RE Martin's Announcement ^^ up there

saffronflowers

I would like to totally back up this statement. I am on this board sorting out my finances, debt incurred by my husband, before have been debt free, however, I would like to point out, debt is accrued in many ways, and for the most part not by reckless spending.

Most debt is incurred due to a change of circumstances.

Lack of knowledge of crippling interest rates

Not knowing what debts are priority and non priority

Fear

Ill health

Lack of child maintenance

Huge payments to the CSA

and may other issues

That is not to say that when you do face up to debt that it is easy sailing from that moment, nor that it is not a constant battle to be upbeat.

To those seeking advice, please understand that those giving it are only attempting to help and you are feeling vulnerable.

To those giving advice, remember how you felt when you heard something you did not like. (Note to self - on this one! )

CAFCGirl

I must have missed what statement you were referring to, sorry SF.

I do agree for a lot of people debt does occur due to the issues you highlighted above, but it's also very important on the DF journey to be incredibly honest with ourselves.

I'm not finger pointing, but I'll be the first to hold my hands up to the fact that my debt is through pi$$ poor money management and therefore the shining light that was credit cards allowed me to spend spend spend, and I have nothing to show for it, except for an MP3 player that I can't use, and lots of things...............

So I guess what I'm saying is that, if you want to truly walk the DFW path, you have to be honest as to what led you there, otherwise you run the risk of never fully understanding the issues and ending up doing the same thing again and again!

Good luck to everyone on their journeys, wishing you all the best in your quest for Debt Freedom!!

southernscouser

saffronflowers wrote: »

Most debt is incurred due to a change of circumstances.

Lack of knowledge of crippling interest rates

Not knowing what debts are priority and non priority

Fear

Ill health

Lack of child maintenance

Huge payments to the CSA

And also by numptys like me who spent more than he should of. Actually who spent £34,268 more than he should of but lets not be picky over a few pence.

saffronflowers

I agree with both of you, though when I am at the CAB, many cases actually come down to fear, and actually opening the envelopes. One case I had last week was 4 years worth of coucil tax not paid, great job, great lifestyle, and it was not till the baliff knocked on the door did they deal with it. Sadly, refused to do a SOA so I suspect they will be back.

Though it was fear that brought them to us.

SFx

PS Ohh how I wish I would allow myself to be a numpty, my wardrobe is in need of a serious revamp!!!!!!!!!!

poppy10_2

Which statement is this?

gsnooks

The best thing I read was in our gracious host's book...it went along the lines of:

"Debt and savings are two sides of the same coin...the difference is that Saving are paying for something you are going to have...debt is paying for something you've already had."

After reading that, some of the nasty stigma that seems to go hand in hand with being in debt was somehow relieved and I didn't feel so "dirty" (for want of a better word) about being in debt.

Yep I mis-managed my finances, and after taking 5 years to slowly climb out of the pit I'd dug myself into, I won't be fooled again.

No one goes into debt on purpose, there are many ways, mine was credit cards, student debts and earning naff money while trying to enjoy a London lifestyle.

The best advice I can give to anyone is to keep plugging away, and do everything you can, from buying the cheapest shampoo and shower gel to making a packed lunch...every little bit that I saved was a little bit off what I owed. Every annual payrise went to increasing my payments on my cards so what I didn't have I didn't miss.

I never found it easy, because it wasn't...but when the debt weight was lifted off my shoulders I felt like the guys in the red bull adverts

alba37

Was that the statement? I've been searching and couldn't find anything.

raq

great post.

I am one of those people. change of circumstances. huge drop in money, another baby. We are now picking up the pieces and so glad we are working through the debt.

What's the saying. Never again...

Mozette

I would think this statement - at the top of the board http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/announcement.html?f=76

saffronflowers

Oh and something I forgot to say never buy a 30 year old VW campervan!!!! :)Bless big red (my van) but she does cost a lot.

SFx

alba37

Thanks Mozette, I understand now! Yes, it's all so true. So many people are too quick to judge, not only about debt but many other things too.... being on benefits, single mum etc etc. The unfortunate thing is these people will always exist, so we just need to do our best to ignore their comments, and try not to let it hurt us or get us down.

We are the only ones who truely know our own circumstances and reasons for our present situation, what ever that might be! It doesn't cost to be nice so maybe more people will learn that here!