Teeny tiny steps

MMC87

Thank you, JoJo! I actually really needed your message. This morning, my Virgin bank account card arrived which meant I could finally put the bank details on my StepChange agreement. When I spotted the card I was delighted but as I sealed and stamped the envelope to send everything off, that familiar pain in my tummy returned after a couple of weeks MIA. I guess I’m worried about how I’m going to cope going forward. But I need to remember that this is a positive step and I can either struggle a bit to put things right and be forced to resolve the problem or carry on struggling as I was and be nowhere nearer to paying off my debts.

I’m going to the post box this afternoon. I’m categorising this as my first big step.....

doingitanyway

Your steps forward are not so teeny are they? The extra work is quite a big step actually. Good for you

EscapingTheAlarm

Good luck posting it! What a massive step towards freedom!
ETA x

MMC87

POSTED! I even took a pic of it going in but didn’t realise I’d have to host the image to upload from phone. I’ve also emailed off all the account details. A wave of emotion just washed over me.

MMC87

Email from StepChage today acknowledging receipt of statements. It’s happening....

MMC87

Need to curb my drinking. I don’t have a problem but (I don’t have a problem but lol) it’s such an easy go-to when you’ve got problems and don’t really want to think about it. I’m drinking the rubbish stuff as well so although it’s only £6 here and £7 quid there, it all adds up.

MMC87

I felt really down last night. I sat and cried to myself for a bit and when I woke up this morning, I had eyes like snooker balls. I got an email from StepChange advising that someone would ring me about my budget and I think that made me nervous. I've been quoted £544 for my monthly DMP payments and after essential expenses, it leaves me with about £250 to live off. Once I'll have paid for stuff like food and toiletries from that, I'm going to be in a precarious position. I understand that I'll have to make sacrifices and that the DMP isn't to give me a cushier life, but that doesn't stop me from worrying.

EscapingTheAlarm

It's really hard facing up to the enormity of situations like this (I think about how much I owe and shudder) so please don't feel like you're alone or that its not achievable to get rid of your debt. There are so many inspiring stories on this website and I'm sure that in a few years time, yours will be one of them!
What do you include in your budget for 'living off'? I think you'll surprise yourself at how savvy you become at making it stretch!
ETA x

Magpie100

I know you might not want to, but can you post an SOA up? People on these boards are amazing at finding suggested cuts and savings. It's good to hear you have your zero-hours work; that will make all the difference to you I think. I'm sorry you feel so down about it all, but hopefully a good cry will mean you feel better the next morning. It is daunting. But the more you post and share on these boards the more good advice and support you will get. Good luck!

motivated

Hi MMC87

Just wanted to pop in and say it gets easier, you have already tackled the hardest part by contacting SC and getting the ball rolling. This time last year I was a complete wreck, crying, panicking, stressed and worrying myself sick over the mountain of debt we have.

Onto today, DMP in place (self managed) I am now relaxed, organised, budgeting, have small savings accounts for things like car insurance, Christmas, and an emergency fund. I’ve had no stress from creditors and although I will probably be about 105 years old by the time I’m debt free, I sleep at night, don’t focus on the overall total and am taking one step at a time

The DMP thread is what’s got me where I am today, The non judgemental, supportive members on there are second to none and steered me in the right direction. They support you every step of the way and will give honest advice if needed. Sometimes just a friendly word,of encouragement goes a long way

Good luck on your journey and remember you are not alone on the journey to debt freedom
M