Cab?

KerryH

I'm thinking of making an appointment with CAB, but I don't know what they can do for me...can anyone advise please?

I also wonder about talking to a debt counsellor at my bank, but in doing so am I just flagging my debt problems up?

I really don't know where to go, but I feel i want to talk to someone!

postingalwaysposting

hi kerry, i dont see them as a last resort. They are avalible to you to give free impartial advice. You dont have to act on their advice but its nice to have a'professional' opinion on your debts. they will help you understand your debt and give you options on debt repayments/plans ~ Phone them and make an appointment, they are nice normal people like me and you.

KerryH

Yeh...I think I will. I wanted to talk to my bank, but I'm worried about what they will do. Will I just be highlighting my problem even more?

melly84

KerryH wrote: »

I'm thinking of making an appointment with CAB, but I don't know what they can do for me...can anyone advise please?

I also wonder about talking to a debt counsellor at my bank, but in doing so am I just flagging my debt problems up?

I really don't know where to go, but I feel i want to talk to someone!

Hi kerry, i went to the CAB yesterday, they are really helpful, got an appointment for monday with a debt person.
As i've already been trying to sort my debts i told her i had all the info, plus my budget etc so she said that would speed it up a bit.
they are going to help me sort it out and contact my creditors for me.
I took some info home last night and found out i might be able to set up a DMP, which will be easier.
definately go and see them as it takes some weight off your shoulders.

myrnahaz

You've already taken the hardest step in acknowledging that you have a problem. Don't look on it as flagging your debt problem up, you need to change your mindset so you view the process as one of getting your debt problem sorted. It's so easy to put the problem to the back of your mind and do nothing while the situation just worsens - what you'll be doing by approaching someone for help will be the first step towards halting the debt spiral. One of the regular DFW's will soon come along with advice for you while you're deciding what to do - they usually suggest that you post your SOA (statement of affairs showing income, outgoings etc) here and then they will provide you with lots of advice and encouragement.

KerryH

I know...making that first step is so difficult...I have to take a deep breath and go for it.
I think what's making this worse is the fact that none of my family know of my situation...mainly because I'm terrified. I live at home and my parents take a hard line when it comes to finances. Although they won't mean it, I know it will be a disappointment to them.

So anything I do, I'm doing entirely on my own.

I know I will do it...I know everything will be ok...but it's so lovely to have someone to point you in the right direction and help you make that first step!

Thank god for these boards!

postingalwaysposting

KerryH wrote: »

I know...making that first step is so difficult...I have to take a deep breath and go for it.
I think what's making this worse is the fact that none of my family know of my situation...mainly because I'm terrified. I live at home and my parents take a hard line when it comes to finances. Although they won't mean it, I know it will be a disappointment to them.

So anything I do, I'm doing entirely on my own.

I know I will do it...I know everything will be ok...but it's so lovely to have someone to point you in the right direction and help you make that first step!

Thank god for these boards!

kerry you arnt on your own... we are here for you... if you want to rant/cry/smile/laugh about your debts do it here. It will be a long hard slog, i am not trying to make debt repayment an easier/simple thing to do, its not. But coming here and talking and sharing experiances with other who are in the same/smaller/higher debt than you is great. You dont have to go through this stage of you life on your own...

have you thought of stating a debt diary on here which you can update each day? even if its just that you have saved £10 today by not going to the pub etc etc? its nice to have a record of your progress in one place

dancingfairy

The CAB sounds like a good plan. I'm not sure I would go to the bank yet though- I've heard they will often try and sell you other loans -to get out of debt which might get you into a worse mess- also if they know you are struggling a bit they might reduce your overdraft limit/put more pressure on you to get their money back - they shouldn't but they might.

Firstly you need to do an SOA (See Southern Scousers sticky for new posters) - you need to list all your incoming and outgoings - then we can see where we can save you money - where you paying too much etc. People will all chip in and give their opinions (in a nice way).

Good Luck

postingalwaysposting

kerry i just found your diary ~ http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=522132 ~ maybe you should start that up again?

dancing fairy ~ kerrys soa is here ~ http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=518813

rog2

I agree with the advice that you have been given. CAB can advise you - their advice is free, professional and confidential.
Your Bank COULD help you, but remember - they are a commercial organisation, driven by profit - nothing else. They will, almost certainly, try to offer you additional finance to consolidate your debt. Look carefully at the long term implications of this and agree to nothing until you have seen CAB.

HairyHandofDartmoor

I agree with Rog and Dancing Fairy. I would not go to the bank as you will not get impartial advice from them. They are profit driven. The CAB WILL give you impartial advice and are entirely used to this type of problem. They will not judge you but will just help you. Don't feel embarrassed as you are not alone. We are all in the same boat. You can take control of your finances with some professional help (CAB or CCCS or Payplan) and your parents will probable never need to find out!