Worth a read - How Debt Kills

January2015

Saw this on the BBC New site. It is so sad that someone felt so low with debt problems they took their life. Apologies if link already posted

I just wanted to remind people on here to be kind to people posting with debt problems. Most people are wonderful, but it's important everyone replies carefully. We have no way of knowing the thoughts of people posting here and if we can show kindness, compassion and support - which we've all needed here - then perhaps we could help someone else in a similar situation.

BBC NEWS - How Debt Kills

Edit: I know the young man in the story featured on the BBC site didn't accrue debt in the usual way, eg. loans, credit cards etc. - but regardless of how debt is accrued the anguish it can cause can feel insurmountable.

Sir_Robin

Yup was a sad story and shows the reality of this 'gig economy' the rich contractors jump to defend.

I do feel sorry for the debt collectors though, cant imagine selling out your morals for a job.

enthusiasticsaver

Yes I saw that too. Very harrowing and a reminder of how debt can affect mental health. I think the sad thing is the insecure employment the young man found himself in and how quickly the debt escalated.

enthusiasticsaver

It is worth seeing the drama on BBC catchup. Very well portrayed.

cool_dude_2000

Read the article, very moving.

To be honest, in my mind it wasn't really about 'getting into debt', but the extortionate charges added to the council fines. Absolutely disgusting that two council fines of £130 can increase to £1024. That's an increase of almost 700%!

Scumbags!

January2015

cool_dude_2000 wrote: »

Read the article, very moving.

To be honest, in my mind it wasn't really about 'getting into debt', but the extortionate charges added to the council fines. Absolutely disgusting that two council fines of £130 can increase to £1024. That's an increase of almost 700%!

Scumbags!

I agree about the extortionate charges, but to the young man who took his life, he felt overwhelmed by the money he owed - regardless of how the debt came about.

cool_dude_2000

Yes, but i do think there is a difference between someone recklessly spending beyond what they can afford, and falling foul of a system which can easily fall into, which is massively stacked against you.

Even the bailiff conceded at the inquest he had the potential to earn much more by seizing assets and applying more levies.

sourcrates

If only he had taken debt advice.


There is always a solution, always.........

jubilee14

Saw the BBC 3 drama of this the other night, harrowing and found myself shouting at tv, wasnt his asset to sieze he couldnt pay what he couldnt afford. Not having someone to tell you it would be ok. While some might not reach that level of desperation, many of us am sure would empathise with the stress and panic not having enough money to pay brings. Though i didnt see a recommendation to contact debt advisors maybe because BBC dont 'advertise would have thought it ideal place to recommend looking to them.

Realising there was a free advice via what was CCCS now Stepchange was really a game changer for me to move forward and that really was down to this board so shouldnt underestimate the value the support and advice you get here. Literally could save someones life.

cool_dude_2000

What's even more disgusting is that Newlyns, the debt recovery firm, released a statement afterwards stating it was regrettable but they followed correct procedures.

No you didn't you worthless scumbags! Not only did you illegally clamp a bike which was on finance, you deliberately inflated it's value in order to get around rules preventing you from seizing work assets.:mad:

beanielou

Just watched this.
So so sad.
A lost young life for the sake of £130.
Watch & weep.