Let's face the music and dance...

beanielou

I agree that it is harder for those of us on our own.

StartingAgainAt29

It definitely is! I'm on my own and I've been really struggling. I don't understand why people wouldn't be supportive, if we're all going through it surely they should have some empathy for what's going on for you? It baffles me. Don't feel like you're not entitled to moan, we all are, there's keeping it in perspective and then there's recognising we've all got our individual struggles. Have a good evening and forget your "friends" for now! Xx

Sarahwithlove

Hi starbrite check out entitled to calculator it will let you know if you are entitled to any help with your rent and council tax. I agree that it's worth giving them a call to see if you can have the council tax break whether that be paying it over 12 months or having the two month break now. Our council are giving it but you have to ask for it. I'm really lucky as I'm working from home so financially I am doing ok. Admittedly I'm spending more on food but not socialising so swings and roundabouts. Are you doing any surveys? Prolific have loads going on at the moment 

Starbrite

Today I received a letter from Intrum the debt agency who holds the Virgin Credit Card debt, Apparently I can pay £607.00 and the remaining £2,428.00 will be written of, Such a tempting offer, alas I do not have £607.00. Why do these agencies do this? do they all think we have a stash of cash hidden somewhere?

Drawingaline

Don't be disheartened, keep on plodding. 

Starbrite

Got paid the other day, paid the usual bills and only the min onto the debts.

I now have my debts down to £7,524.00 I am however yet to pay the £25.00 onto the credit card, this is due around 7th of June, but have included it in the above figure.

Being furloughed has created a few debts too, I have become a little behind on the rent and council tax, this mounts to Rent £276.57 and Council Tax £84.11. I am not worried about this yet, as once I am back on full pay and not £904.18 a month, the debt will be cleared so have listed this separately.

Starbrite

Payday or shall I saying money moving day, really doesn't feel like payday I don't get that omg I am rich buzz anymore!

Have had a bit of a result on the bills, Water, I had a water meter fitted in 2018, before the water bill was £33.48 a month, then went to £19.00 a month. In 2019/20 its been £25.00 a month, however as June is the date I had it fitted and they do a yearly review the bill has now gone down to £18.00 a month! I really do not understand their pricing formula, I shall not complain as that saves me £7.00 a month

Council tax, No longer behind on this due to a Government hardship fund that was applied to my account last month, I don't understand either! Was going to pay the usual £116.00, however hoping to go away for a few days to a friends so paid the £90.00 this is still over the £87.00 amount they are expecting

Rent arrears, due to going from weekly to monthly pay the arrears are now at £241.61.

I still have £7,524.00 worth of debt to get rid off, this does not include the rent arrears will make my heart sink if I add that on top!

Life is one big struggle

Drawingaline

Keep going. Is it just rent arrears now that is the 'essential' debt? Are all the rest non secured credit? 

Starbrite

Drawingaline said:

Keep going. Is it just rent arrears now that is the 'essential' debt? Are all the rest non secured credit? 

Yes, the £7,524.00 is on 3 credit cards. 1 at 0% the other two with debt collectors and payment plans in place. It is so annoying as I got the rent down to zero but as went from weekly to monthly with no warning the arrears happened

Drawingaline

Just wondering if a DRO would work for you? But I suppose if you are expecting to get a job in the next year it wouldn't work. Or are you furloughed? Can't remember!