Are you Britain's Best Debt Dieter? £500 to the champion

oakdale_minx

I'm now trying not to cry - thankyou heather and jet. After the absolutely appalling week I've had, you have made me feel so happy.

Yep, now i'm crying!

beanielou

IA for me or OM as Moozie & the maccas's have both said dont want to enter.
What are your thoughts IA & OM?

immoral_angeluk

beanielou wrote:

IA for me or OM as Moozie & the maccas's have both said dont want to enter.
What are your thoughts IA & OM?

I've entered. I'm so proud of our (if small compared to some) achievements that I'd shout it from the rooftops! :rotfl:

barnaby-bear

immoral_angeluk wrote:

I've entered. I'm so proud of our (if small compared to some) achievements that I'd shout it from the rooftops! :rotfl:

I like IA's story because:

It's not extreme, we're not talking about some extreme unusual debt brough on by internet gambling, horrific change of circumstance, or debt that spiralled for years and years to ridiculous levels; just the slow insidious creep of overspending a little when living on a very tight income and realising things are slipping and taking control. It has a lot of normal conflicts of family life, tax credits, childcare issues. A lot of things people relate to.

It's positive the family are likeable and positive, there's no feeling sorry for themselves or whining about the reasons for the debt. Supporting a family on near minimum wage is tough but there's no self pity and they have a life many would envy. A family unit bettering themselves through their own efforts, work and education. It's not just about debt it's about people on the up with aspirations, hopes and likely to succeed.

It's got staying power, it's been consistent constantly being careful, tortoise over hare, no easy fix or large assets to sell. Careful accounting and numeracy and maturity. Just being sensible.

It reminds you a lot of people don't fit the stereo types, low-income, teenage (? or nearly) mom... not your daily mail family, they aren't supposed to be numerate, sensible or make nice families; Their prospects and progress are coming from their efforts and aspirations and the DFW is associated with a whole load of positive lifestyle choices. Choices they've made rather than coming from a mentor, parental instruction or the advantage of vast financial education.

Hope that wasn't too patronising.

Edit: As an afterthought for most people being debt free means they can go back to normal, however on the IA family income the lifestyle is offering them choices, without the debt or overspend they have the opportunity to make savings, save for their kids futures, have the options to access education/change careers. With the financial knowledge they can access financial products and make money work for them rather than be tied to the poor credit, constant overdrafts, working to try to reach the end of the month. For most poeple DF means back to normality for them it's an opportunity to escape and do better than the expected normality.

oakdale_minx

beanielou wrote:

IA for me or OM as Moozie & the maccas's have both said dont want to enter.
What are your thoughts IA & OM?

I'd love to enter ,but wouldn't want to go public. i'd be happy to have a dark shadow over me and the caption 'words spoken by an actor' at the bottom of the screen! :rotfl:

Shame, as i'd chuck the £500 straight at the secured loan, which would lop another month and a half off my May 2010 target.

Go for it I_A. I'd be behind you!

O_M

themaccas

Thanks Archna, I apologise if the 'money' thing has offended everyone at MSE. That was certainly not the intention, but I do not feel the competition is for 'everyone' as many people on here including me, are excluded due to the fact we do not want publicity. I agree though, that the winner should be someone who will willing to share their story, I personally, would not be interested in an 'anonymous' person who had become debtfree, however IA's story is interesting. She has never hidden who she is and her achievements so far have been amazing.

Catarazzi

moozie wrote:

Mins, you're pics are getting better and better!!!

Who's dis Mins broad anyhow? We do oil the woik and she gets oil de gloiry? Uh uh - we doin't tink soi!

Anyways, we're close to getting to the truth about you, Moozie...

moozie_2

Catarazzi wrote: »

Who's dis Mins broad anyhow? We do oil the woik and she gets oil de gloiry? Uh uh - we doin't tink soi!

Anyways, we're close to getting to the truth about you, Moozie...

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I have to say the catarazzi sound very much like that French actor...Kylie's ex! Well, if that's you, I am single as from this minute

Just wanted to say also that I think this competition is a wonderful idea and one of us will benefit from £500 to throw on the debts as well as a huge pat on the back! I know when I won post of the month last year I was thrilled and I used the £50 to get started pretty much. So I know how good it feels!

Let's leave the scepticism behind please. MSE and Martin are a lifesaver for lots of us and there is no need to look at this competition suspiciously.

Catarazzi

moozie wrote: »

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I have to say the catarazzi sound very much like that French actor...Kylie's ex! Well, if that's you, I am single as from this minute

French???? Oh boi, Moozie, you got us oil wrong!

Sadly, we cain't join in with this contest. If yoi've seen Topcat, yoi knoi hoi we lives...

moozie_2

Catarazzi wrote: »

French???? Oh boi, Moozie, you got us oil wrong!

Sadly, we cain't join in with this contest. If yoi've seen Topcat, yoi knoi hoi we lives...

Well, I am nearly married so sorry....