Feels like im going under!

NiteEyez1980

Hi guys 

I really do appreciate the advice

It's just the fear. I've asked stepchange on here and waiting on a response.

Not that I don't believe anyone. My wife just has this "bailiff" image in her head and can't shift it. 

Those guys who did just stop. When you replied, did u agree a lower fee, what was the recourse? 

Martico

With unsecured debts, the debt is not secured against anything like your house or belongings, hence the name and also the higher interest rates (as the creditor is taking more of a risk). So bailiffs shouldn't be an issue. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/unsecureddebt.asp 

Martico

To add: many here (several of whom have already commented) have much better insight and experience than me of the process after you default on unsecured loans, so that question is best left to them rather than me.
Good luck - there are a lot of sensible and knowledgeable people here giving you advice

Grumpelstiltskin

Until you have sorted your budget out you can't afford to offer anything so put that out of your mind for now and concentrate on seeing where you can cut back and if possible increase the family income.

Thread here.Boost your income — MoneySavingExpert Forum

and how to live on less. Old style MoneySaving — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Andyjflet

NiteEyez1980 said:

Should also add that my wifes job changed contractors and moved 15m away. It was either a case of lose job or move to new location. The byproduct being we now incur a huge amount of travel expenses and time lost as she doesn't drive. I have to collect her on shifts when transport not on due to the hours 

If she is earning just £600 a month and the stress of running her around and the cost of a 30 mile return journey everyday can she get something nearer, or stop altogether and run a home business or side hustle? 

Makingabobor2

Andyjflet said:

NiteEyez1980 said:

Should also add that my wifes job changed contractors and moved 15m away. It was either a case of lose job or move to new location. The byproduct being we now incur a huge amount of travel expenses and time lost as she doesn't drive. I have to collect her on shifts when transport not on due to the hours 

If she is earning just £600 a month and the stress of running her around and the cost of a 30 mile return journey everyday can she get something nearer, or stop altogether and run a home business or side hustle? 

I agree with @Andyjflet there. There are probably many local jobs she could get and earn as much or even more than that. With fuel being the price it is now, it is not worthwhile having to commute for work. She needs something she can walk to, or at least get a quick local bus. 

Andyjflet

Good luck, I would digest the comments here, sometimes people disappear as they think people are ganging up on them, but we aren't, its experience and the desire to help you see you can sort this.

My final comment is the Stepchange will be your friend here, I would call them ASAP and start the process, it make take too long to get a reply on here as they are very busy. The sooner you pick up the phone then the more you will be able to sleep at night and see a clear plan out of this situation. 

We have seem some great stories on here, one was a businessman who was also an addict and hundreds of thousands in debt, he started a journey and a diary and it helped him. 

NiteEyez1980

Hi guys, 

She has tried, and applied for alot. We live in a village outside Portsmouth. 

We have the baby home 2 days a week, and I work 50m away so has to be close to school incase any issues.

Not making excuses.  She's rode the role out as there may be opportunities down the line for the role to move back closer. 

Locally alot of business have folded so the market has been flooded with mums looking for work 'in school' hours

My wife has limited academic qualifications and was off work for 10+ years. It was a pal who gave her the job after a year of trying.

Makingabobor2

NiteEyez1980 said:

Hi guys, 

She has tried, and applied for alot. We live in a village outside Portsmouth. 

We have the baby home 2 days a week, and I work 50m away so has to be close to school incase any issues.

Not making excuses.  She's rode the role out as there may be opportunities down the line for the role to move back closer. 

Locally alot of business have folded so the market has been flooded with mums looking for work 'in school' hours

My wife has limited academic qualifications and was off work for 10+ years. It was a pal who gave her the job after a year of trying.

Tell her to check out local supermarkets, shops etc, with Christmas coming up they are always taking on extra staff and a good chance of being kept on afterwards. 

stymied

Is it worth claiming child benefit and coping with the self assessment tax return? I’m guessing you’re in the bracket to keep some of it.