Rents, debts and the cost of living...

Monkeyballs

Hi folks,

Lagoon, thanks for the links - I do appreciate you taking the time to look up some properties for me but the first is a room in a privately owned shared house and the second and third are too expensive when factoring in council tax, fuel, tv/internet, and so forth... I agree, the second does look very nice though :-)

I have lived in York my entire life, I moved out from my parents when I was 16 and have moved dozens of times in the past 20+ years several times due to the property owner either selling on or abandoning the property (so while I was paying rent, the owner was taking that money and not paying the mortgage).

I know York well, I have formed opinions on certain areas as you would expect of someone living in a location for so long - it's only natural.

When I get on top of my debts, if I can find somewhere which is affordable enough to allow me to pay rent and bills and save something towards a deposit then fantastic but due to past experiences I would rather not go through a private landlord and honestly with my credit record a lot of letting agents would not consider me without up to six months rent up front while charging in some instances up to £150 for a credit check (non refundable, and I'd only fail anyway) and if I was accepted then I would need to pay them a fee as well as the deposit.

Therefore, I would rather pay the same money to my local council for a one bedroom flat somewhere as I would feel more secure (excluding any dodgy neighbours who might live nearby) - while I get myself on my feet... Is that really so bad of me?

MB

bodmil

Monkeyballs wrote: »

while I get myself on my feet... Is that really so bad of me?

In my opinion, yes, you're a fully functioning grown up able to look after yourself but chosing not to, but it doesn't matter one jot what I think.

Percy1983

Well if you keep paying everything your credit file will get repaired and you will get debt free.

Just try and clear as much as you can each month and you will get there.

Monkeyballs

Hi Bodmil,

Appreciate your opinion - we'll have to agree to disagree here, if I could turn back the clock and do things differently would I? Hell yeah!

I've made terrible decisions which led to going bankrupt, ignored those lessons and got into debt, started gambling and drinking... All seemed like the best option at the time for whatever the reason. Then came depression, various redundancies, all sorts of good stuff!

Is this anyone elses fault? No. Am I a victim? No. Am I an idiot? I was. Am I trying to better myself? Yes. Do I feel bad about wanting to get a council place? No.

Cest la vie! MB

MissAT

Council housing is meant for people who need it, lower income families, earning £1650 a month or £19,800 a year does not mean you!

wotsthat

Monkeyballs wrote: »

I've made terrible decisions which led to going bankrupt, ignored those lessons and got into debt, started gambling and drinking... All seemed like the best option at the time for whatever the reason. Then came depression, various redundancies, all sorts of good stuff!

How much less in debt are you this month compared to last month? How can you accelerate repayments?

Can you get any debt counselling? If you've been bankrupt once and didn't learn anything then what's new this time? How come your creditors were willing to lend a bankrupt so much money?

Whether or not the council will (or should) give you a flat is a distraction.

bodmil

Monkeyballs wrote: »

Am I an idiot? I was. Am I trying to better myself? Yes.

Again, I'd disagree with this, I think you've yet to have your lightbulb moment. You're still not really ready to change your lifestyle to suit your circumstances.

Yet again, I suggest you head to the DFW board and even if you don't feel like you 'need' advice on your own SOA, please read other people's stories.

Monkeyballs

Hi again,

I want to be clear that I am enjoying reading all of your comments - some I agree with, other I don't but that is life aint it!

MissAT - Council properties in York tend to rent for around £85pcm for a one bed flat, council tax is say £95pcm, fuel would be around £35pcm, tv&internet around £25pcm (when I say tv I mean a license) which comes to between £495 - £580pcm give or take... which is on par with what I am currently paying. It is not a cheaper option in financial terms. Only 8 months ago I was earning several hundred pounds less and sadly my problems didn't all disappear at the same time, I just got the ability to improve my standing.

Wotsthat - Appreciated, I only earn what I am on now because of a new job/promotion that I got towards the end of last year. I was bankrupt 10 years ago and due to being responsible I built up my credit rating only to f*ck it all up (my own fault - women, depression, booze and gambling) and built up my debts again... I am currently getting counselling for gambling and self esteem issues (which are wonderful!) and no longer drink. Re. reductions in debt each month... My debts are reduced each month by around £400 give or take.

Bodmil - Disagree, but it is early days - I am currently paying over half of what I earn each month in debt repayments. If I was to move to cheaper accommodation then I would feel less inclined to just stay home and during my current "recover" period I don't know what that would ultimately lead to.

bodmil

As a wise chap once said 'Take Responsibility!' It's utter nonsense to say that cheaper accomodation leaves you with no choice but to go out and spend money. Don't be so feeble.

Monkeyballs

Did I say cheaper? No, its reference to the size of the space.

Put me in a small room, especially after a day at work and I need to get out! That could be to a friends house, just walking, hit the local bookies... Put me in a slightly larger room and I dont get anxious and can relax! Does that make me feeble? No!

I am taking responsibility.

MB