Do you tell people about your debt?

southernscouser

I'm in the land of Narnia my closets so bloody big! :rotfl:

Queen.Bess

I'm in debt because of my DH - not through reckless spending though, through lack of wages (v long story, which when it's resolved I'll bore you all with so you can help us get out of the debt!). But only his Mum knows about the lack of money and she is so good and buys us food and offers money to help pay rent etc. My work friend also knows about the non-payment of wages and related debt, but not to the extent of all the debt.

And if my parents found out that my debt runs into £20k plus they would flip! They think me still having a student loan over my head is bad enough!

It's not that I'm ashamed of the debt, more that I'm embarassed that my husband can't seem to get paid, and whilst I try and advise and get angry, he very much wants to sort it out on his own, which isn't necessarily very good!

Oh well, we'll be debt free one day!

southwester_2

My OH knows, eventually, kept it a secret for 2 years, but apart from that nobody else, I just get called a miserable git when I dont go to expensive nights out

consumerpower

After having my light bulb moment, on Sunday, I have told people at work my husband and are going to save like crazy this year to move. Figured it is going to explain why I am not going to be go to the pub with them anymore at lunch, and bringing in my own sandwhiches for the next three years!

lynsayjane

My mum and possibly my dad knew I had cc's and od's pre-lbm, and I'm fairly sure a lot of others knew I did, but then most folk do so I doubt they thought anything of it. When I had my lbm my first steps before doing anything about it were coming clean to my folks about exactly how much I owed. As mum put it, 'worse than I'd hoped, better than I'd feared'.

I think pretty much everyone now knows that I've been in debt and dealing with it, though I'm not sure how many know that actual numbers. Like IA I'm more proud of how I've dealt with it and have never been ashamed of it, credit is so easily forced on us these days that I think those not in debt are the minority.

I have been very open about my situation in the hope that it'll help even just one person realise their problem and make ends to deal with it.

newleaf

I tell people if I think it's relevant to our relationship and the conversation we are having. I don't go about shouting it from the rooftops, and there are definitely certain people I wouldn't tell - like my manager, for one, because I know he would view it as a weakness and hold it against me. Most of my close friends know.
If we don't talk about finances and debt, how are people supposed to find out about the pitfalls of credit before it's too late? If knowing about my problem spending can make even one person sit up and take notice of their own thinking and behaviour, then I'm delighted.

ani*fan

I told a mate about my financial situation recently. She asked to borrow money from me and I felt I should explain why I had none to give. We ended up having a right good blether about how to sort out our debts.

My mum knows how much I owe her (obviously!) but not about any of my other debts...

Told OH a couple of weeks ago and cringed when I said the total. Felt good coming clean though.

I'm really pleased to have updated my signature today...can't believe how much I've paid off. Cheers to Abbey for their 'goodwill gesture'!!!! :beer:

Miss_Scarlett

I've told anyone who has asked. I'm not proud of it but I am proud that I'm dealing with it.

Swishter

Well my Mum and Dad and Bro know I have some debt as I was distraught when my last ex decided to get back at me and run up some debt on a card where he was an addtional card holder and on the phone line which was in my name, he ran up a huge bill in the three weeks between me moving out and him. But they don't know the extent, they would worry and want to pay it off. As it is my Mum is always digging out stuff for me to e-bay and my Dad paid for my car after my last was written off in a crash with a drunk driver - I got a cool £150 quid for an old, but entirely reliable, car which had passed every MOT since it was purchased, the garage told me it was in great condition and keep caring for it it would last a good few years yet without trouble. I pay him back when I can but its 0% and I will pay it off, I moved out at 20 and am independant, but it is nice that he argues that my figures are wrong and I owe him less, if only my bank could be the same :rolleyes:

I have let people know i'm in debt and am dealing with it, but generally don't tell them the facts. I'm glad I have as a lot of people have come for advice and I pointed them here as I lurked even before my LBM. If only I took my own advice sooner! :rotfl:

Swish

yellowmonkey

Hi.

My OH knows and indeed is very supportive. Also told my Mum and Dad. Thats all really but even telling these few people has helped.

ym