Here I go, Step One...

HonestS

After reading through some of the diaries I’ve decided to do one of my own, I’d like to keep a record that I can look back on and have a reminder of my plans.

I’ve been getting into debt for years and burying my head in the sand. I’m a single parent of 2 and I work part time in manual jobs that leave me physically drained so I can't take on any more hours. Last year I had breast cancer and had 6 months off work for treatment, I went back when my SSP ended but I still have 6 months of treatment to go, I’m hoping to feel less tired when it ends. I feel mentally drained from the cancer and debt, I haven’t slept very well for so long and I’ve felt close to a nervous breakdown at times. I’m hoping to get some relief from the worry and am already feeling better after reading the DMP support thread and diaries.

I have around £25k of CC debt and owe £9k to my mum. I’m mortified and so ashamed of myself, and nobody knows about it. I’m starting a SM DMP, I want to make token payments for as long as possible so I can concentrate on my priority debt which is my mum. I'll worry about the rest after.

My aim is to reduce outgoings, start budgeting, have at least 3 NSDs a week, only carry cash and when it’s gone it’s gone, I wait till the next week. I need to become shopping savvy, plan meals, reduce waste and stay off Amazon! I’m going to save every penny I can, first for an EF then for my mum. While I’ve been paying so much to the CCs I had no way of saving for emergencies or one off’s like car insurance, it shouldn’t be a problem now. I want to start a spending diary to keep track everything and scrutinise my spending, I am determined to be debt free!

I see light at the end of the tunnel at last, it’s just going to take a while to get to it. I should be debt free in 10 years but my intentions are to stay healthy and get there in 5. Here I go...

EscapingTheAlarm

Hi HonestS! I'm just popping in to say I think you're amazing to tackle debt at the same time as going through such an ordeal! Reading your post really struck a cord with me as my DH was in a similar situation 2 years ago and I remember the feeling of not being able to care less about 'real world' problems while getting through treatment mixed with the knowledge that you'll be hurled back into the real world quicker than you think and that it's only your world that's stopped turning, not everyone else's so needing to keep on top of everything at the same time...
Just remember to be kind to yourself- you're doing an amazing job and should not be feeling guilty about past mistakes. This is the perfect opportunity to start afresh and make the changes to your life that you want to! I'll be following you and cheering you on!
ETA x

HonestS

Thank you ETA. Your description is spot on, that's exactly how it's been through treatment, not thinking about it but knowing that you have to at some point so end up being both desperate to get back to normality and terrified of it at the same time, ugh! I could carry on burying my head but it's not worked well for me so far, the debts have grown and I've slept less! I need to give my brain a rest so the time to tackle is now. Plus I really want to pay my mum back, after the dreadful year we both had I'm taking nothing for granted, you never know what's round the corner.

Oddly, this feels like being kind to myself, the pressure to keep coping has been immense so there's a sense of relief from accepting that I can't!

I hope your DH is well now,
Thanks again x

beanielou

Happy shiny new diary
Wishing you well on your DF journey & with your treatment.

enthusiasticsaver

Good luck with your treatment and sorting out your finances. Not easy to be coping with a life threatening illness and high debt at the same time.

HonestS

Thank you Beanielou and enthusiasticsaver.

Thankfully the illness is gone now (hopefully forever), the treatment I’m still having is to prevent it coming back. I’ll be glad when it’s all over and, with my finances in a better place by then, things will be looking much brighter

HonestS

My SOA!

Number of people in my household
Adults 1
Children (Under 16) 1
Non-dependant/Other 1

Income Monthly

Total Income £2266.86

Outgoings
Mortgage(s) £260.00
Council Tax £146.00
Food / Housekeeping £300.00
Electricity £48.00
Gas £64.00
Water £38.00
TV Licence / Rental £12.83
Clothing / Footwear £40.00
Internet/Virgin TV £64.00
Mobile Contracts £65.00
Petrol/Insurance/Tax £200.00
Insurances £96.50
Misc (netflix etc) £30.00
Total Outgoing £1364.33

Money for Creditors
Total Income £2266.86
Total Outgoings £1364.33
Money For Creditors £902.53

HonestS

:eek: I should have savings, not be in debt!

Onebrokelady

Hi,happy new diary 😊
Did you get any financial help while you were having treatment, I think some,of the cancer charities have funds for helping people out who are in financial difficulties, for instance if you were undable to work
Also are you locked into a contract still with your phone provider and satallite tv provider,if not now would be the time to look for a cheaper deal
Good luck with your debt free journey,I've subscribed to see how you get on 😊

HonestS

Hi Onebrokelady,

I didn’t apply for the grants, I had money coming in from income protection insurance which was enough to cope but I couldn’t have survived on it without the SSP, so I went back to work when it ended!

I have about 6 months or so left on the contract with Virgin, I can take the TV off and keep broadband for £43 so I might do that, but we don’t have an outside aerial so I’d be creating a new problem My kids are obsessed with internet speeds, they panic when I suggest getting a cheaper deal because this is the best where we are apparently. I know you get the best deals when you tell them you’re leaving so will try that when the contract is up.

I have 18mths on the mobile contracts

Thanks for subscribing, I’m mostly on my mobile so don’t see that option. Will start using the laptop more!

parsniphead

Just wishing you all the best onebrokelady. I hope everything works out for for you.