In debt and need to sort it, but how?

Miroslav

Naturally I read these boards and have taken notice of alot of advice given around here, but I get lost very easily. A case of so much information, not enough brain capacity!

Anyway, I started getting into debt in 2001 and tonight, as I was going through my Tax Credit return form, I came across a letter i'd chucked in the draw, like I do with debts until one day I have a great idea to try and sort it out.

Anyway, this letter was from the Council, a liability order for £70 that had to be returned last week!

I won't go through my whole life story, but after a few years of tragic events, things started turning in 1999, but went wrong again in 2001. That's where I seeked comfort from my credit card, big mistake!

I'm now not working, signed off with depression/anxiety/stress etc etc as I finally face up to those tragic events and try and rebuild my life, only debt is an added problem.

I added up £3800 tonight, although the final figure could be nearer £7000. All sorts of things have been going through my mind, from facing work again and possible failing, to just giving up and ending it all.

My debts range from Credit Card to Council Tax to Gas arrears.

Alot of things have been ongoing for a period of time, threats of bailiffs (Their aint much to take!) court proceedings etc etc.

I'm not well, I'm finally getting help, but I find it hard to ask for it.

Alot of my debts are my fault, a couple could have been avoided had certain authorities not conveniently lost my papers.

So what I'm asking is.....where do I start? How do I balance my 'illness' with a 'normal' life and start repaying these debts. I am repaying some very slowly, but more keep appearing!

I'm not looking for sympathy or criticism, I've been unlucky, I've made mistakes. All I want to do now is get out of debt and try and see if I have the chance of a life somehow. I have no family to help me out, my last member died 3 weeks ago, I hadn't seen her for 4 years anyway. So it's me and any help/advice I can get along the way.

I don't live royally, This old PC & Internet connection is my luxury and my lifeline and my view of the world and what's going on.

So, where do I start? Where can I get help? (Free!) Any relaxation techniques so I don't punch things all the time?

I will continue to read the good advice posted here, I've saved money thanks to alot of posters, now I've got to pay off debts as well as save the money.

One positive tonight, my local Tesco is being rennovated so they don't have as much fridge space, Got £17 of Turkey/Chicken/Pork Chops for less than £2

That's dinner sorted for a few days!

Thanks for reading, I've said too much and I'll regret it later, it probably doesn't make sense, but the fight to being debt free starts.........now!

Willsnarf1983

well done on getting that realisation

the first thing u need to do is a statement of affairs

list all ur debts inc APRS, include in this all ur monthly expenses and i mean everything and then list ur Income

this way the moneysavers can see where u can cut down and help u manage it


good luck

Will

Miroslav

Willsnarf1983 wrote:

well done on getting that realisation

the first thing u need to do is a statement of affairs

list all ur debts inc APRS, include in this all ur monthly expenses and i mean everything and then list ur Income

this way the moneysavers can see where u can cut down and help u manage it


good luck

Will

Thanks I'll go and do one now.

Miroslav

Debts:

Council Tax £920 – Offered £5 p/w
Rent £173 – Offered £6.50 p/w – ACCEPTED
Liabilty Order £70 – Offered £2 p/w
Gas £350 – Awaiting Installation Of Meter (Waiting Nearly 2 Years, Got Phonecall In July Guaranteeing, Still No Meter)
Unwanted TV Channel – Broke Contract £170
Barclaycard £1100 – Offered £1 p/m – ACCEPTED
Capital One £580 – Offered £2 p/m – ACCEPTED – but lost letter with payment address
Overpayment of Housing Benefit £302 – Offered £5 p/w
Barclays Bank £680 – Subject To Court Proceedings/Statement Of Means – Offered £2 p/w

Possible debt – Working Tax Credit (Been writing to them via recorded delivery to cancel but they won't – definitely £1006, possibly double.

Total debts know so far: £5351, possibly £6357

No APR's as debts frozen.

Income - £320-60 per 4 weeks £80-15 p/w

Outgoings

Electric £6.25 p/w
Gas £5 p/w
Water £5 p/w
Housekeeping (Food, Toiletries etc) £30 p/w
Telephone £ 2.50 p/w (Not including Mobile which is a luxury)
TV Licence £ 1.25 p/w
Sky TV (Contract) £ 2.50 p/w
Internet £4 p/w
Clothing £5 p/w

Total £62 p/w – Remaining £18.30

Offered £20-75 p/w for other debts, so over offering.

GreenFingers_2

......I added up £3800 tonight, although the final figure could be nearer £7000. All sorts of things have been going through my mind, from facing work again and possible failing, to just giving up and ending it all.....


Hello Miroslav,
Please remember this ... while this site exists you will never be alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel.....it may not be in view right at this moment.
Regards, GreenFingers.

