Reeling from the Reality Check

sick_of_being_in_debt

Hi
I just wanted to say well done in the progress you have paid with your debts so far. I love reading others stories to keep me motivated:T

Historybuff

Thanks, Eager and Brogden, I'm going to see what I can do. I've got two weeks to try to sort something out. And I will offer less than they are asking and see how it goes...IF I manage to get a decent amount together. And Bob and Sick, if my story helps in any way, that's a bonus.
I will be a lot happier when my income is sorted out properly. I'm owed two months back payments, so if that comes in the next two weeks I might be able to do something.

Historybuff

Phoned up the pensions people today. I should hear something around the beginning of next week they said! So that's going to be into June and I sent the forms off in March! Why do they have to move at a snail's pace? It's like they don't want to part with MY money! However, I'm going to stay positive and hope my back payments get sent before the P and F deadline. I've just worked out that I have £400 to last this month if they don't pay out this month. £14.28 per day. I'm going to have to be strict.

mumps

Is it worth asking them to give you a month? If they want it settled they might give you the extra time. Hopefully pension people can get it sorted by then. It would be good to get a 50% discount.

Bobarella

History - it sounds really rough. It isn't the same but I have been waiting since January for money I am owed for a serious claim regarding my business and I'm sick of it too. I know that they will have to sort it soon as the ombudsman have been involved but I still don't know exact figures or dates for payment. It is extremely anxiety inducing and I sympathise entirely for that feeling of just hanging on one more week or getting through another day with no news. Do hang in there. But I know it's hard.
All the best
Bob

Brogden

I hope the pension gets sorted out quickly HB!

As far as the Nashunwide is concerned though......don't turn your back on the P&F idea if you can't manage it in their timescale as they are just playing games with you. The good news is they are willing to deal as they have indicated. Best call them if it looks like you can't do it by the date and tell them why......maybe offer them a a small additional holding payment to show you are serious.

I think we can be sure they will be happy if an agreed P&F hits them in the next three months or so (at worst?)

Brogden x

Historybuff

Thanks everyone. I'm just pleased that the predators are showing that they will probably be inclined to accept p and f offers when I'm able to do it. Been on the phone to them again today and managed to get the monthly payments to them all reduced by a significant amount. A massive 82% reduction from what I was paying at the start. I've come to the realisation that the less I pay, the more inclined they will be to accept an offer when I am in a position to make one. They didn't even need much persuading! I think they are glad they are still getting a regular payment.

Historybuff

Just been talking to DD2. She's stressing about paying bills and struggling with budgeting. It was really hard not to try to solve the problems for her, but I stopped myself wading in. I talked her through what she could do and left it to her to sort out. That's what needs to happen from now on. Bank of mum is permanently closed. That's how I got myself in so much debt in the first place! Feeling responsible for sorting others out!

sugarbaby125

Well done HB,
It is so hard to say No to our adult children and to realise that when we bail them out financially, the day soon comes, when that money could have been used in our own downturn in finances.

Last year I gave my oldest daughter £600 to keep the bailiffs from seizing goods from her home for unpaid debts. Her Dad had refused to help (we have been divorced for over 12 years and on his 3rd marriage), so I did not hesitate.

Here I am unemployed once again, only 6 months after securing a good job and could really do with that extra £600 in my buffer fund savings. I can not change the past, only try to continue to stay positive about my future.

HB you have made remarkable inroads into your debts already and you have come to terms with how to budget on a reduced income, yet still find the time and make the effort to enjoy yourself. You are inspiring others to take the necessary steps to deal with their own debts and showing them that they are capable of making difficult decisions, especially where family is concerned.

Historybuff

Thanks sugar. It's not easy is it? I've had more difficult conversations since that last one and I think DD is getting the message that it's difficult enough me sorting out my own financial worries without having to worry about hers. I did it for long enough and the time has come for me to think about myself and OH as we move into retirement and pensions.
The most difficult thing has been living without relying on credit, but it feels so good! I won't ever have a credit card ever again. If we can't afford something, we will save up from now on. Well we have no choice actually because we don't even have an overdraft facility now. That does, however, really focus you on not overspending and staying within limits because there is no option!
Sun is out today, so going to get on with the jobs. I must say keeping the house clean and tidy is so much easier now I have got rid of so much surplus stuff! I've got quite good at sorting out at least one drawer or bag a day. The lack of clutter around the place also makes cleaning and keeping everything clean SO much easier! And it gets done more often.
Have a good weekend all.