Dragged myself out of bed today, went to college and had a chat with Paul (tutor) his main interest was mainly getting me in college, which should take my mind off other things and give something to focus on. He has passed my details to a councellor/mentor (with my permission) so i filled in a form and im waiting for a phone call from her now to set up an appointment tomorrow.
Well this is it...
- Thread starter matty1001
- Start date
Highbulp Billy
New member
Good on you Matty, it\'s always good to know that there\'s someone who\'ll listen and not judge you. Use the opportunity to get everything off your chest and put life back into perspective.
Don\'t forget, we\'re all behind you as well mate.
Don\'t forget, we\'re all behind you as well mate.
re bank charges. I was in a similar situation several months ago and phoned the national debt line who are fantastic. They are in the front of the phone book and are NOT a debt consolodation thingy but a government run ADVICE line.
The very first thing they advised me to do was to stop using the bank account, and open a building society account, or an account with absolutley NO overdraft facilities whatsoever with another bank and have wages paid directly into there- that way you have access to the money and at least you have enough to pay bills, put food on the table etc before the bank take their share.
Sit down and sort out your incomings and outgoings (and no- miniatures are not a valid outgoing when the situation is this bad.) The priorities are rent or mortgage, power (gas and electric as water cannot be disconnected by law) food and council tax. Anything else (such as overdrafts, bank charges, credit cards store credit, catalogues etc) is classed as secondary debt.
Work out what you have left over after primary expenses then see what you can realistically afford to pay back to your debtors each month.
This is the most difficult bit BOT YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE DEBTORS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE IN DIFFICULTY. Most are sympathetic and have specialist debt management sections to help you deal with this, amd will be glad to come to some arrangement as it means you are willing to settle the debt and are not sticking your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away.
I have had to take this route, and the first few months were very difficult, but since being with the building society and not the bank I am now finding my bills getting lower, my debtors happy and having a spare £110 pounds to myself every payday! (this will increase by £30 a month when my council tax arrears end in April and by a whopping £220 a month in August when 2 loans finish!- Proof that it does get better and there is light at the end of the tunnel.)
Although I can\'t offer any advice with your mum, I found myself in a similar situation with my nan a few years back, although I will send you a PM in regards to this as it is very personal. Will not be today, but soon, I promise.
Never met her, but just by reading this you have a good woman at your side there. Always remember that, and remind yourself that no matter whatever else is going on, theres always that positive.
Best of luck with your \'meeting\', and keep your chin up mate, it will get better.
The very first thing they advised me to do was to stop using the bank account, and open a building society account, or an account with absolutley NO overdraft facilities whatsoever with another bank and have wages paid directly into there- that way you have access to the money and at least you have enough to pay bills, put food on the table etc before the bank take their share.
Sit down and sort out your incomings and outgoings (and no- miniatures are not a valid outgoing when the situation is this bad.) The priorities are rent or mortgage, power (gas and electric as water cannot be disconnected by law) food and council tax. Anything else (such as overdrafts, bank charges, credit cards store credit, catalogues etc) is classed as secondary debt.
Work out what you have left over after primary expenses then see what you can realistically afford to pay back to your debtors each month.
This is the most difficult bit BOT YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE DEBTORS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE IN DIFFICULTY. Most are sympathetic and have specialist debt management sections to help you deal with this, amd will be glad to come to some arrangement as it means you are willing to settle the debt and are not sticking your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away.
I have had to take this route, and the first few months were very difficult, but since being with the building society and not the bank I am now finding my bills getting lower, my debtors happy and having a spare £110 pounds to myself every payday! (this will increase by £30 a month when my council tax arrears end in April and by a whopping £220 a month in August when 2 loans finish!- Proof that it does get better and there is light at the end of the tunnel.)
Although I can\'t offer any advice with your mum, I found myself in a similar situation with my nan a few years back, although I will send you a PM in regards to this as it is very personal. Will not be today, but soon, I promise.
Never met her, but just by reading this you have a good woman at your side there. Always remember that, and remind yourself that no matter whatever else is going on, theres always that positive.
Best of luck with your \'meeting\', and keep your chin up mate, it will get better.
Good for you Matt. Taking the first step is the hardest part.
