Hope this can be my final LBM

artnoble

Heya folks...

I've said it before but I really need to sort out my finances. They are going nowhere, and are holding me back.

I've recently split up with my ex, all the time I was with her I kept my debts a secret from her...then a secret from myself. Every letter I get goes straight on the fire. I've not made any repayments for a couple of years now.

But, if I want to get anywhere I need to address this. Grow up, take some responsibility and discipline.

For the last year I've been on and off JSA along with doing agency work. I've now been offered a full time position in a new career which I'm really enjoying.

So I'm at home, not many outgoings and new job. Lets do this.

First question is where do I start. All my debts have been passed to DCA to DCA. I dunno how much I owe, and who to.!!

Ps, reading some of your diaries and posts are really inspirational. Good things are happening to good people.

sistafromanothermista

Hi , welcome and congrats on new job:beer:

First things first you need to find those totals out!! then create your SOA you can even post it on here so everyone can try and help you see where you can save some extra cash.:)

thatsean

Well done!

First things first - if you don't know what you owe, a credit report. If you've got a card registered at your address and you're on the voters roll sign up for a free trail of Equifax/Experian (make a diary date of the month so that you can cancel), and you can get a list of everything.

There are loads of us in the same boat (we're going to need another boat!), and loads of us are on here a lot - to cheer each other up and to advise.

A SAO http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html is also going to be helpful, appreciate that you don't know the debts in full, but the info that you do know will be handy and will help people to get some context when advising.

All the best.

sistafromanothermista

thatsean wrote: »

Well done!

First things first - if you don't know what you owe, a credit report. If you've got a card registered at your address and you're on the voters roll sign up for a free trail of Equifax/Experian (make a diary date of the month so that you can cancel), and you can get a list of everything.

There are loads of us in the same boat (we're going to need another boat!), and loads of us are on here a lot - to cheer each other up and to advise.



All the best.

I was thinking more ship....

thatsean

Maybe Queenie can lend us a few from her pageant! They can't all be needed straight away :rotfl:

sistafromanothermista

Or maybe we could borrow one from the Costa fleet surely they must be going for pennies now

artnoble

Cheers folks.

I'll try and sort out my credit report tomorrow. Then find out what I owe.

I already feel a bit happier that I'm gonna tackle it. I'm just worried I won't stick to my guns. I was reading about a lady just who was trying to keep £3 she found in her pocket for as long as she could. I can't see me doing that.

But, these debts have been lingering so I guess I have to do it don't I..

Also as I'm now single, I hope I can make a few friends

sistafromanothermista

artnoble wrote: »

Cheers folks.

I'll try and sort out my credit report tomorrow. Then find out what I owe.

I already feel a bit happier that I'm gonna tackle it. I'm just worried I won't stick to my guns. I was reading about a lady just who was trying to keep £3 she found in her pocket for as long as she could. I can't see me doing that.

But, these debts have been lingering so I guess I have to do it don't I..

Also as I'm now single, I hope I can make a few friends

Just do your best. Set yourself small achievable goals to start with. You'll get there in the end.

thatsean

You don't HAVE to, but (if you're anything like me) you won't be able to until you have a handle on it.

As you've already said, lots of us have threads/diaries on here, and we're a friendly enough bunch :-)

I found adding it all up quite liberating, knowing what you're facing is important. Also, depending upon how old the debts are, the money you'l have to throw at them, and your circumstances this then opens up a variety of options to start to tackle them.

It's worth looking at the debt/bad credit guides on here, especially the right to offset that banks have - basically don't have your salary paid into Halifax if you've defaulted on Lloyds as they will be able to take a slice. So, as you're now earning, make sure you're protected there. And yeah, good luck, I'm on here every day, so give me a wave!

Take it easy.

S.

artnoble

cheers thatsean...

There's gonna be some hard work to do. I can't wait for the day when I can take out a phone contract or get a normal bank account. Or worry about post coming.

thatsean

I know the feeling about the post that you mean!

Normal bank accounts are over-rated. I've got a full service Lloyds account, but my Barclays basic debit card has a picture of a Robot on it! Beat that!