Miroslav

GreenFingers wrote:

......I added up £3800 tonight, although the final figure could be nearer £7000. All sorts of things have been going through my mind, from facing work again and possible failing, to just giving up and ending it all.....


Hello Miroslav,
Please remember this ... while this site exists you will never be alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel.....it may not be in view right at this moment.
Regards, GreenFingers.

Thanks GreenFingers, By going through it all, I now know what I face. I'm sure their will be more thrust at me, but for now, I'll work on what I know.

Ember999

Hiya hon,

Just read your post and wanted to give you a hug :grouphug: I think you have done remarkably well given all the stress, problems you have had over the last few years. Your post is actually an inspiration to others on here who may be needing support. Your inner strength shines through in how you have dealt with all the c**p so far and in your determination to sort it all out in the future. Lot's of people out here in the world have no family etc. Take me for example, I have my babies (my cats ) and my husband. I have no family either, without my hubby or his wonderful mother (who is my adopted mum) I would be alone in the world too. The thought of that is sometimes a frightening thing and I do not even like to think how I would cope/what I would do if ever he was to die etc. I think you are doing amazing and now you have posted your statement of affairs on here, all the money saving/debt paying experts will be here to offer help and advice soon. I am pleased you have not entertained the idea of losing your internet connection, most of us would be lost without it and the social aspect, money saving aspect (coming on MSE etc. ) make it a justified expense.

As for not feeling too well, I hope you start to feel better soon. I am sure you will as you start to get your debts sorted and feel you are making progress in making your life that little bit better.

Hugs,

Ember xx

ps..how's this for bad luck? I fell down the stairs this afternoon, due to carrying a heavy vaccum and wearing totally unsuitable slippers (furry, heeled, sexy ones!) The unsuitable slippers are now in the bin as they tried to kill me and I am banned by husband from carrying hoover up and down stairs
I am bruised, battered and my ankle is the size of a small country but I have no broken bones so I shall be grateful :j

Ember xx

Miroslav

Ember999 wrote:

Hiya hon,

Just read your post and wanted to give you a hug :grouphug: I think you have done remarkably well given all the stress, problems you have had over the last few years. Your post is actually an inspiration to others on here who may be needing support. Your inner strength shines through in how you have dealt with all the c**p so far and in your determination to sort it all out in the future. Lot's of people out here in the world have no family etc. Take me for example, I have my babies (my cats ) and my husband. I have no family either, without my hubby or his wonderful mother (who is my adopted mum) I would be alone in the world too. The thought of that is sometimes a frightening thing and I do not even like to think how I would cope/what I would do if ever he was to die etc. I think you are doing amazing and now you have posted your statement of affairs on here, all the money saving/debt paying experts will be here to offer help and advice soon. I am pleased you have not entertained the idea of losing your internet connection, most of us would be lost without it and the social aspect, money saving aspect (comeing on MSE ect. ) make it a justified expense.

As for not feeling too well, I hope you start to feel better soon. I am sure you will as you start to get your debts sorted and feel you are making progress in making your life that little bit better.

Hugs,

Ember xx

ps..how's this for bad luck? I fell down the stairs this afternoon, due to carrying a heavy vaccum and wearing totally unsuitable slippers (furry, heeled, sexy ones!) The unsuitable slippers are now in the bin as they tried to kill me and I am banned by husband from carrying hoover up and down stairs
I am bruised, battered and my ankle is the size of a small country but I have no broken bones so I shall be grateful :j

Ember xx

:j

Thanks for your wonderful post

I'm not sure I'm an inspiration though, I'm lucky i've got this far!

I have cats too - 5 of them and I adore them, I've been told before to get rid of them but they are my family and I've had them nearly 11 years! They are all I have and my flatmate is in debt too, so I sometimes have to get her out of trouble

Yes, the Internet connection pays for itself with the money saved from here It's a good expense!

I'm hoping someone has some good advice re:my money, I'm not ready for work yet, but maybe I'm gonna have to risk it

My physical health isn't great either so...... :rolleyes:

Anyway, you'll have to take more care in your cottage! And :T for binning the offending footwear.......oh and make Husband do the hoovering from now on :j

Sofa_Sogood

Miroslav wrote:

So what I'm asking is.....where do I start?

You've started in the right place Miroslav ... here!

Good luck and keep posting. There are some really clever people here that can help with just about anything .... for free.

WSO

Miroslav wrote:

I'm not sure I'm an inspiration though, I'm lucky i've got this far!

You are an inspiration because you could have so easily given up altogether. Just keep that fighting spirit and you will come out at the end of this! :A

Miroslav

Sofa_Sogood wrote:

You've started in the right place Miroslav ... here!

Good luck and keep posting. There are some really clever people here that can help with just about anything .... for free.

I love that word I have highlighted!

I've looked through my outgoings.....I'm not exactly a big spender anyway, so i'll keep looking for that advice!