Advice Needed!!!

ukpobrien31

Hi All,

Wow, I can't believe that it's 2 years since my original post.

I just want to apologise to everyone in advance who has read and responded, because it is clear that I haven't listened to a single bit of advice that you guys have been so wonderful in offering.

It's all the usual clich!s I guess....."not addressing the problem therefore thinking that there isn't one"......"burying my head in the sand"......in fact you name it, I've probably done it.

The thing is I know you guys will continue to offer that wonderful support, because that's happens around here......but I also do deserve that proverbial kick up the backside for not taking that advice on board and acting on it!!! Silly me.

So here I am, 2 years later....and has my situation changed any? Well, no is the answer I'm afraid. In fact since I posted the original SOA above, I have since had 2 further loans, one more with Northern Rock (£8k), and the most recent one this June with Tesco (£10k).

"I told you so" is a master piece of understatement. The thing is I have spent hours on here reading other peoples posts to get an insight into other people issues, and it's clear that I'm not alone. But I have fallen prey to the very warnings plastered all over these forums, namely, spending more than I earn, borrowing to fill the gap, then all my salary goes to paying off the debt, hence I have nothing left!

This time of year isn't helping with Christmas fast approaching, and I guess my reason for posting again is because of the dire situation I now find myself in. I am currently £3644 overdrawn across both bank accounts (OH's + joint) and I don't get paid until the end of the month. I had to draw out enough cash a week ago for fuel for the rest of the month so that my debit card was not refused in the garage! I'm also now in that spiralling unauthorised fees dilemma where the bank charge me £150 for breaching the £3k barrier.

I guess the years of x1 mortgage & x2 equity release loans (total £166k) + 3 personal loans (total £38k) are now taking their toll and I'm now at the point where I don't have a clue which way to turn.

I know I don't deserve it, but if anyone can offer any pearls of wisdom, then I'm all ears as I really could do with some good advice right now!

Regards,

Pat.

Queen.Bess

Good to see you again Pat. The past is the past, now is the time to move forward! So let's start again!

Use the SOA calculator which will show monthly expenditure and income (see southernscouser's sticky post).

Have a look round the other boards - Old Style (for meal ideas), Special Occasions board, Freebies/Discount boards for Xmas ideas and help - any money off or savings or homemade gift ideas will help in cutting expenditure at this time of year.

Contact CCCS, Payplan or Christians Against Poverty who may be able to help.

Good Luck Pat, you've come back to the right place!

Bess xx

mum2one

The best thing is you have come back and forget the past, look at the future, do a new SOA, and see where you go from there.

Good luck xx

shazzle

Hi Pat
I am no expert at all with mortgages and loans (thank God dont have them) but I do need to save money and so far this year I really have become thrifty.
I cannot stress how much money meal planning will save you, you clearly travel about and have internet... SHOP AROUND. Most stores reduce products early evening and I freeze everything.
Reducing utillity bills and the "how not to use gas and electric" thread is a joy to me (I have saved £400.00 this year on a 2 bed semi!) along with my slow cooker use x
There is an absolute MINE of information here from some of the smartest, most generous spirited and yes crafty people and I troll the boards each and every day.
Be positive and plan to change...
You can do it and I wish you every success x x x x Shazzle x x x x