I've quit everything. Now what ?

dreaming

On reflection I can see that my post was quite harsh and could have been worded better - I apologise AC. Please don't stop posting because of what I said. I won't be posting again but will be cheering you on from the sidelines, and wish you a long and happy life in your new home.

GeorgianaCavendish

Hi AC,

I really hope you are still around and will come back to posting.

I don't have much to add to the discussion about how to deal with your creditors beyond what has been said before. Please start writing to them rather than deal with it over the phone, the reason for this is that there is a proper paper trail and it is a lot harder for the bank/company to go back on what was agreed. I think enthusiasticsaver was the one to mention this earlier, but I would also get on record (in writing) with these companies that you have £0 income now.
Also, if in the future you wanted to bring a case to the Financial Ombudsman, having copies of these letters would make things go a lot faster too.

Speaking as a "recovering shopaholic", please stop buying things for your new flat. I know that it is an expensive time and you do have to buy certain things, but please allow time for the dust to settle and experience living in the space so that you can properly assess what you need (and then divide that into categories like "essential - must buy now" and "nice to have - can wait a few months" ). In my personal experience, a big spendy event like moving house triggers my spending drive and sets me on a sort of downward spiral that can last months. Maybe you aren't like me at all and have a lot more discipline when it comes to spending, in which case great

Take care, AC. I wish you all the best in your new home and with your DMP

enthusiasticsaver

Hope you are pleased with your new furniture AC. Wasn't it being delivered today?

Re the payplan debt. I was under the impression there was no interest to pay. If there is interest being charged it is even more critical it is paid off soon. Please sort it out so you can move into your new place without the debt millstone around your neck. I am not sure why you are so anti giving out information re income and expenditure. Seems to me there is very little you would have to tell them as you have no income. Is it because they ask you to disclose savings?

Only a few days now until you are in your new place.

lessonlearned

Scorchio!!! 😂

AC. Hope you manage to get to the beach today, or even just a drink down by the harbour this evening.

It's just fab-u-lous dahhhlngs.

Sarahfallen

AC, a longtime lurker here! Keep up your good work and don't be disheartened by the conflicting information you have received regarding the best way of settling your debt. Go with your instincts - you know yourself best of all. It has been fascinating to follow your story and I hope you only finish the thread once you feel that you have closed the chapter rather than because of a harsh post. You are entitled to continue to live your life as usual despite world events - I for one can appreciate the sadness of events without feeling the need to stop my usual routine. Good luck with everything and I hope you achieve your debt-free dream! I've got another 4 years to go!

copperjar

Hey AC. I don't blame you for taking a break. It should be obvious to all of us that yet another post advising/lecturing you about what to do isn't usually needed. Sorry that hasn't always been the case. I disagree with LL that making the call on Tuesday was inconsiderate and part of the reason your offer was declined. Please do not feel guilty about doing that.

You have the most exciting weekend to look forward to. A new mortgage free life in an amazing flat in an area you love by the seaside. You've done it AC!! Be very proud of yourself!

Dansmam

AC if you pop back on on here, just know you are greatly missed by one of your occasional stalkers x
Personally I think tackling the f@fs while moving, decorating, sorting everything would overload anyone, and you just need a very big virtual hug. Altogether now,big hug for AC who's taken giant strides in not a huge amount of time. Hugs AC. Hope you pop by and see how much your virtual friends are rooting for you ��

lessonlearned

Yes my post was harsh......and I am sorry it has upset AC.

And yes I am still rooting for him. I still want him to be happy and to make a success of his new life.

AC has had a golden opportunity for FI (Financial Independence) but I am afraid he might have blown it.

He had cleared sufficient funds from his house sale never to have to worry about money ever again but by being careless, headstrong and wilful I fear he has thrown that advantage away.

He has spent far too much money and he still hasn't cleared his debts.

He has no income.

He is in his mid 50s and with the best will in the world it is not easy to find well paid work once you hit the 50 barrier. That's without taking his illness into account.

AC could have been set for life....... mortgage and debt free with enough money in the bank to allow him to work part time and stress free until retirement age. By only working part time he would have had the time and energy to indulge his passion for music, maybe even turning it into a nice little sideline business.

He could have had enough of a cushion to ride out any financial storms along the way.

However, he couldn't wait even a few months for those rewards. He chose to spend now rather than later.

Several of us on here have tried to steer him away from unnecessary spending until his health improved, until he had a steady income and his financial position was more secure.

We have tried to warn him that he has been overspending and that he is risking his long term financial future.

I admit I have probably been his harshest critic, lecturing and haranguing him to mend his ways when gentleness and humour didn't work. But it has been out of genuine concern for his future financial well being.

If I have gone too far then I apologise.

AC I sincerely wish you all the luck in the world. I hope your health improves, I hope your new environment gives you long lasting pleasure and I hope that you manage to find fulfilling and rewarding work.

Farewell my friend. I shall lecture you no more.

Wishing you every happiness in your new home. May all your dreams come true.

doingitanyway

I'm with Dansman here, so group hug everyone.

warby68

Genuinely curious as a lurker who may well have missed the point.

Why has one person attracted literally thousands of posts of advice over several threads even though nearly all of it is continually ignored?

This is the 'debt free' board but AC seems to be all about spending and not paying the debts.

If its the illness then I'm sorry but it just seems quite at odds with this part of the forum.

I don't post because because I want to say things that would be a heck of a lot blunter than the literally thousands of 'there, there' posts which feature here and really feel like I'm missing something.

Anyone fill me in, briefly, as I'm practically screaming watching someone blow their own safety net where, seemingly, most people think its ok. I keep going '£900 for blinds' '£900 for blinds' eek lol.