In Debt what to do?

chevalier

With sky, you can ask them to go down to the most basic package even if you are in contract.

With the pay as you view thing. I would still recommend going on www.freecycle.org for the tv (seen loads on my local group), tumble dryer and beds. Even if you send back the stuff and there is still a balance to pay, then it will BE LESS A MONTH than what you are paying now, which will allow you to pay more to other debt. I got my washing machine off freecycle and it was better than the one that had packed up!!!

What about ebaying anything that is not been used in 6 months, will earn you a bit to put towards the debts

How many people are you buying xmas presents for? I spend a max of £25 on each person, so I guess you are spending for about 20 people? if you are not then cut this right back, and get creative with presents, eg potting up bulbs just before christmas, doing hampers made up of samples. Hand made stuff etc. That way it can be more personal. Or else you just tell people that you are now only buying for the children in the wider family, as you can't afford to do more.

If you are worried about being worse off by working (ie losing the council tax benefit etc), then there are free courses on the web to improve your skills eg at www.vision2learn.co.uk for one. Plus if you are in receipt of benefits you only pay a nominal amount (if at all) for Open University courses. I know this will not solve the problems for a while. But in the end the solution is to both get jobs. You will pay back the debt so much more quickly than any other way.
best of luck
chev

peb

this is a horrible situation to be in - my friend get bumbling along in a similar situation (and I came on here for advice for her in feb 07 and have not left!) The problem may be that CCCS and Payplan cannot assist - sorry but on calling we were told as she was solely on benefits they could not help. Try the CAB - they put my friend onto a Church run orgasnisation that did assist and also ran courses which try to help people back into work. I can't remember the name unfortunately.

The trap with the catalogues and teh pay as you view is an horrendous one - neverending and on a horrendous interest rate. My friends were on HP and if you pay back half you can hand the goods back - the total including the interest was horrendous. She handed the goods back and is paying on a form of DMP to make up that 50%. This may be the answer. I got (secondhand from teh Salvation Army) 3 beds (i double and two single) and a 3 seater and a 2 seater sofa for £75; there wasn't time for freecycle but you may be able to get similar goods on freecycle including a basic tv.

Good luck; you have to get your partner onside.

skeating86

Hi All,

I would like to thank everyone that has given me support through my big very problem, I got my partners on board i mentioned to her that i have worked out all our debts to a rough figure of £25K so i think i got her to wake up and made her realise we are in big trouble and its time to do something.

I have telephoned CCCS I have a telephone call booked for a Specialist (i think thats what the name they told me) a call has been booked for 2:15PM on Monday 21st APR 2008 they said the call will last around one hour.

I will let everyone know that is reading this thread the outcome and the advise that was given to me.

Thank You Everyone

Simon

poorandindenial

Hi Simon

It is great that you have been able to get your G/F to realise what you guys are facing, well done for getting this far and best wishes for your appointment with CCCS on Monday.

Best wishes, let us know how you get on with them.

Bismarck

Hi Simon,

I don't do smilies very much, possibly cos I didn't grow up with them...this is the first forum I've actually been bothered about....

anyway.

:T

to the pair of you....

keep in touch!

skeating86

Hi all

I applied for an IVA with Debtmatters and was told that we couldn't be helped due to neither of us being employed I will see the outcome with CCCS on Monday and i have a few more calls calling me next week to give me advise so will let you know what happens then

Thank You Everyone for your support

Simon

skeating86

Hi All,

Just come of the phone with CCCS.

I was advised to send template letters which CCCS are sending to me, to get them to agree to pay pay all my creditors a token payment of £1.00.

I was advised they could decline the offer and take us to court to claim but was told that if they did to still offer a pound and when the court takes a look and accepts it they cannot bother me unless payments are not made.

Seeing the Citizens Advise Berau next Tuesday to see what they say and will let you all know the outcome from that.

Thanks All

Simon