Reeling from the Reality Check

Historybuff

Letters from three of the CCs so far. ANd one of them wants me to compete their income and expenditure sheet. I will do that, but also send off the Money Steps one, so they can see I have been liaising with the debt charities. I will hold out for the payment I can afford. They do say, though, that once accepted onto the plan it all interest and charges will be stopped until the amount is paid back, however long that is. So thats a good thing.
Doing OK with making more money to supplement salary. Last weekend made £17.50 making stuff that sold on my daughter's stall. £90 at carboot and this weekend, £10.50 on stuff I made and £50 at the car boot. A grand total of £168! Not bad at all. That will go a long way to keeping us fed!
And my stash of pots is gradually reducing, great says OH! I have plenty more stuff to get rid of, so now I have got the carboot bug I will be going every week to get rid of it.
Bad news is my car needs attention. Taking son and his girlfriend to station yesterday the brakes went! We are all OK, but it means ore money to fix them grrrrrr!
Also, one of the reasons I got so deep into debt was not being able to stop myself helping out my family. This weekend I am doing battle with myself trying not to give up the money I made at the car boots to do the same thing. Someone worrying and me there trying to stop myself fixing it and making it OK. I know they have to stand on their own feet...I haven't cracked, but the feeling of wanting to make everything OK, even if I can't is very strong. I'm fighting it...

in_need_of_direction

I know what you mean about family. My two are well into their twenties but I still don't see them as self sufficient.

RainbowBridgeReturns

Hi Historybuff,

I tend to feel responsible for everybody, but I have to keep reminding myself that this is my time to sort me out, because I am worth it too.

I am now trying to show people how to fish, rather than doing the catching, skinning and frying for them, which is my natural inclination. It is not easy though, but ultimately far more sustainable x.

in_need_of_direction

Not for the fish

wantabetterlife

wise words RBR...very very true.

Skintmama

Just caught up with your diary HB and think you are fantastic for what you have acheived so far! I am sure that feeling more in control of the finances will help you to make changes in other areas if you wish to.

I understand the urge to help our young adults but this is what has got us into debt really. We have had to help finance driving lessons, cars and their costs for our children, due to no transport links where we live. It was necessary, as otherwise they couldn't access further education or get to work but now we have to sort out the mess! We now tell them that they have more money in their pockets than us so they must manage all their own expenses. It is still difficult to say No and to encourage them to save rather than get credit cards and have immediate gratification.

Historybuff

Thanks all! Glad it's not just me with the 'responsible' feelings. I am fighting them down and they all know it.
Quick update from today. Got final confirmation that the overdrawn accounts are in my sole name, so I have sent off to payroll for them to put my salary in the new account from March. Posted my financial statement off to the to CCs that wanted them and paid the reduced payment to them for this month. Now I don't need to pay anymore till the salary for March comes in.
As soon as my new internet banking details come I shall start moving over the DDs, hopefully getting it sorted by the end of the week.
Skintmama, I am determined to get on top of all the other stuff in my life too now that I've started to tackle the finances. Step by step...

Historybuff

Nothing new to report on the budget side of things today.
Received a letter from the bank, though, in response to the mis-sold endowment claim. They are saying they have referred it to the insurance company because although the salespeople were employees of the bank, the bank was 'tied' to the insurance company and only allowed to sell their products in the time frame we were sold our endowment. So apparently the insurance company will investigate the complaint and reply to us direct with the decision within the timeframe that is allowed. Sounds like the bank is passing the buck if you ask me!
Spent £10 today on some lovely craft stuff from the 'Works' that I'm going to use to make some cute little home decorations. Couldn't help myself.

Historybuff

Oh, and had courtesy call from National Debtline to see how I was getting on with the CCs and getting payment plans in place. I thought that was very kind of them. Had a discussion about what was happening etc and how I was feeling about it all and was invited to call back anytime to discuss anything or get help if any creditors turned funny. Very supportive.

Historybuff

Just found out about What's App and Viber! Free texts and calls to anywhere over the wifi! Love it!