Giving Up

Storm

Hi Belfast,

It's hard to say without knowing all the details, but definitely contact PayPlan if you're struggling on the money you've been allocated each month, there should be enough to clothe yourself and your children, and definitely to pay for utilities.

Depending how large your debts are, and that you're not a homeowner, would bankrupcy be an option for you instead? I don't know much about it, but the BR board are there with advice & support.

If you want to pop up a SoA we'll be able to see where savings might be able to be made, but hang on in there!

deliciosa

Big hug. I can only say what other have before - we are with you & wishing you the best & hoping that this situation will be resolved.

Def. speak to your bank re the stupid charge. Its unlawful.

Chin up - it will get better. x x x x x

Toto

just a hug from me, can't say much more than the others have said, but do contact payplan and post your soa for us all to pick through. Have you joined pigsback and quidco? get yourself the odd voucher and some cashback. We're all here to hold your hand through the DMP so keep your chin up xx

tomterm8

It might be worth chatting to your advisor at payplan, informing them of your situation, and asking if it is possible to renegotiate the DMP or if there are other options.

Donedoingdebt

Definitely get onto your bank & tell them that you know that a charge of this amount is punitive & therefore, unlawful. If this is the only time & amount you've been overdrawn in this quarter then the amount of interest charged should only be pennies.

belfast_2

briona wrote: »

Do not even consider "ending it all" – this is only money and no debts are worth paying the ultimate price for. Congratulations on sticking with the DMP so far – that's one year down!
Briona

That sentence has stuck with me all this time and although I am having a bit of difficulty at the moment, I don't have those silly thoughts anymore and never will.

Thank you.

I have also joined a different bank that I can't go overdrawn and all transactions are in cash nowdays. I'm seeing a dim light at the end of the tunnel that gets brighter each day.

:j

PS thanx for the hugs everyone.

olibearhorse

well done you, don't give up, it's a big step in the right direction - you can't do better than that.

chevalier

Are you getting all the benefits that you are entitled to? Eg working tax credit, child tax credit etc? Have a look on www.entitledto.co.uk to check this out.

Also not sure about council tax in NI, but over here you can ask to pay it over 12 months rather than 10, which would save a bit off the monthly bills.

Ref the gas and electric. Check that the readings are correct - ie was your last bill estimated? Also check the temperature of your central heating above 20 degrees is probably too high, and can save pounds each year of your bill. The other thing is how hot is your water? If it is scolding then the thermostat is too high. Turning it down will also save you money on your gas bill. Does everything get switched off at the wall? Eg your tv left on stand by over night uses nearly as much electricity as if it were properly on.

What about your local church? Could they provide clothes or some other form of help to get you through?

Sorry thoughts are a bit random as I have a workmen trying to drill to Australia outside my front door!
chev

chloebelle

Don't give up OP, ending it all will not help, you have your children and you are part of a family, let them keep you strong and think of them when you don't think you can carry on x

Phone bank immediately re. charge. With such little money it is disgusting to charge you £35.

I think you should go to the citizens advice, they can help formulate repayment options which are easier to cope with. Also get them to do a benefit checker, you might me entitled to money you don't know about.

Good luck, keep posting the support here is wonderful.

Wannabesaver_4

Belfast - i think everyone on a DMP has had the moment you have - i.e " another X amount of years, how can i keep doing this" and i know sometimes the thought of thinking of it as a challenge is exhausting but you are doing in!! 1 year and your still ok.

I totally agree you need to speak to your DMP controller as you shoudl be able to have gas and electric - they wouldnt be happy to hear your going without that!

I think a lot of people on here will understand how it feels to feel desperate over debt and money but you have to remember your not alone and one day you will look back on these days and you will think what a stronger person they have made you!!!

good luck but dont ever think like that again... please xxx