1/4 of the way there - last chance!

Hobsch

I have been lurking on the forum for some time and made a fair few posts. Started with a debt of almost £33K at my LBM and proceeded to pay off some of this. My problem - at the time was I was keeping these debts from my GF and she had debts from her ex and various things. In order to hide these I had (NEVER DO IT - STUPID ETC) had some of the Payday loans, cheque cashing and this of course compounded my problems and then it came to a head a couple of weeks ago when I had a problem with non-payment to my First Direct Visa card. I failed to make a payment due to the various problems above and was told I would have a default issued. I phoned to say I could pay some of it - told I needed to pay £25 which I did. The following day I went to check on-line to change a direct debit and there were none showing. Called FD to check and told as I hadnt paid the necessary to the credit card and from my poor account usage my account was cancelled. I tried to rectify this with them to no avail. The upshot of it was I have now told GF about the debts and we are still together and will get both of ours paid off. I opened a new account with Lloyds and got a Debit card - thought I would just get a cash point card. Also, and maybe not the right thing to do but got a loan from work, which is non interest and flexible to pay back but allowed me to clear the cheques I had outstanding with cheque cashing and pay off the payday loan which I was extending each month cos I needed to and was costing me money.

I am extremely determined to pay off my debts in the shortest time possible and having had this jolt it has helped me out although has been extremely stressful and difficult.

When I looked at the debts I realised I had paid 25% off which is good going but I know I have wasted time and money with these stupid loans/cheque cashing and by not talking to my partner.

So although I have tried and started about 5 of these debt diaries I am hoping this one will survive and I can update my progress on a regular basis. Would like to say daily but more likely be weekly.

Sorry for long post and thanks to anybody that reads it. May have to adjust the debt totals now I am just getting all things in order and together.

lilian1977

Good luck! That's a fantastic amount you've paid off already - and it sounds like you've had a second LBM xx

Hobsch

Thanks. Its nice to know I have got rid of a fair bit. Depressing that I have nothing to show for the £33K debt. So so wish I hadnt had all that borrowing!

Hobsch

Well I said I would try to update my progress - hoped daily but more likely weekly and infact its been over a month since I wrote anything!

Anyway - I am 100% determined to get my debts paid off ASAP and also sort myself out.

Since the last post the Payday loan and the cheques which I had with the Money Shop have been paid off now so I am left with 6 creditors now which are:
Barclayloan : £12,116.59
Egg : £6,091.90
Barclaycard: £3,202.64
MBNA Loan : £1,757.77
Capital One : £866.57
Lowell : £326.76
TOTAL : £24,362.23

All of the above dont have interest on them and on a self DMP.

Will make sure I update this more regularly now. I also need to quit Coca Cola. I drink far too much of it and that is bad for my health - and my pocket and so starting today I am going to quit/ween myself off it slowly - I'll see how I progress on that. I am not massively overweight but have a nice 'gut developing' and some little man boobs, moobs I was told they are called. So I will weigh myself later and try to lose some weight and get fitter.

Be back soon this time!!

chevalier

hi there
now that you and your GF have revealed the extent of your debts to each other, have you thought about doing a joint Statement of Affairs to put on here. Then we may be able to spot some money saving ideas for you to follow up
regards
chev

Hobsch

Thanks Chevalier.
She has had the majority of her debt paid by her father as none of it was really her fault in anyway so she is almost clear now.
I have done a SOA on another thread or 2 and thanks to advice now have shopping delivered - which is keeping the cost down by not buying unneeded extras or buying on impulse and saving petrol. I have started wearing glasses almost permananently and cancelled DD for contact lenses, I just buy some now and then for sports. I have started to ebay now too.
I will try to do another one though as all help is welcome and if it saves some money I will be very grateful.

As posted on another thread earlier I am cutting out coke as I estimate that costs me £45 approx a month which is a massive chunk to save.

Hobsch

Weighed myself yesterday - 13st 4lbs. According to the machine Body Mass and Body Fat not good. I think I need to lose 1 stone which I will aim to do. Try to weigh myself again on the 20th August.

Hobsch

Barclaycard - GREAT!
I called them and arranged to pay £35 per month which they agreed too and said this would change from the £57 I was paying and as they had added interest the last 2 months this would stop. I was told to pay the £35 by 22nd July. I thought I would be able to but realised as I was getting all back on track that I would need to wait until I was paid on 26th July so rang them a few days later and was told this was ok.
Then got the statement from them yesterday - states didnt make the agreed payment of £57! and interest of £56.71 added to the balance. I could not call them yesterday so I wrote a really sh**** letter and will call today. I hate all this hassle. I have paid the £35 agreed to them via the branch in cash. Tos****

Hobsch

Latest update. Not heard from Barclaycard regarding the charges they added or the agreed repayment. I am awaiting this.

My Egg loan which was being handled by Moorcroft Debt Recovery has now changed hands to CapQuest. I have seen them mentioned on here many times - surprised they seemed helpful over the phone when I called them about it but lets wait and see. Anyway, they had a figure owed £10.40 less than I did so thats a BONUS.
I have paid off £218.33 this month but £56.71 added in interest by Barclaycard (Pending).

I have reduced my Coca Cola intake dramatically - which is helping me I am sure health wise - and reducing my spending. I have started exercising with some jogging and using my punchbag so things are improving - if somewhat slowly.

Hobsch

So Much for my new start and keeping track of progress here etc etc. I am now back and know I need to start pulling my finger out or else.

I have signed up to do the London Marathon for Charity so that is an incentive for exercise and weight loss and hopefully healthier lifestyle. I am 13stone exactly now so have lost 4lb since 24th July.

My debt has just creeped below £24K which is another milestone.

Have started to list on ebay and am raring to go.

Hobsch

25th September 2008
Finally returned to MSE. This time much more determined than I ever have been to clear this debt. At the same time I have been on the Running Club thread as I am going to be doing the London Marathon next year and I need to lose some weight and be healthier.
Paid £20 towards my Capital One account (being handled by Robinson & Way) and that brings that balance down to £806.57.
Avoiding buying my usual 2 bottles of coke so saved £1.50. Pleased with myself about that.
Hoping this update will not be a one off!