soa from emka

moanymoany

You do not HAVE to put this onto your mortgage and seeing how low it is and how little time you have to go you could well reach the 7 yrs 7 months both mortgage and debt free.

Welshlassie has gives excellent advice. I would go further and say that everything that is no absolutely essential for life should go.

I'll allow the pet insurance because the pet can be an asset as far as health and pleasure at home goes. However, a mobile is a luxury and both dh and I have payg and spend about £30 a year for both.

Do a complete money make over. Ask yourself 'if this went tomorrow would I be unable to work would I be able to eat?' What is essential is what is needed to get to work and to feed the family. So much of what we have begun to think of a necessities are really luxuries, nice if we have the money - but if not.......

You have two steps to make. The first is to cut back until you are living within your means. The second is to cut back from there to free up money to pay your debts.

It isn't easy, but it can be done as so many people on DFW can tell you. There is no easy way out - if there was then there would be no need for this thread. So gal, grit your teeth and start making those cuts. Make some rough plans for cuts and (depending on the ages of your children) have a family meeting and lay it on the line to them. You are much more likely to get cooperation if they know why these things are happening.

It is amazing how quickly you will all get used to the new regime. The most important thing is that you will feel much better and far more in control of your life than you do now.