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Stuck in while everyone else it partying

Is there anyone else stuck in this house today because they have no money, like me ?? I am on a dmp so only have a limited amount of money each month. I have 2 pounds to last until friday when I'm paid, but don't need to buy anything as have plenty of food and there's petrol in the car. I do feel a bit depressed right now as all my mates and family are off on the traditional boxing day pub crawl and i can;t afford to join them. Its my own fault as I racked up debts and am now paying them off via the dmp. To be honest last year I went out on boxing day and paid for it on my credit card, so at least i am not getting in more debt. I just wanted to get my feelings off my chest so to speak , so sorry for the unfocussed ramble :)
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Comments

  • HI Dazla. I'm stuck in because I do not have money and am on DMP, also because i have very few friends where I live; so doubly sorry for myself:(

    For the last few years I took my daughter to Butlins between Christmas and New Year, it only costs about £150 but due to DMP I could not even do that this year.

    I think I might ask my parents to pay for it as a Christmas present next year as it is quite miserable sitting here on my own watching TV.

    Still, at least we have this forum.

    I was thinking as well, that at some point in the future, I might get involved with charity work over Christmas; my parents are elderly so won't be around for ever, my kids are getting older (youngest is 12 eldest is 20). It would get me out and would do some good:T
    LBM August 2011. DFD somewhere post [STRIKE]2025[/STRIKE]2022 :eek:
    Total debts October 2011 circa GBP 17,700 September 2018 GBP 0 DMP with Payplan
    What doesn't kill you makes you stronger:T:D:D:D
  • dazla
    dazla Posts: 191 Forumite
    You know what, I was thinking about getting involved with chariry work last night. I feel that if I could do that through the year as well as xmas I may get something from it, feel more valued in a way. Also, I went to my step sisters for xmas dinner and all her children and partners were there exchanging presents, they must have spent a fortune, they had loads of gifts for each of them. I only had one prezzie as i do not have any close relatives but I just couldn't help thinking that there are ppl homeless and worse off than me and that it was obscene spending all that money on presents. I think being on a dmp has made me focus on things other than money and material things. Well I shall have a glass of wine and watch emmerdale now, whoo hoo
  • tallyhoh
    tallyhoh Posts: 2,307 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    I'm stuck in the house because I choose to be. Got sick of pubs & wasting money years ago. Rather have a pair of comfy PJ's & Morcombe & Wise on the telly.

    Its good that you should think of others now, I worked in a hostel for homeless teenagers some time ago & believe seeing my 20 year old son happy & stable is worth more than anything in the world.
    Tallyhoh! Stopped Smoking October 2000. Saved £29382.50 so far!
  • There's a lot of people in the same postion, you'd be surprised. We're on a dmp and have been for the last few years. Its hard when you first start off and yes it can be depressing at this time of year. But i just keep thinking our christmas is paid for with no nasty credit card bills dropping on the doorstep in January. I have 3 small children and i'm lucky that their toys don't cost a lot ( I started my shopping the beginning of the summer and took advantage of some of the 3 for 2 offers!) I just got a little at a time.
    So yes the telly might be boring but just bring on the wine! ( I never bought one of our 5 bottles, all came as gifts from my husbands work)
    So please don't be too down, it gets better everyone on here will tell you the same. There is lots to learn on here, some very clever peolpe and they are always helpful.
    Enjoy the rest of the holidays.
  • Quite the opposite, I'm quite relieved to have an excuse to be stuck inside! It feels nice to have a couple of days where I can take a break and not spend anything. My bank balance is feeling better after a couple of hectic weeks.
    Thank you competition posters!
  • well good for you staying in and not going out and spending money that you don't have.you might be a bit fed up now but this time next year you will feel glad that you took control of your finances.there are probably loads of people out there living it up but putting it all on a credit card because they have no money.
    the charity work idea is great.i work as a carer and i have seen alot of older people in the last few days who would have given anything to of had someone to sit and watch telly with them.
    there is no wealth but life
    sealed pot challenge#240
    df by dec 2014#150

    Barclaycard[ 1641]512. loan[4100]2673. nationwide[1898]1548.natwest 2980.total [8584]7713.:eek::eek:
  • tealady
    tealady Posts: 3,851 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Mortgage-free Glee!
    Hi Dazla
    I know it is hard but it won't be forever.
    I would be willing to bet that someone on that pub crawl is heading towards a debt problem whether it be due to job insecurity, a hike in interest rates or just overspending.
    Perhaps next year you might be able to find a way to join them on your limited budget.
    Oh and just enjoy not having a hangover today.
    Find out who you are and do that on purpose (thanks to Owain Wyn Jones quoting Dolly Parton)
  • opinions4u
    opinions4u Posts: 19,411 Forumite
    edited 27 December 2011 at 8:05AM
    Let me assure you, everybody else isn't partying.

    It will be a small minority.
  • duchy
    duchy Posts: 19,511 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Xmas Saver!
    edited 27 December 2011 at 8:48AM
    It's all down to your perspective.
    You can feel deprived and miserable or-you can tell yourself you are indulging yourself with a bit of "me time" and building a future of financial choices and freedom.

    My income plummeted this year for various reasons and I've worked every day from Christmas eve til 2 January (yes including Christmas day). Yesterday was eleven hours. It means in January there will actually be some spare cash and a bit of breathing space. I could have felt upset I was missing out on the sales or socialising today-but actually I'd rather keep my sanity-and my money ;). In January all your mates will be seeing the creditcard bills arrive -whereas you even with a DMP aren't going to be suffering post Christmas bill shock. Well done on resisting the creditcard route this year !

    Use that time to relax-long relaxing bubble bath -settle down with a DVD or a film on TV and enjoy the break from the seasonal madness .
    I Would Rather Climb A Mountain Than Crawl Into A Hole

    MSE Florida wedding .....no problem
  • Hi Dazla,

    It can be very difficult and frustrating on a DMP at various times of the year, but I always found that by having enough money to pay the bills and not struggle to make the minimum payment in January etc, that the short term annoyance of not being able to buy extra presents or go out is balanced out by the long term gains of not getting into more debt. Perhaps you could try to save say £2 per week to go out with your mates next year?

    Good luck

    Red
    If you've nothing decent to say, perhaps you shouldn't say anything.

    £2 savings jar £300:D
    Total credit card debts £1250:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: - Will I ever learn!!
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