Back to Square One

iceandfire1

I thought I was making progress, but since I live in Jersey, the situation is so much worse because for example HSBC will only agree to a £500 monthly through DMP--this info I got from a different thread.

iceandfire1

Sorry for the negativity.... I hope the mood in this diary will change eventually but at the minute I am back to square one.

iceandfire1

Seriously thinking about moving back to the UK instead. I feel like I will have more freedom and more opportunities in the UK. Here in Jersey, everything feels so closed in and right now I feel claustrophobic. I wonder if I will be able to find a house to rent in the UK if I have defaulted loans.

iceandfire1

Currently have £300+ left in my bank account to last me until the end of the month with 2 kids. Husband also struggling.

Cost of living is high in Jersey. Every time we visit the grocery, average spend is £30 and this is every 3-4 days.

iceandfire1

StepChange application timeline:

Jan 8 - sent application, applied for breathing space
Jan 13 - heard from them, they asked for more info, asked for clarification about pay (sent payslips)

Those 5 days felt like a very loooong time. 

New basic bank account application approved. 

Now on the process of sorting my direct debits. 

iceandfire1

Heard from StepChange again today, everything is about to get started. They proposed I pay £1000+ something monthly, which will let me make payments for 2 years ++ and then my debts will be cleared. I do not know if this is a good idea, as my accounts haven't defaulted yet. I have read so much about making accounts default first before starting with the DMP. I wonder how long StepChange can wait before everything starts?

iceandfire1

For the first time in my life I started writing down all our expenses. Now that I can see it, it does help will the predictions of how my money can last. 

I am so far consistent with it. It's only been a week and few days. My anxiety has lessened. But I still have so many questions.

vampirotoothus

Hi the general thought is to not pay anything until defaulted and to save the payments you would be making as your emergency fund. Also take this time to track every spend and make sure that the budget that you supply is actually realistic and that you haven't missed anything (so you don't get derailed). It seems that most would suggest making your budget as big as you are allowed to and then saving any actual difference so you can make full and final offers at a later date.
Things will improve from here now you are focused on it. Good luck V x

iceandfire1

Thank you.

I will try and tell StepChange to hold for a little bit before I start with my payments. I am not worried about my UK accounts, but I am worried about this one credit card account I have here in Jersey. I do not know if they will also default my account same as the UK ones or maybe they have a different process here. I keep posting to check if there is anyone in the same situation. So far, no one has presented themselves. But still continuing with my research and asking questions. Still need to see the local Citizens Advice here. Still trying to gather the courage to go and see them.

Will update here once I learn anything new.

iceandfire1

Still waiting for StepChange to get in touch with me about what they can do. I have been told that I really need to go to our local Citizens Advice (will do this tomorrow). 

I managed to order a pay as you go sim from Amazon so I changed all the numbers on those accounts that I plan to default.

I only have £70~~ to last my family until the end of the month.

I have also updated most of my direct debits to my new basic bank account.

I am scared. But I will feel better tomorrow after finally speaking with our local help here.

iceandfire1

Finally managed to sort out ALL of my direct debits. There are a couple which I need to pay manually after I get my salary at the end of the month.

I am currently filling out a financial statement document that the Citizens Advice needs which is similar to an SOA so they can see my financial standing. 

My anxiety is through the roof because I will need to meet with them in person. I hope they are nice people. I am scared that they are going to judge me. I know that it is their job and they are there to help. But I can't help but feel superrr intimidated and scared. 

I feel so bad that my children need new clothes right now but I can't even buy them new uniforms because I don't have enough money. 

I wish I lived in the UK right now so I can be anonymous. Living on an island, although it comes with numerous benefits, but everything just costs so much here and even to go to the GP you have to pay. For any procedures like ultrasounds etc, you also have to pay.

I hate it here sometimes.....