First post - CCCS helped me

Wannabesaver_4

Hi All - this is my first post but i feel compelled to write because i am now proud to be dealing with my debt. Lightbulb moment was September 2005 when i realised that i didnt want to keep going on the way we were and that something woudl eventually give. I feared this would be my sanity. We owe £30,000 which is such a HUGE sum of money BUT i now see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I have seen CCCS mentioned on here before but i just want to say if anyone is thinking about contacting them DO! They are so lovely and completely non judgemental. They have been an enormous help and have helped me see that everyones situation is different but there is always hope.

We have been set a budget and will paying £713 a month to the CCCS for them to distribute amongest our creditors. After speaking to them i felt stronger and went from not wanting to go home in fear of the post and phone calls, to feeling at peace in my own home again and fired up to speak to creditors if they called to hassle me. At the time of speaking to CCCS i was at my wits end and feeling very foolish. They offered to speak to my creditors for me which was a huge help and have stopped interest on all our monies owing. It wont be easy living on a tight budget but i am now kinda excited about doing it and knowing that each month i knock £713 off my debt NOT just paying off interest. i will debt free in about 3 years!!!! Then i will be able to plan the rest of my life and kids etc.

I am as a result of all this a much calmer and happier person. I dont profess to now be an expert in debts or money saving (but i hope to be), but if anyone is thinking of heading down the CCCS route and want to chat or advise please feel free to ask me.

It feels wonderful to be dealing with our debts and i cant wait for the debt free moment. There is a chance we will moving into my mother in laws when she moves out which will mean releasing the equity from our house, which should be accepted as final payments to all our creditors. This will also mean lower rent, giving us chance to save.The only thing i find hard is the thought of not having a holiday because our budget doesnt allow for that, but i will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Everything is looking up, and its all because i feel a cloud has been lifted. :j

P.s - I have been reading these forums for a few months now and this is my first post. I think this site is going to be my saving grace with budgeting and saving money!

bank_of_slate

Good for you saver!
Fantastic news
Keep at it babe, 3 years isn't long!
...Linda xx

chevalier

ref holiday
You could offer to house sit some one elses house whilst they are away?

There are often offers in the Sun/Mirror - £10.50 for a holiday, and collect the tokens. I had a colleague at work who did these every year for one of his holidays and always thought they were pretty good.

hope this helps, and well done on starting to get your debts sorted
chev

Bestthingsinlifearefree

Nice post.:T and it shows there is always a way forward and once you start making small positive steps to take control of your finances you feel better for it.