Very first post

The_penniless_Mr_Kurtz

Okay - so here goes....

I've been in debt for years. At my worst, my debt was around 27k and my annual income was around 10k... Things are looking up now - I'm sorting things out and have a much healthier debt to income ratio (22k to 29.5k earned)

Thankfully, my nearest and dearest know all about my situation and have been incredibly supportive. The trouble is, being in debt, even when you're dealing with it and everyone knows about, is a really lonely place to be. I thought I'd get involved in this forum to both get and give support.

To get it off my chest here's my story:

I had my 'lightbulb moment' over a year ago in October 2006. I'd had a period of unemployment and had made a few unwise financial decisions. Looking back, I think I went bonkers for about four months (quiting work, borrowing money I couldn't afford to, paying credit with credit blah, blah, blah). Anyhow - I hit the point of no return. I couldn't pay my rent or feed myself let alone find anything for my creditors. After a few distressing attempts to find a reputable DM company, I found myself in touch with CCCS. They have been fantastic, and in most ways I haven't looked back since.

Right now, I pay £450 each month to CCCS, and have a tight budget for all of my other expenses, which I have no choice but to stick to. I find things like birthdays and (dreading it) Christmas really difficult, because I simply don't have the cash to spend and feel like a real skin flint. I get depressed when people suggest coffee meetings at work - If I didn't budget for it, I can't afford it! I try not to think about things like new clothes, haircuts, new glasses. They are off the agenda for now. On the one hand, I have no-one to blame but myself, but on the other I feel completely lousy about the spending thing (usually around pay day, when I realise all of my money is completely accounted for before it even hits the bank)

Anyhow - I have a small confession to make to the world. But I'm saving that for my next post (haven't plucked up the courage yet!!!)

Little_Pickle

Hello Mr K! and welcome!
You'll get through this - promise!!!

First things first.... post up your SOA (see sticky thread on main page) then we can work out where you can get started..!

Remember to include your APRs

Good luck and keep us updated!
LP
xox

Penny2myName

Hi Mr Kurtz, dont panic over your little confession, most of us tend to have one or two to make every so often.

chloebelle

Hi Mr. K and welcome :hello:

This is a really great place of support so whatever confessions/secrets you want to share, you can be sure that everyone on here is really supportive.

free4440273

A very warm welcome The penniless Mr Kurtz to MSE DFW

cloudnine_2

Hi Mr K

I've got my first CCCS phone appointment tomorrow morning ( Fri)

I'm interested to know if all your creditors agreed to a DMP through CCCS?

My worry, is that some will and others will go for my jugular.

I guess I'm nervous as I haven't a clue what I'm heading into. I have a £77K debt currently...frightening !!! Thanks for any advice

The_penniless_Mr_Kurtz

Hey there.

In my case all of my creditors accepted (and suspended interest too). As I understand it, CCCS use industry guidelines when drawing up budgets and financial statements, so the offers are usually accepted.

The guys at CCCS are great, and will do all they can to come up with an agreement that you can manage and is acceptable to your creditors.

Good luck with it all. And don't worry too much.

Jacks_xxx

:hello: :j :dance: :T :wave: Welcome to the gang sweetie! :wave: :T :dance: :j :hello:

It sounds like you've done the right thing hon. Post up a SOA and we'll help all we can.

Love Jacks xxx

riddlesticks

Hi there,

Welcome to the board. I hope you decide to stick around as there are so many fabby people on here who know what it feels like to be in your situation and you will get so much support.

You have come along way and have done a fabby job getting your finances sorted. You will eventually be debt free - imagine that! I know its the pits having no money to spend ATM but its all for a good cause. I feel the same sometimes and just dream of going out and having a spending spree but I am far to sensible for that (its my OHs debt not mine). Anywho best of luck and well done.

The_penniless_Mr_Kurtz wrote: »

Anyhow - I have a small confession to make to the world. But I'm saving that for my next post (haven't plucked up the courage yet!!!)

I am sooo nosey and it wouldn't be me if I didnt ask. What's your confession???!!??? Obviously you dont need to say if your not ready!

HannaB

Hiya Mr K, welcome to the crew! Well done on getting the debt down so far. You're bound to receive lots of help and advice from this lot (they're very good). Who knows, you might be able to afford some new specs (BOGOFS, etc).

HB

Karmacat

Hi Mr K

Welcome to mse! You sound like you're well on your way, but I'd like to echo the idea of posting up your SOA - its amazing what the folks on here can spot that the original poster hasn't seen.

The other board to go to, apart from this dfw board, is the one about getting income from the net. I'd never have believed it, but between selling a few books and CDs on amazon, doing surveys on the net, clicking on pigsback (check out the freebies board) and mystery shopping, I literally have earned hundreds of pounds over the last year. Give it a go.

Keep posting, and good luck!