sinkng in quick sand

deemy2004

roadrunner wrote:

I am owed approx 35-40k from family. But I have no idea if/when I will ever see this again so I have discounted it. I have done a detailed budget plan & after my necessary expenditure eg rent, travel, food emergencies etc I think I have around £1000k to spread between my creditors which at the moment comes no where near to meeting my obligations

35-40k ? And they won't pay ?
Take em to court ! A Summons to the county court will soon wake them up !

Sofa_Sogood

roadrunner?

Please don't feel like there's no-one listening or taking notice. They are - on here.

I wouldn't suggest taking the family debts to court, but people that have suggested it have a point. You're more skint than they are?

Maybe time to call in your debts? Be ruthless but kind? (I'll get shot for that too!) but ....

Sofa_Sogood

deemy2004 wrote:

35-40k ? And they won't pay ?
Take em to court ! A Summons to the county court will soon wake them up !

And deemy? Phufghgrrr

It IS family - not your gruesome bank manager

roadrunner_3

Thanks for the tips from those who wrote in.
Unfortunately I cannot do with out a season ticket & car. I live too far out to rely on public transport such as buses but do take the train whenever possible & due to a serious injury and cannot walk long distance (though trying to be positive at least things on that score are getting better)
High prescription costs are due to this & I factor in contact lenses & going to the physio here.
Am cutting back on the Sky TV... unfortunately I'm not the only pesron who uses it & am on a 12month contract so can't lose it without it costing me more in before then.
Re: Internet I do use it at work but also work a lot from home & again not the only person who uses it.
Re: I pay the landline rental as well as having a mobile phone.
Definitely cutting back on the clothes budget!

Anymore tips gratefully received

Taking family to court is not an option especially as some of them do not live in the UK. For those that do I will be laying down the law next week

mattp_3

Can you not ask your family members for a monthly/weekly amount rather than demanding they pay a lump sum - you can then redirect the payments straight to your creditors - not ideal but it is better than getting nothing!

Sounds like a free DMP would work perfectly for you as you do have a reasonable surplus income so definitely worth calling:

Payplan - https://www.payplan.com (0800 085 4298)
National Debt Line - https://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk (0808 808 4000)
CCCS - https://www.cccs.co.uk (0800 138 1111)

You might read the odd report from an unhappy debtor about their services, (there's always one unhappy customer!!) but they have helped 1000's to set up realistic plans with their creditors and the services are completely free and you are not commited - if you don't feel they are helping you effectively - just walk away!

roadrunner_3

Have had a bit of a breakthrough with one of my debtors who has promised to repay some of the amount owed. The only problem I have its that the money is being transferred into an account... the bank are one of my biggest creditors and am worried that they hold on to the funds in this accountas part payment of their debt. I really want to pay off those with the highest interest first.

sunflower_2

personally i dont think your outgoings look excessive (except for maybe the clothing allowance )

you do hav quite a lot of surplus income, so r in a much better position than some

and i would imagine your creditors would be happy with your budget sheet

i take it u dont have any kids? cos those little things can be expensive

Austin_Allegro

The thing that jumped out at me was your grocery allowance of £200 a month - how many people is this for? As a single man I usually spend £40-£60 a month on this, but worked out I could do it for £30 if I really needed to. Check the oldstyle board for hints and tips on this!

Clothing also seems excessive. The key to clothing savings is stick to classics - don't follow every fad that comes along, most of which look daft anyway. Buy a couple of good quality well made (tailor made if necessary) suits etc, then mix and match with cheaper stuff from Matalan, charity shops etc.

roadrunner_3

Ummm....Thanks for the tips but not sure that groceries figure given (for 2 people)which includes necessary toiletries, ciggies (trying to give up!!!) plus the added complications of a a special diet, unfortunatley means a slightly higher total. though I'm sure that if i look hard enough there can be economies made. Could definitely trim the clothes budget...

Katgoddess

High prescription costs are due to this & I factor in contact lenses & going to the physio here.

Do you have the NHS Prescription Pre-payment Certificates? £91.80 for a 12 month certificate?

Am cutting back on the Sky TV... unfortunately I'm not the only pesron who uses it & am on a 12month contract so can't lose it

Get rid of all those premium channels, and stick with the basic one. You can get get free dvds rental trials, and go to the pub to watch football matches.

petrol: £60

This is a lot of petrol for someone who doesn't use the car to commute. Are you using loyalty schemes like Morrisons/Safeways miles, or Nectar points. It all helps.

groceries etc: £200

Again, loyalty schemes. Also have you considered internet shopping? Plan out your food for a week/month, and only order that. Might also cut down on petrol costs to supemarket. There are 15 pounds vouchers for Tescos on the vouchers forum.

Do you have anything (clothes!) to sell on Ebay?