Don't know where to start

starlightwaltz

I'v got debts of £70,000+. I just don't know where to start to sort them out. I have sat down today and gone through all the paper work, unopened letters threatening court action baliffs etc. I know I have stuck my head in the sand and tried to avoid facing up to it for too long but now that i am trying to deal with it, it is just is so overwhelming. Please any advice on where to start would be so welcome, I hate myself for having got myself in this mess:embarasse

Gemmzie

Hi starlightwaltz

Firstly *hugs* - it will be okay, it's only money and there's always ways to sort it.

Have a look at Southern Scousers Sticky (First Time Posters), and it says about an SOA, if you pop that up here we can have a look and see how we can help

You've made the first step

chloebelle

well done for making a positive step. I would personally recommend citizens advice as I think you need professional help in terms of how to manage this. Its so hard but please don't pretend its not happening. My OH had debts mounting and he had to move to a new flat. In a stupid attempt to pretend it wasn't all happening, he didn't bother inform bank, credit card etc... of his new address.

For a few months it was fine......but guess what? They tracked him down easily and now the debts are in the hand of debt collecting agencies. He was so stupid (I've told him often enough!) because hiding makes everything so much worse.

You've taken the hardest step, you can survive this

SPANIEL36

just a quickie to say. well done. you've had your lightbulb moment, you've realised there's problems but you've made the first step of wanting to get it all sorted. there will be many people along shortly who will give you loads of advice, they've recently saved me over 1000 pounds just by stating consumer rights.

chin up and good luck, you'll get there xx

In_Search_Of_Me

Well done for taking the first very scary step! It's hard sorting in the first days & takes so much emotional energy. I actually took a couple of days off work so that I could sort stuff & have a good cry (which I did for 2 days!). At least you will know what you are dealing with when you sort rather than just pretending its ok when you know it isnt! If you do your SOA we can see where you can cut down but have a look at the tabs at the top of the boards for things like electric etc and also suggest you ring CCCS etc for some advice. Not sure o your circumstances, income/outgoings. Start a spending diary & account for every penny; what can you sell on ebay etc - this can be great & I made over 1000 in the first few weeks.
The main thing is that you're dealing with it and you're among friends. We all understand the crippling, terrifying feeling of debt and will get out of it togeather. Huge hug for you!

trying-very-trying

Welcome to the forum.
What can I say, we've all been there.
I agree that the first step is to post up your soa, and let the folk on here suggest ways to cut back.
As you've already got imminent court action, I would head on over to https://www.cccs.co.uk (others are available) where you can input your circumstances, build a budget, and they will show you the options available for your situation.
Keep posting to let us know how it goes, and also to get more support.