This Time Last Year

sort_me_own_yard_out

Saturday saw my 9th month into bankruptcy pass by. I just made me reflect on the last 12 months.

This time last year I was absolutly desperate, my blinds were down in my living room, to avoid the energy company that kept knocking on my door, I had letters from the council telling me that they were sending bailiffs to collect what i owed them for my council tax. the phone wasnt to be answered, when i heard the post land on the floor i felt sick. I couldnt sleep through worry and was in constant state of tears. I have never been a massive fan of Christmas since becoming a one parent family and I was paying for it via payday loans.

The day I had the appointment at CAB with a lady who worked along side the British Legion was the turning point, I have never cried like i cried that day I opened letters that had been shoved in draws and faced the reality of my mess. It was a hugely scary day but it was the start of my journey. She agreed that i needed to go bankrupt, she also said the RBL would help with fees.

Although it was unknown how long I would have to wait for the fees and still the relief was immense. I still had 3 months of avoiding bailiffs, debt collectors and phone calls but there was a chink of light and i was going to run towards it.

Christmas turned out not so bad as i said it was paid with by payday loans that had been ongoing for the last 6 months. it wasnt full of presents but as my brother in law had returned from Afghan it was what Christmas should of been about.

Fast forward (nearly finished boring you) I am not looking forward to Christmas for differant reasons but it has been paid for cash by scrimping and saving where ever I can. as I am eternally grateful to the RBL and i can never repay them back finacially i can with time so become a visitor for them and hope that i can repay with time.

So any lurkers out there reading in a muddle i was for months if not years act now, get that appointment booked for advice it will be the best way forward.

right i will leave you be!!

macbabypam

I agree wholeheartedly. Facing up to facts and dealing with your finances is one of the scariest but most liberating times of your life.

Accepting a major life change is a process and can be difficult to bear, but ultimately it has to be done sooner or later. In previous years I would have spent at least £1500- £2000 on Christmas, buying stuff on credit so the kids could get everything they wanted. It is partly due to my thoughtless and irresponsible behaviour that has brought me an OH to BR.

This year I have spent approx £200 on the whole family for Christmas gifts, it's amazing what you can find in the pound shops and Primark has been my saviour. At least I know I have spent what I can afford and have the peace of mind that everything is paid for. It's taught the kids a lesson too, that you don't get everything you wish for.

It's a tough lesson to learn but it's well and truly learned. Enjoy your Christmas

sort_me_own_yard_out

Primark is an amazing place!!!

debt_doctor

Hi,


I am really pleased on your positive outlook , we have been on the same side of some battles haven't we!


DD

sort_me_own_yard_out

We certainly have DD!! you have been wonderful and without your advice and support the IPA would of tipped me over the edge but even the darkest times over the IPA do not come close to this time last year and I had must of forced that to the back of my mind as i was proper doom and gloom a few month back over the IPA.

The person I was a year ago and the person I am today are worlds apart mentally and emotionally.