6k in debt and just no hope

Hantsman

Hey Danfish, just to say I’ve been lurking reading your thread for a while and am impressed with your attitude, keep it up and bertiewhite is correct, it will end up giving you so much satisfaction to save money and "beat the system".

My only advice is keep expanding what you read on this site and in the forum. For me I started out looking for the best way to look after my savings but that’s gradually spread into the thrifty living section (for recipes) the comping section (in the hope of winning big) as well as other people's debt free/ saving diaries to keep me motivated.

Anyway keep it up and a massive well done on knocking the gambling on the head

heartbreak_star

Well done Dan, your progress and plans are doing well

HBS x

DanFish

Thank you Hantsman,

Its only been a week and i just feel so happy that i am finally addressing it all, yes it's going to be tough but i've gained so much confidence to actually get stuck in and deal with it. Just through reading other peoples stories and getting the advice and support from good people like yourself.

I no longer feel intimidated by the DCA's which previously i felt terrified to talk to them, the have no more power or authority than i do, i will only communicate via writing now, if they phone me i tell them to !!!!!! off.

sourcrates

DanFish wrote: »

I no longer feel intimidated by the DCA's which previously i felt terrified to talk to them, the have no more power or authority than i do, i will only communicate via writing now, if they phone me i tell them to !!!!!! off.

Good man !!! just wish more people realised this, deal with them on your terms not there's, the amount of people that think they are bailiffs and are going to "come round and take the telly" is staggering !!!! they say a bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing, but the more you know, the better prepared you are, in my opinion !!!!!

DanFish

Definately, You only have to mention a few regs from the FCA, or OFT and they back off immediately.

It's all about knowing your rights as a consumer. The help on this site is fantastic!

My initial target was Debt Free by April 2017 i'm now so optimistic that i'm bringing the target date back to October 2016.

Reaching for the stars

Hantsman

If you can knock 6 months off that would be amazing, keeping reading, working and chipping away!

TakingControl

I haven't got any additional advise as such but wanted to wish you good luck on your journey. :T

When I started mine, I had debts to the tune of 45K :eek: My DFD was 2015 and by being a stubborn so and so and becoming quite obsessed about trying to paying it back quicker, I shaved off 28 months of my DMP, which included some F&F offers which were accepted.

The best advise I can give is work out a realistic budget, keep a spending diary for every day and review this every week and you be suprised how many 'little things' sneak in you don't even register you buying.

As for your energy, are you on the best tariff? I work from home and even with winter just gone, I only pay 43 a month for gas and electric. Do your meter readings every month and if you can, submit them monthly online, most energy suppliers offer online account management.

If you get threatening letters from DCA especially about visits, don't forget they have less rights than your postman

You done so well already, keep at it :T:T

DanFish

I used U Switch in November but i might do a comparison again soon to see if its worth changing again.

Gonna try and negotiate some of these outstanding debts for reduction this weekend and hopefully drag my debt total down

I'm looking forward to it actually, a nice test of my negotiation skills

countrygirl1

Hi DanFish,

Can't really contribute to the conversation right now (as you know I'm in a bad situation myself!) but just keep taking the advice here on the forum. I've felt really strengthened by the support on MSE and I'm sure you will too. These folks seem to know their onions!

DanFish

Thanks Countrygirl,

I'm just amazed at the support, i'm a little shy socially in face to face situations and i think that has devoloped over time through getting into debt and just generally being very unhappy as i never used to be like that.

Being able to open up anonymously has helped a lot and also just knowing i'm not the only one in a mess there are people going through worse than myself. I never understood Mutual Support until now and i've found that i feel replenished and feel like a fresh new person ready to take on the world, which sounds really cheesey. But i'm excited at the prospect of being debt free and living a happy life.

Thanks for dropping by Countrygirl i have read your thread and i wish you all the best, and my advice is the exact same as you have said to me just listen to the support and advice of the great people on this forum.

Everything will be fine