DFD: Dread-free diary

I've had a bit of a set back with my DMP. I massively understated something on my SOA which has now come back to bite my !!!!. My DMP might close now but I need to focus on the solutions rather than the problems - another call to Stepchange tomorrow to remedy this and hopefully start making smaller payments than planned (until August). If they say no... time to find a plan B.

To keep my mind focussed, I'm dedicating the rest of the month to having a frugal May. With the exception of an unavoidable trip at the end of the month (family, so hopefully no big spends) I'm going to commit to being really sensible this month.

I could also do with cutting back on junk food and booze, which are my go-tos when I'm feeling stressed or down. This is the month to do it.

I rang them last night and the person I spoke to was pretty short with me to be honest, but I can't expect people to tiptoe around me.

Basically, when I did my original budget I only put £500 for my rent as that is what I was actually paying. My boyfriend was contributing £250 and using it as a base for when he was in town (works remotely so didn't have a contracted tenancy himself as mainly lived in hotels Monday-Thursday). We broke up in January and he still paid for January and February but in March, said he couldn't. So I've got the responsibility for the full rent until I move out 16th July. I should have just mentioned my actual obligations but after 2 years, I've only ever thought of 'my rent' as what I was physically paying myself.

After a no spend day sunbathing on the common, I thought I'd get started on yesterday's action plan.

Firstly, I've inboxed Fredpay since that is something I could do straight away. I love their online system for communicating. I think a lot of people who are anxious talking about debt would get help quicker if they could use that method! I actually had a reply from my last message which I had missed. It basically said they understood my request to start paying from August although recommended tokens to avoid Capital One reclaiming the debt and passing it elsewhere. I've explained that I hope to agree a reduced DMP payment to SC from this week and that I'll keep them updated.

I've compiled the paperwork for Westcot, Arvarto and Nationwide and sealed it in an envelope in my bag so that I've got all the details. All of them are open after work so I'll probably head to the park if the weather is nice and get the three calls over and done with.

I usually start work at 9am but have such a busy day (and week!) that I'm aiming to be at work for 8am when the Stepchange phonelines open. I can't really do anything until I've spoken to Stepchange so it will be good to do that early doors.

If I could make some sort of payment - however small - then I think this would be a big boost for me.

Update! Got on to Stepchange early this morning. Because I need to redo my whole budget and also add a debt where details were incorrect, they've suggested a token payment and then start again at the end of the month for a June payment.

I spoke to Avarto who basically said that now they've have a Stepchange reference, they'll refer back to the original creditor (Barclaycard). Westcott weren't bothered at all, more or less said 'great, do as you please'.

Annoying, Nationwide sent me a letter with the wrong closing time on so when I called, they'd already closed. This will have to rolllover til tomorrow.

In terms of spends, I spent 45p on huuuge bottle of water which I've kept in the fridge at work and should last a couple of days. I then went to do my yellow sticker thing at M&S and got four meals for £8.