In dire need of help, time to take control of debt

Rob5342

I've made a number of affordability complaints, most were rejected but a few had very good outcomes so it's often worth complaining. It's a very simple process, I just had to detail my reasons in writing in the original complaint to the lender and again to the FOS after I escalated it to them. The FOS just looked at the evidence from both sides and made their decision, they asked a couple of questions but there were no protracted discussions about anything.

Smudgeismydog

I think the best thing for now, is to save everything you were putting towards the debts, and all the money you can from your reduced spending. You currently have no emergency fund, and you are going to lose access to any credit, so need to build yourself a buffer.

Cut your costs right down, and work out what your new ‘normal’ is like. This might involve some fairly big lifestyle changes and some smaller tweaks e.g. meal planning and batch cooking, changing the supermarket you use, declining social invites and looking for alternatives e.g. cooking at home for your friends instead of a meal out.

orangebees22

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82088147#Comment_82088147

Thanks for this, super helpful. I have sent out my affordability complaints now. Lets see what happens

Smudgeismydog

Just checking in, how are you?