Debt Advice

xhelzbelz

Hi everybody I'm new posting here, although I have looked around the forums for a few weeks now.
I'm looking for some advice...
I currently have some debts to pay off - these include -
3 catalogues which amount to roughly £1200 for all 3
Council debt roughly £650
Monthly overdraft charges £30
plus payday loans that I can not get out of - I'm taking them out each month so I can survive until the next payday

I work full time on minimum wages and I'm finding that paying my rent plus all these debts each month is leaving with no money left - or very limited - with no money for new clothes or shoes and things like that - and I don't mean shopping sprees just essential clothing, I have 1 pair of jeans!!

I just wanted some advice really - whether paying off my debts minimum payments each month and struggling for the rest of the month is the way to go OR if there was something else I could do?

Hope this post makes sense

cmcavon

I am very new to this but I filled in a debt remedy form on a debt charity website .stepchange.org they give you advice on what to do next. Hope that helps x

Sazzie23

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/562271

Hi Xhelz

Welcome to mse forums. This place can be a real help.

Try the forum thread link above, might help you with where to go next.
Sounds like you are in the payday loans strap, :mad:, unless you take action it will not get better.

Stepchange and other debt charities will no doubt be able to help you, but there is stuff you can do to help yourself.

Come back soon and let us know how you get on

xhelzbelz

Thanks for the replies
I went on the stepchange website and gave my details - the outcome was pretty much I can afford to pay the debts and to pay extra where possible.
After reading a few different posts on here I may make a visit to my local citizens advice to see what advice they can give.
I'm under no illusions that the debts are my fault - from living alone when I couldn't really afford to and losing my previous job meant falling behind with payments and using up savings etc.

I'm starting to feel stressed about owing so much money out - although I have seen people who owe alot more money out... this doesnt reassure me.
I'm starting to lose sleep at night and I have realised the stress that all of this combined is putting on my relationship and my social life.... and my general wellbeing.

cmcavon

Step change gave me the same answer and I'm like you, I know there are people who are in a lot more debt than me but mine is becoming difficult to handle for me.

Myself and my husband have decided to cut back on good etc as much as we can, live on the very basic and cheapest we can to get out of the mess we got ourselves in.

I'm having sleepless nights over it too. We daren't tell anyone as we've been bailed out by family before and they would be so upset we've got in such a mess again

Hope you get the advice you want x

xhelzbelz

Sometimes I just think I'm being over dramatic, just pay the debts and in a couple of years I'll be debt free and its done. Other times I sit here And I'm actually sad that I can't even afford to buy essentials like a new bra or shoes when they are totally worn out. A few weeks ago I avoided going doctors with a chest infection because I can't afford to pay for my prescription.
Something needs to change... I'm just lost!
X

Newyorkdreams

Hi xhelz - I can't offer much advice - there are other more knowledgeable peeps on the forum but just wanted to reassure you that you are not alone and that we are here for you.
The debt trap is tough but brighter days are ahead.
NYD x

worried48

Post up your SOA, that's the usual advice. Getting to the stage where you can't afford prescriptions is not good!

xhelzbelz

worried48 wrote: »

Post up your SOA, that's the usual advice. Getting to the stage where you can't afford prescriptions is not good!

Sorry what is a SOA?

Moominmama76

Hi there soa is a statement of affairs showing in goings and outgoings so people can give advice. If u look at some debt free diaries or put soa in the search box it will show u some others xx good luck and go citizens advice it's free and there is nothing to lose xx

pennies_from_Heaven

Hi there,
I agree, do your soa, if you look at the bar along the top of your screen, click on 'income and family', and under 'household' it should be the first one you see. Once you have filled it in there is a box (or a link, I can't quite remember!) that says format for mse, then you should be able to post it from there.
Good luck xx