Day One of recovery from my darkest debt days. Support or advice hugely appreciated!

BlushingRose

goodmorningsunshine wrote: »

Any way you could get a flat from local authority, this way, if you are unemployed, you coulld claim housing benefit, I know that would take a bit of time, but just putting your name on a list is a start.

This is a good idea. If you're living with someone who isn't a family member, and are having to share bathrooms facilities, I think this gives you more points. Worth a try, and they might be able to house you more quickly if you tell them you'll be homeless (lay it on a bit perhaps) in Feb.

Good luck with the job interviews x

tippingpoint_2

Without jumping the gun, from my really low point this afternoon I am starting to feel better about things. Provided the next week or so goes according to plan, I may be able to spend Xmas looking forward to a productive 2012

tippingpoint_2

Just came put of the first of my two interviews this week, & so far so good... They told me they want me to meet them again on Friday to introduce the team & put an offer to me. I have my other interview on Wednesday (& I do prefer that job, but would be delighted to be earning again with either), so we'll see how that one goes.

I don't want to get too excited just yet, but once I have officially secured a job then I can get things underway with my creditors & take the first steps toward getting life on track. Fingers crossed!

tippingpoint_2

Well I got offers for both jobs last night, which is excellent. Neither can start me until Jan 2nd meaning my first pay won't be until end Jan, but it's a starting point!

camuk81

Have you tried speaking to Barclays and MBNA, its looks like you are about to get caught in a horrible circle of charges, maybe they may be able to help, Is there also any chance of setting a challenge to reduce your food bill. Start by £25.00 each week. It will make a big impact

RS_Clio

Congratulations ! Here's hoping 2012 is better for you than 2011. You must be pretty employable to go for 2 jobs and get offered both ! :T

tippingpoint_2

camuk81 wrote: »

Have you tried speaking to Barclays and MBNA, its looks like you are about to get caught in a horrible circle of charges, maybe they may be able to help, Is there also any chance of setting a challenge to reduce your food bill. Start by £25.00 each week. It will make a big impact

I spoke with Barclays, they are not interested in holding any charges. They also advised me to explore high interest loan options!

I have spoken with MBNA, and they have arranged to have someone call me back from their collections department.

I'll take that food bill challenge! This week, I have only spent £10 on food.

RS_Clio wrote: »

Congratulations ! Here's hoping 2012 is better for you than 2011. You must be pretty employable to go for 2 jobs and get offered both ! :T

Thanks! Both jobs would be tough, but I'm not averse to hard work in the slightest. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to pay my way.

camuk81

As horrible as it sounds maybe a loan is an option. How high was the APR, due to going over the limit not only do you have the charges but also the excess overdraft charges to worry about. My bank have told me I have no option but this. However the payment won't come out till the payday after next which means I massively cheat and miss a £20.00 payment on my visa. Yes its more lending but these horrible people have stuck 3 x 1 month late markers and 1 x 2 month late markers on my credit file. And I'm damn well determined to get back on track.

Right then realistic where are your invites for dinner and how many times can you get away without cooking? Lets set a target. Have you done the weekly shop yet?

tippingpoint_2

The bank said they couldn't give me a loan, and I strongly doubt I would be able to get one anywhere else.

As my new job won't be starting until New Yr, I'll be heading back home to my parents' house over Xmas, meaning most of my food will be there. I've also got a couple of buddies who have offered to buy me lunch before I head back too (lucky me!)

I'm going to do some food shopping today, mostly pasta / non-perishables. I reckon I could easily feed myself up to Xmas on less than £10.

camuk81

My cupboards seem to overflowing with soup and pasta. On the plus side might help me shift this last stone and half! Have you credit union near you? Someone just recommended one to myself and its something which doesn't always spring to mind. They sometimes do lower rates on loans