Control. Worth so much more than money.

monstermuncher

My debts are now relatively low, I'm paying off council tax after a bit of an error (their originial mistake, my stupidity!) and a cataloge debt I'd forgotten about in the depths of my slight psychological collapse a few years ago.

My incomings are higher than my outgoings, and that feels quite nice. They're not THAT much higher though.

My Mum came to visit and I was playing on her ipad, and it just suddenly hit me that those sorts of luxuries are something I can't forsee ever having. I don't have enough spare cash to put it away and save up, and even once my debts are paid off completely I will have enough money for an ok standard of living (I'll be able to upgrade from Smart Price) but not much more than that.

My Mum reminded me that I originally got into trouble with money because I believed that things would improve my quality of life, and then found out that they didn't. I was left with the debts of a desperate (and failed) attempt to make myself happy.

She said that getting control back in my life would be more valuable to me, and I'd find that I didn't want the material things I have craved before.

Well, this weekend has been quite productive for me. 1) I phoned Sky and haggled my broadband package down and got line rental free. 2) I complained to Orange about mistakes they've made on my bill and requested that they reduce my tariff slightly earlier. 3) I've cancelled memberships to things I didn't use. 4) sorted out my bank accounts to remove the reserve facility, close the account I don't use, change my name and address and order a new card. 5) Written to the bank to ask for a good will gesture partial refund of charges. Written to the tax office to chase up my claim for tax relief for home workers 6) Completed my PPI claim form 7) Written off for details of charges on two credit cards, and 8) applied for a second job.

Some of things things have saved me money instantly, some may or may not pay off, some will take ages (tax office, probably!) but one thing's for sure, I feel great about taking positive steps to improve my situation.

I hate to admit it, but I think my Mum might be right. Feeling in control of your life? Better than an ipad.

BlushingRose

How did you get them to remove the reserve? I have reserve on my account and I don't like it.

quantic

Couldn't agree more, I used to think to myself - once I've got this... when I get that. I don't even think being debt free makes you happy either mind.

I was really stressed when I had a little bit of debt after buying my house, but now that I'm debt free with some savings I don't really feel happier for it.

I think having debt can make you miserable but not having it doesn't particularly make you as happy as you might imagine. I think you just gotta feel like you have balance, its as easy to feel trapped when you have no debt, it can sometimes be even worse - scared to enjoy money you can afford to spend etc.

quantic

BlushingRose wrote: »

How did you get them to remove the reserve? I have reserve on my account and I don't like it.

Just ring them and request that it is removed!

monstermuncher

Yup, they can just take it off, although they don't appear to tell you that!

I know what you mean about being debt free not making you happier either. External factors don't really make any impact, in my experience.

When I achieve happiness, I'll let you know!

BlushingRose

quantic wrote: »

Just ring them and request that it is removed!

Might even be able to remove it online. I'll have a look.

Is it 'cheaper' to go over your OD limit if you don;t have a reserve? (i ask cos my account looks like it might)

monstermuncher

You can't go over without it. Direct debits will be returned (£8 a pop for that) but it's better than £22 a week!

Ninno820

I quite agree with your sentiments - my debts are down to imaginging that things will bring you happiness. They don't- its the state of my mind that does that. Two months in to taking control and the debts are starting to reduce - but its the feeling of control that is soooooooo much better.

hallowitch

are you paying your council tax debt to the council or bailiffs
if its the bailiffs do you know how much they have charged you in fees have you checked to see if the fees are correct (in line with legislation)

monstermuncher

hallowitch wrote: »

are you paying your council tax debt to the council or bailiffs
if its the bailiffs do you know how much they have charged you in fees have you checked to see if the fees are correct (in line with legislation)

Direct to the council. I thought I was paying because I'd sent all the stuff off, but it was never set up and I didn't check. They didn't even chase it up, I realised when I was doing a budget and had to ask for a bill! Glad I noticed, they may not have been reasonable if they realised before I did.