Beginning of debt free journey...High income, high debts, expensive pets

OopsIdiditagain1

Good to know! My dogs will eat most things so I'll give it a try and report back here. I'll get a bag of kibble to replace the usual treats and look at what chews they've got. 

Grumpelstiltskin

If you think they will turn there noses up at it  start by mixing with their normal slowly adding more Aldi and see if that works.

OopsIdiditagain1

Good plan. It will need to be slow as there will be consequences if I change too quickly!! 

satchmo1

Could you go without the cable TV for a while, it's not a huge amount but every little helps. And maybe challenge yourself to not buy anything clothes-wise unless it's absolutely essential? 

If you're going to pay any of the creditors, pay the one(s) with the highest interest rate. Overdraft is maybe your first target? 

Good luck with the debt busting. 

Sponge_pudding

Hey, I wanted to say hi and put in my twopence worth.  I have read your posts on your other thread and just wanted to say I take my hat off to you. You've been very brave putting it all out there.  This is your journey and although others can offer their advice, it is your journey and only you know what is right for you.  You are the one that has to live your life.  I am with you on the animals all the way, I would lose my house for my animals no question.  My horses are all oldies now and regardless of the cost they are still my babies.  However, they do only get their needs met and I am careful on the wants.  The farrier, you say 6-8 weeks for trimming, let them go 8-9 they will be fine and at least that is a saving.  Buy second hand rugs if and when needed.  Instead of them being in a retirement livery can you loan them out together as companions for someone else's horse, maybe someone who keeps their horse at home and needs a companion or two?  That might be an option.  Lidl and Aldi's dog food is fine, in fact I find mine get bad stomachs with named brands and they are fine with Lidl or Aldi. Will be popping in again, good luck

OopsIdiditagain1

Hi Satchmo1 thank you for your suggestions. I can definitely get away with not buying clothes for a long while and I could probably sell some that I don't wear regularly. I'm tied in with BT for the cable TV until April next year but it can go. 
My issue is I can't afford to pay minimum payments on all my debts. Ideally I'd like to save the emergency fund first then set up a DMP so they all get a proportionate amount and hopefully that will prevent creditors taking legal action. 

OopsIdiditagain1

Hi Sponge_pudding thank you for kind words of support and for taking the time to read my posts. I appreciate the advice I have been given, but like you say you have to make it work for your own circumstances. The welfare of my animals will come first and I will do what is best for them. Thank you for the suggestions. Oh crikey....rugs! Mad rug lady here, I can definitely sell some and tack etc. Companion a possibility if the home is right. I read such awful things, the equestrian world is not a nice place at times. My retired boy went on loan some years ago and it was a disaster. 
Thanks for the tip re dog food! I'll give it a go...I'll know pretty quickly if it doesn't suit them!!! 

Sponge_pudding

Was wondering if relocating is an option? Possibly moving to a cheaper area and being able to purchase a house with an acre or two? Smaller bills to pay and no livery charges?

OopsIdiditagain1

Oh how I would love to be in a position to have them at home! I bought a little house last year after a relationship break up and having to sell the home we bought together. I'm not sure I could cope with the stress of moving again but I appreciate your suggestion. Perhaps renting a field close to home could be an option, particularly over the summer months when they don't need stabling. 

Sponge_pudding

One more suggestion before I butt out.  Harry Hall Gold Membership is about a fiver a month and for that you get public liability insurance, discounts and a few other things.  Was wondering, as getting insurance companies to pay for vets fees is a joke, if this level of insurance is enough for them? Would be a huge saving each month.