I did it :)

RedCola

Well done Kirstie. I am at the very beginning of my journey ( have just today set up a dmp)

Its feels daunting, did you feel this also at the beginning?

KirstyO

RedCola - The beginning was horrible. I remember never opening letters, never answering the phone, never opening the door. I literally went to work, went home and locked myself in.


When my DMP started I was scared that Stepchange would have missed something or I had missed off a creditor, but I needn't have worried.


I was fortunate in that my debts were not particularly large and were all unsecured. It didn't feel like that to me though, it felt like my whole world was a mess and I'd have to sell everything and never buy nice things again and live on value food.
For a while I did have to do that, but I didn't have to sell everything and Stepchange were really fair in helping me with my budget. I used to work for a supermarket so got discount on food. When I was living on my own I could happily feed my little self for £15 a week using value brand stuff and my discount, but they said that the minimum value they would normally allow for food was far higher than that which meant that they allowed me a little bit more money for food so occasionally I'd have a more expensive brand of hot chocolate or some of my favourite crisps!
It sounds like silly little things, but when you can't afford to go out and buy yourself little treats from a shopping centre or go on holiday, sometimes you're justified in buying one lunch a month instead of taking a packed lunch!
I don't know what your circumstances or debts are, and I don't want or need to know, but as Martin says there isn't a debt situation that isn't solveable, so I'm sure you'll make it. One day at a time, save little and often, pay off little and often above your monthly payments if you can. And don't forget to live a little

3wisemonks

Just want to say congratulations and well done :beer:

Good luck with the mortgage, maybe you could look at the mfws board for inspiration

12_month_challenge

Hi and very well done to you. :T

I am also just starting out but stories like yours prove that its possible with a little hard work and dicipline.

It makes people like me determined to succeed too
Congratulations and a big pat on the back for you :j