In so much trouble - can't see a way out.

happycamel_2

Hey, sounds like you are doing a brilliant job. Is there any chance of extra hours or a Christmas retail job if you could get some childcare sorted. You are doing so well managing your outgoings but if you could up your income a bit more then it would give you a break from selling stuff for a bit.

Don't worry about your girls. I was the poor girl at grammar school and it wasn't easy but it made me determined to earn well and work hard and I'm doing far better than most of my school friends now because I knew what it was like to struggle. I'm a qualified accountant now, not bad for being brought up by a broke single parent, but just like you, my mum knew what really mattered and set a good example.

All the best, HC

jubilee14

Mushypea i just wanted to add my support and admiration for all you are trying to do. Many of us are in the diffcult position and trying to tackle budgets and adjust to a lifestyle that i am ashamed to say i lived beyond my means. Your posts seem to have come from simple bad luck and not having the full support of those responsible for your children and you are tackling it head on. have to also say your children sound wonderful so many spoilt children not appreciating the value of things. i have now become a bit more honest with my children saying no we cant afford this or you will have to save a bit longer if you really want that. Lessons for us all. Wishing you all the very best in your challenge.x

anxious_mum

Hi Mushy Pea

I haven't got much to say apart from WOW! you are doing a great job! PM me to see if we live near each other please xx

damianmarksmyth

Hi Mushy Pea.
I was in the same situation as you last year and couldn't even afford the debt management plan either. I was speaking with my bank on the phone one day and they told me to call the Credit Consumer Counselling Service.
I did so, and afterwards they send me a document summarising my situation on email.
I changed my bank account and set up essential payments only (mortgage, utilities) from the new account.
Then I spoke to each individual creditor and offered them a £1 payment until I could afford otherwise (the template letter for this was in the CCCS advice they send).
Every single one of them accepted.
That was credit cards, overdraft, loan payments, outstanding utility bills, hire purchase (which I had been told by my debt management company I couldn't negotiate with).
This gave me the breathing space to get back on my feet again.
It will affect your credit rating, but then again, I did not want to borrow any more, so I didn't care.
A year later, and I am able to up the payments due to my circumstances.
Now, listen to me. Every single one of the companies I dealt with were kind, compassionate and listened.
No one was nasty, they all understood and were there to help.
You CAN do this.
I promise you.
Please feel free to ask me any questions you want, but the CCCS will have all the advice you need.

bluebag

Hi,

Take an old jam jar and put a penny into it each day, a penny isn't anything much, people often leave them on the floor if they're rushed.

At the end of one year you will have £3.65, it's not exactly riches. That is your gift to you, just for you, not anyone else.

So often we care so much for others in our struggle that we forget to be kind to ourselves.

Just a penny isn't much.

chevalier

I take it your ex wouldn't just help out with the kids on the qt because it is the right thing to do.... Even if he just helped with uniform or something for the eldest one. They are HIS children too after all.

Well done on the steps that you have taken so far. It must have been very hard to part with the sax. Are you working? Could your ex have the kids so that you need less child care?