Looking for Opinions...

jenevieve

Hi all,

I've been reading through the posts and am full of admiration for all of you DFWs who are working so hard but with such good humour and grace.
I'm in the process of facing my debts head-on and am using a lot of the tips from this board to deal with them.
I live alone in a rented 1-bedroom flat, have done for 7 years - it is nice, nothing special - and I have been seriously considering moving into a flat-share. I have looked at some ads on the internet and I think I could seriously save some money doing this, which would obviously go towards paying my debts. Plus, there is no way I am going to be able to afford to buy for years and years!!!!

Not sure whether to stay put and limit my spending as much as possible or whether to make the jump and move.

Quick SAO - I owe £12000 on credit cards.
Incomings - £1750 approx
Current outgoings (excluding C/C payments) - £1050

All opinions gratefully received

madmoney_2

hi there it depends on how much you love your flat!!! u need to look at the bigger picture if you move would you spend more on decorating, would u be ok with sharing after 7 years on ur own? why not pop up a detailed soa so i can help u cut back?
hth xxx

Shineyhappy

How much are you paying for rent/water/gas/council tax and how much would renting a room cost?

I think maybe the best way to look at it is to work out the figures and see how much quicker you would be debt free and whether or not you think its worth it.

jenevieve

Thanks for your replies.
An advert I have (tentatively) enquired into costs £360 per month all inclusive of bills.
My rent plus utility bills is currently £620.
I would be saving £260 straight away.

I suppose I have got used to living on my own after 7 years but I don't necessarily think it would be a bad thing to share; my social skills need improving;)
I suppose I feel a bit of a failure (well, actually a big failure) being 34 and in such a financial mess without even a home to call my own.:o

madmoney_2

hey dont be so hard on yourself!! especially in this day and age, it would be impossible for me and oh to get a mortgage yet, we r both on minimum wage!!!! it sounds like ur veering towards the flat share so why not just go for it!!! right now!!! whatever u decide, good luck and keep us posted xxx

jenevieve

Thanks madmoney, you are very supportive:)
I think I am going to look around at a few flat-shares before I commit but the inclusive price really does mean a potentially big saving for me.
I would need to find a long-term share though and I don't know how easy or feasible that will be.
Plus, absolutely NOBODY in my life knows about my debt and I couldn't face telling anybody.
I guess I am at the same point of a lot a DFWs when they realise they are in a colossal mess of their own making. I need to make steps forward and then I am sure I will start to feel better.

Thank you again for your help and support

J x

climbgirl

Well, it'll be a tough thing sharing again after 7 years on your own! One thing you'll need is tolerance and bags of it!

Look for a flat share that's stable - they do exist, I've been in mine now for 2 years! If possible, find a place that the landlord lets out by the room so you're not liable for the extra rent or forced to move on if one of your new housemates moves. I've been forced to move on more times than I can count because a housemate has moved out and we haven't been able to replace or cover the rent. Anyway - look for a stable one where people have stayed for a while.

Flat sharing is fine, I've done it for years. Just remember that not everyone will do things your way!

juliapenguin

Hello!

My big brother is 55 and has recently started house sharing after his divorce - I was shocked at first because it seems such a studenty thing to do, but he is having the most FANTASTIC time! He lives in a gorgeous house that probably would cost £500K to buy with two other single blokes (younger than him!) and they have such a brilliant life - they're all old enough to not want to live in squalor and share the housework pretty well, and they really enjoy sharing. Because they're sharing everything it's really cheap and they have loads of money left over for beer!

I was worried about him being lonely - not a chance!

Go for it!

Julia xx

jenevieve

Thanks climbgirl & juliapenguin, your comments are very reassuring. I will have a look at what is out there, have been browsing some websites and will try and find something suitable.

Thanks again!:beer: