Facing facts...

Mosayk

I've read a few of the threads on this board and have finally taken the first step by registering and the second step by posting

Like most people who get into debt, I have no idea how the money I owed became so large - except for the very common reason - I was ignoring it because I was too busy digging...

I have managed to arrange agreements with some of my creditors, but we are still struggling to make payments to everyone and there's no money left in the bank two days after payday!
I have added up the charges for being overdrawn and failed direct debits over the past 4 years since I opened the bank account, and I have sent off a letter to try and get some of that back.

I do have a full-time job- I also started working part-time to try and bring in some extra money but it's very hard to see any light. My wife is self-employed, so her income is variable although it is all welcome.

We have recently put our house on the market as we should - just - be able to clear the debt by moving to a smaller (cheaper) house - although that's not really what we want to do... well, we do want the debt gone - we don't want to move house!

Yesterday I went to the doctor and she prescribed anti-depressants and some time off work which does give me some time to write up lists of income and expenditure.

I have contacted Payplan - should I also contact CCCS or just stick with one for the moment?

It's hard to believe things will get better - but I just need some help and advice from people who know what to do as I'm not coping very well at the moment.

clarab_3

trust me - it WILL get better. I'm far from out of the woods myself yet but Im in control now and its the feeling of being in control that gives you your life back... from then on in its only time and slog that will pay it back, but theres a lot of reward to be taken from it.

First - when you say "getting some of it back" re your bank charges - dont dare settle for a penny less that you're owed It all helps - think what you could pay off with it and plan for it to keep you motivated.

Why not post an SOA up (theres a sticky at the top of the page with the details) and we'll see if we cant suggest some savings and/or ways to maximise your income, order your debt?

iwbus

Have a cuppa, maybe post an SOA and wait for the bods of the DFW board to sort you out. Never lose faith!

Snaggles

clara is absolutely right, it does get better, daunting though it seems at first.

It's up to you really about contacting CCCS - eventually you will probably have to choose one or the other, but there's no harm in talking to both to see which you feel most comfortable with.

Make sure you look after yourself, keep seeing the doctor re the depression etc, as your health is the most important thing.......it's easy to say, but the rest is 'just money'.

If you do fancy popping up your soa, people will be happy to make suggestions to see if we can help reduce your outgoings.

System

Hey up Mos, talk to CCCS as well. Irons in the fire and all that and welcome to DFW. Lenny

Hobsch

Well done for posting. As you rightly say you have made the first steps, and thats how you need to start.
You are facing up to the problem which is important.

Definitely now that you have faced up to the problem, are doing something about it and have come on here (where you will get loads of free and excellent advice and tips) it will get better.

I saw no way out of debt, and now I do.

Mosayk

Thanks for the support!
I will check out the SOA thread and post one up - sometimes others can see something when you are too close..

iwbus - I'm a Bon Jovi fan!! Keep the Faith!!
Snaggles - thanks, but maybe your health is important right now as well?? Best wishes for the new baby - hope it all goes well

taxi73

Hi and welcome to DFW...you've come to the right place....please when you feel up to it post your SOA then we can see if you can make any savings anywhere...we all started out the same way and the SOA and a spending diary sure help get the ball rolling.

frugalpam

Mosayk wrote: »

I've read a few of the threads on this board and have finally taken the first step by registering and the second step by posting

Like most people who get into debt, I have no idea how the money I owed became so large - except for the very common reason - I was ignoring it because I was too busy digging...

Hi and welcome to a great supportive place! It's a huge step that you've taken, and it will only get better - you will be able to sort this out, even if it looks impossible at the moment.
You've had lots of good advice already, but I'd urge you to post the SOA as you will then get a lot of clues on how to save money. By taking the advice from the wonderful people on the forum I have saved LOADS of money each month by getting better deals on household bills eg gas, elec, phone and internet, cheaper house and car insurance and breakdown cover etc. I've learned how to save money in all sorts of other ways by shopping more carefully, and cooking more cheaply.

Good luck to you and stay close to the forum!

Pam