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Student struggling with credit cards and pay-day loans

Hi all,
I am new on here and finally facing up to the debt that I owe after months of burrying my head in the sand.
In September 2011 I moved out of my parents home for the first time completely unprepared for adult financial responsibilities. Rent was the only thing that I had to pay and my student loan covered that. (I don't know how good I had it).
When I opened my student account I was talked into a credit card. I found myself short of rent in December after paying for christmas and decided to use my credit card which I am still struggling with to this day.
Fast forward a year and a half and I am paying a hefty monthly mobile bill, three credit cards three store credit payments and three pay day loans.
I have not been sleeping. I have never came clean even to myself about the situation so it is refreshing to lay it bare for strangers online.
My dad is ill an not in work and my mum is struggling to support my younger siblings and herself so I cannot ask them for help.
I informed my aunt of one of my pay day loans and she has paid it off with the promise that I will pay her back when I recieve my student maintainance loan in september. Today I came clean to my boyfriend of 6 months about my payday loans. He has said he will pay off the second loan. The third payday loan is with pounds to pocket and requires bi-monthly payments which I am (mostly) keeping up with and will be paid off next month so I am not too concerned with this. I feel extremely embarassed and ashamed about how out of hand my debt has got when I consider that most 20 year olds are in no debt at all. I also feel bad for sharing my problem with my boyfriend and asking for his help. We have not been going out very lond (6 months) and he works hard and saves his money which is why he is in a position to help me out. I work too but have not been able to save as my monthly direct debits are barely covered by my wages.
Anyway, all in all, my debt amounts to around £3000. Not much when compared to a lot of people on here but a lot to a student on who works part time.
In september I will recieve 1600 for student maintenance. I will pay my aunt back 700 and my boyfriend back 400 and I will pay back one credit card of 400. I will then have 2 credit cards, three store credit payments and my phonebill to pay back.
I just wanted to come on here and clear my head, any comments welcome.

Comments

  • moohound
    moohound Posts: 1,209 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    edited 11 May 2013 at 1:49AM
    Well done for joining the forum and making a start on getting it sorted. You are fortunate to have understanding relatives and boyfriend who can help you out.

    You might benefit from talking to step change or Christians against poverty,to see what they suggest.

    When everything is paid, I hope you will learn from this experience, and not end up like I did aged 40 with 40k to pay back. It just shows how easily it can get out of control, debt breeds debt in my opinion.

    I hope you get a good degree, a nice job you enjoy and have a debt free life, perhaps you should be thankful you are learning this lesson now, not in 10 years or so when you might have a mortgage and a family.

    The very best of luck with it, don't let it get you down, it's a mistake a lot of people make, if you need any advice this forum will support you as they did me and many others

    Moo x
    ISA £1675 :DMiniMoohound savings £3685.86 :T Plus £3800 CTF :)
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