Kate's Journey

beanielou

Great news

Historybuff

Well done, Kate! I can identify with the feeling of relief! It's still fresh in my mind.

there_is_a_light_2

Well done Kate, just caught up on your diary. I first contacted Stepchange around 7 months ago and that feeling of relief is one I will never forget. Now you can focus on going forward - new bank account, changing DDs etc and if your budget is set right, you will be fine. My kids (12,17) have really adapted to life without mum's bottomless pit of money (or should I say credit), and even OH has really surprised me.
I meant to say, one thing I nearly messed up on was getting my Child Ben payment transferred to new account - was so busy getting DDs set up, I completely forgot about any money coming in apart from my wages, doh!
It will get easier - once your wages hit your new account it feels like a fresh start, and even though money is tight, we still have a pretty decent life (well kids do, lol), eat well - and the best thing is, none of it is on credit and every spend is budgeted for so I don't get that guilt feeling when I do spend.
Good luck and have a good weekend!

pickle_me

Well done Kate. I hope Stepchange works out brilliantly for you.

Kate_fixing_it

Thank you all for your support xxx

I decided to bite the bullet and get the bank account sorted today. Three different banks were too busy to help me before I approached Nationwide and they were fantastic! All forms are now filled in and I'll be taking them in with my marriage certificate and ID on Monday.

Thanks for the tip on child benefit, next payment is Monday so I have 4 weeks to switch it over. Same with tax credits when they start paying the new year in April. Salary can be sorted as soon as I have the account details.

Hubby was close to exploding yesterday, I averted it by calling step change. The hour long call gave him time to calm down, realise this isn't my fault and accept I'm doing something about it. Today things seem good between us. He has a failed DMP in his past (pre-us) so I think he's skeptical but I'm determined.

I'm absolutely exhausted now, kids are refusing to get dressed (I'm sure my 5 year old is really 15!) and DH is off out to help a friend with some DIY. I'm thinking that I'm going to be kind to myself, there's nothing urgent to do so I'm going to grab my kindle, download some free books and escape reality punctuated only by providing food now and then and putting some washing on. It's a sunny but windy day so it can be line dried.

I also think today is special enough to break out the posh bubble bath so that's my plan for the evening.

I'm quite nervous about what's ahead but whatever happens I'm not going to be put in prison or die from £10k of unsecured debt. The worst they can do is get a CCJ and whilst I don't mean to sound flippant (I realise the seriousness of that) the world isn't going to end over it. My journey has become much longer but once the initial uphill struggle is over the road should be smoother.

There are no words to describe how grateful I am for your unending support. Thank you just doesn't seem to cover it.

Kate x

lucielle

Lovely post and I hope everything goes well for you.
L

Muser1

Hi!

I've had a house day with the kids today and let them do as they please (6&2yrs) could have been a disaster! I've randomly checked on them and thrown bits of food their way :rotfl:

My kindle has not been out of my hands and I have read your diary from start to finish. I've loved it. So honest and heartfelt. Good on you for getting help.

Muser x

in_need_of_direction

Well done Kate on recognising when you should ask for help. As always, I think you are doing brilliantly. I also think cracking open the bubble bath was the right thing to do. Just keep doing the small things to make yourself feel better then you'll be more able to withstand the carp

Skinnylatte

Well done Kate, I can hear the relief in your post, this is a wonderful fresh start for you x

Kate_fixing_it

Thank you all, I'm getting used to the idea now. Both hubby and I slept better last night, going to bed at 8.30! I think the way we sleep directly corresponds to our stress levels. Due to the early night I didn't break open the bubbles but that's a plan for another day.

My pain levels have sky-rocketed. I've had to use his car so can't wear my aircast and I REALLY know about it but it's manageable now I know it's not for much longer. It's alsosstamped out any doubts about having the surgery.

I'm feeling a lot less fragile now. I find it so hard to ask for any kind of help but when I do I always appreciate it and I'm usually at breaking point when I ask. There are no bills due until 25th March so I feel like I can completely relax now for a couple of weeks. I've even managed to stick to my SW plan with very little effort and it's been really good for me to know I'm eating properly - that's the first thing to go out the window when I'm feeling low. I feel like I'm off the floor already and getting stronger each minute.

Kate x