Too Much Credit, Getting Very Complicated

SomeOneOrOther_2

Hello.
I've got really carried away with credit and got into a bit of a mess.

The repayments are basically not touching the sides. Feels a bit like drowning really.

The complicated bit, I'm self employed and although a UK citizen I'm not currently working in the UK (but am still "domiciled" in the UK).

I've looked at the idea of IVA's but believe they require UK permanent employment.

What are my alternatives? Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to avoid paying, just looking to avoid paying too much...

EDIT: Also, I need to retain at least one credit card because my UK debit card isn't accepted where I'm working. Particularly for things like hire cars (which are actually cheaper than using taxis etc to get to work which is the only alternative)

Thanks,
SomeOneOrOther

misspoppy

can you give us some more information, have a look at the sticky at the top of the main page with details of how to produce a SOA.

chevalier

Are you on a contract with a uk firm but out of the uk working for them? If this is the case then I am pretty sure they would treat you just the same as if you were in the uk working.
Are you paying uk tax if you are working abroad?
Could you give us a breakdown of your debts to give us an idea of what we could suggest. I am assuming you don't have many outgoings in this country?
sorry for all the questions, but need a bit more info
chev

SomeOneOrOther_2

Off the top of my head, it's a lot like this (but I'm away from home, so away from actual figures): -

Monthly Incoming
Monthly salary (after Tax) - £4,000
Partner - Not working (looks after kids)

Monthly Outgoings:
Mortgage/Rent - £900
Work Commuting Costs - £400
Work Accommodation - £200
Pension: £160
Loan: £300
Council Tax - £90
Gas - £65
Electric - £30
TV License - £10.99
Mobile - £150
Phone - £30
Food - £300
Car Insurance - £45
Petrol - £30
Life Insurance £20

Debts
CreditCard1: £3000
CreditCard2: £5000
CreditCard3: £3000
CreditCard3: £3000
Overdraft1: £2000
Overdraft2: £1000 (as of now)

Jeez. Now I scare myself and am feeling a bit sick...

hypno06

Hi, can you put up your monthly payments for the credit cards, so we can see the full picture.

I am sure there are plenty of ways around this, you just need the figures to start with.

When you have got them, put them into the snowball calculator at https://www.whatsthecost.com and have a play around with numbers.

Also, if you really think that this will not work, speak to CCCS or payplan, (details at the top of this board) who can give you details of a debt management plan as an alternative to IVA etc, although this will ruin your credit rating which you may wish to avoid.

Good luck and keep posting.

SomeOneOrOther_2

hypno06 wrote: »

Hi, can you put up your monthly payments for the credit cards, so we can see the full picture.

I am sure there are plenty of ways around this, you just need the figures to start with.

When you have got them, put them into the snowball calculator at https://www.whatsthecost.com and have a play around with numbers.

Also, if you really think that this will not work, speak to CCCS or payplan, (details at the top of this board) who can give you details of a debt management plan as an alternative to IVA etc, although this will ruin your credit rating which you may wish to avoid.

Good luck and keep posting.

Will do. I'm not sure of the amounts just now, but I'm generally just scraping minimum payments, which I know is not good. I'll try to digg out details later in the week...

Thanks.

mummytofour

work commuting costs what are those and why? could you not live closer to work?

RAS

Hi

You are payig UK TV licence. Are your partner and kids here or with you? Child benefit etc?
The two things that really stand out are food and mobile costs, but it would help to see the full picture.

Can you add in presents, holidays, house and car maintenance and repairs. If it is in the UK, DVLA etc

Burlesque_Babe

Hi - is your partner able to do any working from home? Even if it were to pay the Council Tax and the utilities?

Food bill is high - is your partner doing all the shopping and cooking if you are not in the country?

Mobile is £150 a month?? Are you on the cheapest tariff? Can work re-imburse you in any way ie are the calls work related?

Have you any over limit charges or bank charges on any of your credit cards or overdrafts? If so, I would start immediately on claiming them back.

You have work commuting costs AND petrol costs?

Keep posting, we'll see how we can help.

SomeOneOrOther_2

keren29 wrote: »

Hi - is your partner able to do any working from home? Even if it were to pay the Council Tax and the utilities?

Food bill is high - is your partner doing all the shopping and cooking if you are not in the country?

Mobile is £150 a month?? Are you on the cheapest tariff? Can work re-imburse you in any way ie are the calls work related?

Have you any over limit charges or bank charges on any of your credit cards or overdrafts? If so, I would start immediately on claiming them back.

You have work commuting costs AND petrol costs?

Keep posting, we'll see how we can help.

Young baby requiring lots of attention makes work from home difficult.

Food bill is both UK and my non-Uk costs.

Mobile bill is for 2 mobiles

I've claimed back one lot of charges with one bank account. That helped briefly, but they soon start mounting up again. Should I just do it again?

I have a car in the UK, and commuting costs abroad (flights, etc)

Bloody disturbing it is...

Burlesque_Babe

yep, just do it again. i've hit the Abbey twice for charges and have my third one all done and dusted other than me putting my bundle into court.