they suddenly 'turned' on you (the bank).

Looking forward to when you come on here and tell us that last £3400 has gone!

Well done again :T

jenchin66

:T Well done, that is a big achievement :T

immoral_angeluk

Well done on such an amazing achievement! you should be proud!

sophiesmum_2

well done you should feel so proud of yourself:T :T :j :T :T

When things get that black the only way out is up, it really can be a character building thing clawing your way back on top, and you should take credit for all the achievements you have made .even the little ones, and the fact that you have done it alone.

:T :T :T :T :T :T

The rest will be easy:D

sophiesmum

vixtress

well done you!
give yourself a huge pat on the back!! :beer:

hbl_2

Ha, claiming back Bank charges is a real fisting for them. I can't believe the banks haven't kicked up more fuss about paying them all back - unless of course they realise what amoral scumbags they are! Haha. I wish I had Bank charges to claim back - I love writing succinct angry letters. Dear Idiots...

Props!

cantcope

Well done :T
So nice to read a post where someone is doing so well. Gives me some inspiration

Catseyez

Well done Cazzie! _party_ You must feel so chuffed with yourself!

It's amazing what a bit of determination can do! Do you have any plans for when you become debt-free? It won't be long now!

Catseyez x

Reformed

You should be so proud! And I think its really good you stuck this thread in because I'm sure its going to inspire loads of people to see light at the end of the tunnel.

nearlyrich

Great post well done Cazziebo I am sure you will be on the roll of honour very soon!