Im scared

scaredandalone_2

My husband left me last month and I have been left with all the debt nothing I can do to get him to pay debt as its all in my name and he is getting his own place so has his own bills to pay, we were keeping ahead above water but now I'm on my own with 3 children, I work PT so have money coming in, me debt = £20000 a large proportion which is SHOP Direct and I have used them since my husband has left as a couple of things broke. I can repay the minimum payments but would be literally left with £250 a month after all outgoings to pay for food and petrol which I just cant mange on with 3 children. I cant believe things have got so bad, I have applied with Step Change today and it will leave me with enough a month not to have to rely on credit to get me through the month but I'm scared about what happens if they reject it and dealing with all the phone call and baliffis coming to the door etc, Im having a bad time in general and this stress is all adding to it.

19lottie82

First off, don't panic.

Is your husband paying you any child maintenance? If not and he is working, file a claim with the CSA ASAP, also put a claim in for any benefits you might be entitled to.

If you can't afford your minimum payments, write to each creditor and enclose a postal order or cheque for £1, telling them that it is a token payment. Also request that all contact is done by mail only, so you shouldn't receive any phone calls. Bailiffs wont appear because of a missed payment.

If you are going to undertake a DMP (Step Change), your credit rating will be affected by this anyway.

How much is your petrol for the month? Food wise, you can feed yourself and 3 kids on £50 a week if your PLAN PLAN PLAN all your meals. Head over to the old style money saving part of the board for some inspiration.

scaredandalone_2

He is paying maintenance and that is what is left, petrol is £40-50 a week, cant get public transport as I'm a swimming teacher travelling to different locations with lots of kit. Plus my wages vary month to month as I work term time only looked at the possibility of getting 2nd job but by the time I pay childcare for 5,3, and 1 year old its no financially feasible.

19lottie82

Are you claiming tax credits?

Also, is your husband paying the CSA advised minimum amount? I think it's 25% of his salary for 3 kids.

scaredandalone_2

Yeah getting tax credits etc and he is paying the right amount he doesn't earn a lot

19lottie82

scaredandalone wrote: »

Yeah getting tax credits etc and he is paying the right amount he doesn't earn a lot

Try posting an SOA (statement of affairs) and other posters may be able to advise.

As advised, just pay creditors token payments on £1 each until your DMP is rolled out, paying your household bills and feeding your kids needs to take priority right now.

Have you done a recalculation for a tax credit claim, now your household income has been reduced?

Maitane

As Lottie above states, posting an SOA would be a really useful way to see where you can cut back on things less necessary to help you along. Fresh and impartial eyes can see things you might not be aware of.

Practical steps will help and you've taken the first in being brave enough to post up on here. You're in good company, there are people on here who have been there and are now hoping to help with advice and support as well as kind words and virtual support.

If you have any creditors you feel are reasonable and you're up to it, it may be worth speaking to them to inform them that you are aware of the debt, the situation you are in and that you will be taking steps towards satisfying it.
I phoned mine and ended up breaking down on every single call explaining that I'd been made redundant, some places were just okay but some people I spoke to were incredibly understanding. If that isn't an option, go with Lottie's token payment suggestion.

While you're here, take a look around the forums and see if there's anything useful to you. I'd suggest the Old Style board for tips on meal planning, shopping and cleaning on the cheap as well as the Marriage, Relationships and Families boards where you might find some additional friendly support.

You're really not alone in this and should you ever need to sound off about things, have a rant or find some support, MSE's going to be a good place to start. :-)

eyeopener2

First step is to feed yourself and your kids, paying your rent/mortgage and the usual bills. Debt comes last, a distant last no matter how much they shout.

So, you have contacted stepchange, that's great they will help immensely. You need to pay single £1 token payments, just to show willing for now until you get yourself sorted.

Bailiffs are a long way down the line, if at all, so don't even think
about them. It's not worth worrying about.

So see what stepchange have to say, feed yourself, get some sleep cos your kids need you in a fit state and then make a plan of attack. Ask on here first before you do anything, if a creditor rings in the meantime just explain what's happened, don't get into long protracted conversations and don't promise anything.

Don't worry that Stepchange May reject you, just wait until you speak to someone. They are great, they saved my life.

Creditors can wait.

RAS

You need to contact one of the debt charities listed here

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan#help

and ask them to help you put together a debt repayment plan and think through other solutions.

scaredandalone_2

According to Step Change I hae £400 surplus compared to the £850 a month I am paying out in repayments at the moment. Catalogues are the biggest thing and have done so much on Buy Now Pay Later which has caught up with me and miniumin payments to them alone is £500 Im just scared that shop direct will reject it as I'm reading they are bad to deal with, I'm already living on toast just to feed the children as they are more important.

DreamerHelen

I really feel for you....but don't worry, the people at Step Change are FANTASTIC....and VERY understanding....

Do post up an SOA for us to look at and we may be able to help you cut things down a little bit....

Most of all, stay strong...you CAN do this....

I'll Subscribe and see how you're getting on if that's okay x