Teeny tiny steps

MMC87

BinkadyBoo wrote: »

Are you able to tell us anything about your debts, in terms of the numbers?

26k in total - two loans, two overdrafts, two credit cards.

enjoyyourshoes wrote: »

Have you solved the problem of why you are getting into debt?

May be worth considering the psychological issues around spending 9if that is the problem) or getting professional help for other causes (gambling, addictions etc)

I’ve just got a really bad attitude towards money and credit. I should have learned my lesson sooner. I could and should have made the choice to get organised instead of being forced to. I don’t have any specific problems apart from being irresponsible. I’ve already made some smaller changes in terms of reducing spending on travel, food, gym and fun stuff. Going forwards, I’m hopeful that I can leave London soon which I’m sure will help me free up more money to clear my debts.

EscapingTheAlarm

It would be great if you could keep all of the additional income from the second job - I'm sure that it would add to the motivation of being there if you didn't have to give part of the income away!
Do you get to keep your tips at the bar? I used to love working in a bar but I'm not sure I could do it alongside my day job - you must be shattered! Well done for identifying that you need to look after yourself!
ETA x

MMC87

EscapingTheAlarm wrote: »

It would be great if you could keep all of the additional income from the second job - I'm sure that it would add to the motivation of being there if you didn't have to give part of the income away!
Do you get to keep your tips at the bar? I used to love working in a bar but I'm not sure I could do it alongside my day job - you must be shattered! Well done for identifying that you need to look after yourself!
ETA x

We aren’t allowed to keep tips - they are given to charity. I see what you mean about keeping the extra money but at the same time, I want to be as productive as possible in reducing my debts and bringing my DFD forward so that I can get on with my life. Maybe I’ll do something in between - put some of the extra earnings towards DMP but keep a little aside for myself.

MMC87

Also, I do find it shattering but since facing up to my problems, I’ve started to feel strangely risilient. It’s quite empowering.

EscapingTheAlarm

It’s great that you’re feeling empowered! Especially if it means you’ll throw your spare cash at the debt as well. I think moving out of London would you save you loads as king as you can keep a similarly paid job?
ETA x

MMC87

I am hoping to get a transfer with the company I work for. I would earn a couple of hundred less per month but rent would be significantly cheaper. I might even be able to live rent free (with relatives) or for a nominal amount for a couple of months which would be great.

EscapingTheAlarm

That would be wonderful! I’m looking forward to seeing how you get on!
ETA x

FiscalPickle

Hi MMC87, welcome and good luck with your debt free journey

MMC87

Thanks, Fiscal!

Nothing has really happened today. I hoped I’d get something from Virgin in the post about my bank account because I need my sort code to send off my DMP paperwork. I had confirmation by email so hopefully my card will arrive in the next couple of days. I was planning on emailing all my account numbers etc but I wanted to make sure my paperwork was there first. I feel less in a panic now I’ve decided to do the DMP provisionally told most of my creditors but once everything has been received by Stepchange, I’ll feel a lot happier.

I’ve also just settled my O2 bill - £82 as I didn’t pay last month. I spoke to O2 on Thursday as the app was stating I owed nothing and I knew this to be wrong. They said that it was showing as zero because the Direct Debit was due to come out. I didn’t have a DD to my knowledge but she assured me. Today, I got a text saying my bill is overdue and it was now showing the amount on my app. Annoying but I suppose they are as reliable as I am.

I feel I should ask them if I could change my tarrif to something cheaper. I only use my phone for internet and make very few calls/texts. Not sure if they’ll agree to that but once my DMP is in place, I might as well ask. When I was having problems paying the other month, an advisor told me it’s actually the device plan that is the contracted payment so no harm in explaining my circumstances.

JoJoC

Just wanted to stop by to say hi! In your first post, you sounded in despair but in just a few posts, it's nice to see your attitude shift to determined. I don't have a massive amount of advice, but you're not alone. In here, you're surrounded by like-minded people in similar circumstances or ones that have come out the other side of it with a wealth of knowledge!