I'm Glad I Found You Guys!

icela · 30 August 2007 at 4:17PM

I've been lurking on these boards for about a week now, and just thought I should post: everyone is clearly so supportive and I wish I'd found it sooner!

I am in debt, not by a huge amount: but it's enough to be causing me to worry, mainly because

1) I got into it without ever even thinking about getting out, and now the 'lightbulb' has gone on.
and
2) I'm ashamed to say, unlike lots of people here, it wasn't debt to keep up my family or a house or a life, it's debt I have got into through 'frittering' (as my granny would say) on utterly stupid things.

Yes, it's scary, but thank goodness this ol lightbulb has gone on: I have no idea where I'd have ended up if it hadn't. That in itself is a scarier thought than my debt, or than changing my lifestyle!

Will post my SOA soon: another scary one, but needs must. I'm pretty sure I will cry when the I see how much I've spent on magazines, clothes I didn't need and beer.

I'm so glad I've done this

xxxx

GingerSte · 30 August 2007 at 4:22PM

Thanks very much (I know - it's all me

)

You're not the only one to have frittered your money away. Most of my money went through my fingers like water. So much beer - so little time.

rayday2 · 30 August 2007 at 4:37PM

Even those of us with famalies in debt have to admit at times we were a little "frittering"

Wish I had had a lightbulb moment so early on, look forward to seeing you around!

sophiesmum_2 · 30 August 2007 at 4:41PM

Hi
welcome on board. You will find lots of help and support on here when you begin to tackle your debts.
On the positive side you are at least doing something about it now before it is out of control.;)
good luck with the debt busting

sophiesmum

postingalwaysposting · 30 August 2007 at 5:04PM

:hello: hi icela, welcome aboard. I agree with everyone else most of us are guilty at frittering sometime in our life. At least you are here now ready and willing to do something about it. Just be warned this site is addictive... but it keeps you from spending

reformedEffortMaker_2 · 30 August 2007 at 5:37PM

Hi Icela

Just want to echo what everyone else has said!

WELCOME, and get posting and I am sure someone will be able to help!!:o

fiveyearplan · 30 August 2007 at 5:41PM

No need to be ashamed. Let's see how much debt we're talking about and how best to tackle it. Congratulations for having your LBM sooner rather than later!

icela · 31 August 2007 at 11:05AM

Thanks so much, I can't tell you what it means to know I'm not alone, and that there's no judgement for what I've done with my money (although it wasn't really mine, should have thought of that!). I think I'm looking at about £3000 of debt, ish, maybe a little bit less, I'll have to check.

I am going to 'get my stuff together' on Monday and have a sit down and do my SOA, write it up neatly and post it on the 'Debt Free Nerd Club' sometime next week!

It's amazing, its so scary to face up to this, but its also such a huge relief to finally be doing it! Slept last night like a baby for the first time in a few years.

fiveyearplan · 31 August 2007 at 11:45AM

You'll see it's not as bad as you think! Glad you slept well.

Crown · 31 August 2007 at 12:14PM

icela wrote: »

It's amazing, its so scary to face up to this, but its also such a huge relief to finally be doing it! Slept last night like a baby for the first time in a few years.

I couldnt agree more with that statement!! :beer:

The stress that the debt caused me nearly lead to a breakdown and when I look back a year on since having a full blown LBM it all seems rather stupid. For years I "tackled" my debts half heartedly and still continued using credit cards and my OD before the preverbial hit the fan and lead me into having my flat repossessed.

I now sleep well and enver want to go back to those dark nights where I lay awake panicked where the next payment was coming from and how I could hide the debt from my family as not to worry them!

Sorry to ramble but all im trying to say is make sure your LBM is full blown and get rid of the cards ect ASAP and start a emergency fund. This site is much more than just a way to clear debts if you immerse yourself into it it is complete change of lifestyle.

Good luck! :T

tealady · 31 August 2007 at 12:20PM

Hello Icela and welcome. This site is a godsend. I used to be in debt to the tune of over £4000 with no home and I could barely afford my rent. When I faced my debts and clawed my way into solvency it was wonderful. I only wish I knew about this site then however it has stopped me falling off the debt free waggon on many an occasion.