Considering DMP - SOA advice please

rockm87

Hi Alicebanned, well done on getting your accounts in order! You're doing well. I agree just getting rid of the temptation helps wonders.

AliceBanned

Thanks rockm! I'm enjoying it actually!

Especially with the support on here - really helps to motivate me to know that others are in the same boat and that sorting out debt problems is possible.

AliceBanned

Think I take back what I said in my last post. It took me 2.5 hours to get to work today. My cheaper routes sometimes take a long time, but that is ridiculous. It is because the roads are more unpredictable than rail.

I am beginning to think I need major change but not sure what - I am stressed and irritable a lot, think because things get me down.

eg last week someone junior at work emailed me about something then phoned me an hour later about the same thing, and although I didn't show it (you can't really at work) I spiralled after that with lots of irritability and feeling trapped. I asked my manager to speak to her and he gave me a stupid explanation as to why she was doing it (he always takes the easy way out). She has been doing it for about a year, not just to me but to a few others in the team who get papers to her at a late stage (we can't do anything about this as there are delays caused by other bits of work, we just submit it when we can and it is always on time, just sometimes later than others. She isn't my boss, she is a grade below me and nice girl but this blind following of instruction with no concern about bothering others is really getting on my nerves!).

So need to change jobs or even resign and temp for a while but I'm scared with all this debt, to do anything at all. I know deep down that I don't want to be in my job any more but finding something else that isn't equally as annoying is difficult too. It's never gonna be perfect.

I go to meditation classes on Saturday now as I am so stressed but by Sunday evening my nerves are sometimes frayed again, if I have difficult chores to do etc. I just have no tolerance for anything at the moment. Maybe the pressure of the debt is part of the problem and the fact that I am impatient about getting to a better place financially so that I am not so tied with work etc.

HappyMJ

Only thing I suggest at the moment is to keep an eye out for better work. You don't want all your hard work unravelling at this stage and leaving your job without another job to go to would only entitle you to about £73 a week in JSA which is nowhere near enough to even meet your essential living costs. You won't get any help with your mortgage payments or unsecured debts so just keep at it as long as you possibly can. If you need a break then book an appointment with your GP who may suggest you need a week off to calm down during which time you can sort out some more things to relieve some pressure.

AliceBanned

Thanks - I think you are right, and I have calmed down a bit.

It was a particularly bad journey this morning. I had two calls from agencies about temporary work (coincidentally) as I posted my CV online a while ago. I don't think I would be out of work, but I would be in a worse position taking temporary work.

I've seen one job I'm interested in which pays more but is a maternity cover contract, and might apply for it. It would be a step up so worth the risk I think, otherwise I will stay where I am and keep looking.

AliceBanned

Hello

I still haven't received payment from the insurance company (£640 approx) owed for damage to my bathroom from a leak above. I contacted them as it is over ten working days and they said it wouldn't take longer.

I was left a long voicemail message from them yesterday with excuses about a problem with their payment systems. I have sent them an email today to say I have an electrician booked for Fri (I did but he hasn't confirmed yet so I probably won't go ahead) and I want the money asap. It is annoying that they can just string me along when I've had a half functioning bathroom for over 3 months now.

I am wondering when I do get the money whether to pay off a cc with it and continue with a half functioning bathroom as I am so fed up of the interest I'm paying etc. I can use the bath but not the shower, and the bath isn't great as the water pressure is so low. I want to get a decent shower put in when I eventually do it.

I really want to get on top of these debts now as they are affecting my life too much. When I am not paying as much interest I won't be as worried and won't have to scrimp and take such long exhausting journeys because the train is too expensive.

At least with one of my credit union loans I am at the point where I can withdraw from the savings with them - equal to the amount I pay off each month, so effectively that one is paid off (£350 remaining but the same in savings). Trying to knock them down one at a time as I am struggling a lot psychologically..can only think it will get easier..The second credit union loan is close to that as well (3 months away).

catriona79

Hey Alice.

From what youre saying it may be a good idea to pay the cc off first. It will give you a good feeling. How much is it as a percentage of the total? Will it be a significant chip? And how much interest saved monthly?
Can you live without a shower? I did for months, and managed to find workarounds. A bit of good organisation and you'll be ok! If that's something you can do, without it getting you down every day.

I'd think of what is going to make me feel better. None of us can have everything we want, but it's good to have a choice! Just think that you might not be in this position. Better to have a choice than not to have a choice! Sending hugs x

AliceBanned

Thanks catriona. It would repay 70% of the Cap One card and that is on 34% interest! I could pay the rest off when I get paid at the end of October. So I agree - may be best to do this. I could then get the shower done later in the year, especially if I make a bit more money doing focus group or something else.

Just now I got my updated Noddle report and it has gone up a notch! Only 2/5 but still an improvement as it has been 1/5 ('very poor') for a long time now and it is now only 'poor'. . It cheered me up a bit anyway as it might mean I will soon be in a position to shift some of the debt on to a 0% card or low rate one.

Also will soon have access to credit union savings so I can use some of that for the shower. I was going to have a new light and fan while the electrician was going to be there anyway, but not decided - seems quite extravagant but it is a loud and annoying fan and the bathroom has now window so I need one that is definitely doing the job.

asparagus1968

Hi,
sorry to hear you are a little down in the dumps.
I'd go with paying the credit card with the insurance money, that 34% is awful! How great will you feel at the of the month when it's gone altogether?
And you have savings coming for the bathroom
could you look on ebay/ freecycle /ask around for the light fitting and fan-you never know....
Wonder if there is a cheapy way of improving the water pressure to the bath in the meantime....
keep your chin up girl. you are getting there! x

asparagus1968

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2288681


some ideas here....