Scared to death

GirlRacer_2

Hi there Homegrown and well done on posting. We've all been scared to death at one point or another because of out debts. The good thing is that you've now found the support and answers you need.

Well done on contacting CCCS. Im sure once you have your telephone call with them you'll feel much better.

smashedbooboo

The debt collectors are not bailiffs. They have as moch power as a chocolate fireguard. Put up you statement of affairs honey. See sticky at top of DFW forum board. That way the lovely peeps on here will be able to help you. Please dont be fretting hun. It really is not productive. You have made the first step now. You will get all the help and support on here and more. And welcome to the DFW family. Cheesy i know, but without them some of us would have gone utterly crazy by now. If you feel you cant talk on here or you are really down. Then Private message one of us. Someone will always be there to talk and support you. Take care hun. And DONT worry now.

smashedbooboo

And put things into perspective. If you can tackle the Gulf then you can tackle this. Go at it like you would have done serving with the RAF. Talk, plan, action. And think of us as your shield now. We are covering your back. You are not alone.

compulsivespender79

Hi Homegrown :hello: (I was going to call you 'idiot' for short, but then realised that wasn't very complimentary!!)

Firstly, take a seat, take a deep breath in . . . hold it . . . and release . . .

OK, now we're ready to talk! Please be assured you have nothing to be scared of. I won't deny that realising the scale of your debt can at first be a little unnerving. So I'd like to reassure you (as you've probably already discovered) you are not alone. There are an awful lot of us in the same boat (in fact, I think we're suffering from overcrowding).
You have done absolutely the right thing by contacting CCCS. They are good people, and will turn your life around (I don't work for them, by the way!)
I've been on a Debt Management Plan with CCCS since the end of January, and I haven't had a sleepless night since then. I don't want to disillusion you: people will still call, and you will still get letters, but only for a little while. When you talk to CCCS they will go through your income and expenditure - make sure you are prepared for this and write everything down before you speak to them. Don't sell yourself short, and try not to forget anything! CCCS are pretty accommodating, and will allow for all kinds of things in your budget.
If CCCS recommend a DMP then pop over to this thread;
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=729285&page=94
It's the 'DMP Mutual Support Thread', and all of us there are on a DMP. It's a great support network, and there is an awful lot of combined wisdom on there.

Well done for having the courage to face up to your debts,

CSx

tonyE1

Hey Homegrown
Maybe consider changing your car for a motorbike. There are bikes out there that will do 100mpg with very low running costs. Get a derestricted scooter and you can ride it on your full license. You will probbaly save yourself £200/month straight off, and trust me not sitting in traffic for hours everyday will reduce your stress levels too.
Good luck

beanielou

Hi & welcome.
Look forward to seeing your SOA.

themagics

Homegrown_Idiot wrote: »

Thanks to all of you so far. It's nice to see that there are people out there that genuinely want to help - as far as I can see it my creditors aren't included in that statement.

I feel so ashamed at the situation I've gotten myself into.

Hi there its nothing to be ashamed about as you will see by posting on here you are no alone. Keep posting and not only will you fingd support in your darkest moments but you will find ways of earning extra cash and cutting back on stuff good luck and keep in touch heres a hug from me but don't tell the hubby

mummytofour

Hi hunni, i have been where you are. But tahsn to CCCS i can sleep at night ( I have an amazing king size duvet) plus I know how much is in the bank, my debt repayments have gone down but 2/3 and my credit is shagged. But I am haapy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hold on babe once you have faced the demons you will be fine at the end of the day admitting you just cant manage is better than the sleepless nights!

dodecanese

Hi Homegrown
Just want to say please dont worry about bailiff threats- bailiff can ONLY come out if you have defaulted on a CCJ( County Court Judgement)- creditors often threaten it but its often just that- threats.
They threaten all sorts- bailiffs etc- in reality it takes ages to get to this stage. The courts are also not there at the creditors whim- and will generally find a fair medium.
Creditors often talk tough but in reality often dont follow up on their threats- call National debtline/CCCS- they will give you good advice re your rights- and help you find the best way out of debt.

mark55man

Hi Homegrown.

Just to say best of luck mate - and say hi to the dog - sounds like you are lucky to have each other

not quite in your situation but we needed to cut down the amount we were (over)spending so things like grocery challenge (to help you budget) and £10 a day challenge - to give you some extra income all helped me enormously.

These are not things you need to do straightaway (the other posters have covered that fine), but knowing once you have got through the first weeks of dealing with all the CCCS/DMP/... stuff there are positive things you can do to make the most of your money should give you some hope and confidence. With discipline (and I guess you have that in spades) you will be OK in the long run