- Notice
Just my mortgage and car, I still have nearly £1.5k a month fun money after all bills are paid. I have CC’s and accounts with Next & Very but I always pay it off and the mortgage is overpaid every month. We have plenty in savings so in summer we will get rid of the car and buy a newish one outright with savings.
8 years ago I was in £25k debt and renting. Lots of hard work and savings and we now have a good saving pot and our own house. We have had several promotions, bonuses and 2 redundancy pay outs along side a year of saving £1k a month (it was a killer but so worth it!) to help. No outside help, all done on our own.
8 years ago I was in £25k debt and renting. Lots of hard work and savings and we now have a good saving pot and our own house. We have had several promotions, bonuses and 2 redundancy pay outs along side a year of saving £1k a month (it was a killer but so worth it!) to help. No outside help, all done on our own.
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Causewaygal
Chatty Member
Completely debt free as of Thursday 
Brianbadonde
Active member
Long time lurker first time poster here. Interested in people’s replies on this topic to see if my situation is normal. I’m 33, single mum to 16 year old since the age of 18. I have 2 credit cards (around £2000 each) very account of £750 and a £250 overdraft. Rented home and two jobs. Trying really heard to pay it off but there’s always something.
About 9 years ago i was 23 and had 25k worth of debt, didn’t tell a single person about it and was struggling with manic depression and an eating disorder. The debt was made up of a graduate loan, credit cards, payday loans 
and overdrafts.
Honestly the best thing I ever did was get in touch with step change, I really do think they saved my life. It took about 6/7 years but I’m debt free now and only have a credit card for purchases like holidays and pay if off straight away, we are hoping to buy soon and will take a mortgage out to do so, thankfully my credit rating is ok now!
It was probably the darkest time in my life but just talking to someone was such a relief. Payday loans are the work or the devil, last year I actually managed to claim a significant sum of money back from them because of the circumstances I was in when the approved the loans. Glad a lot of them have been closed down
and overdrafts. Honestly the best thing I ever did was get in touch with step change, I really do think they saved my life. It took about 6/7 years but I’m debt free now and only have a credit card for purchases like holidays and pay if off straight away, we are hoping to buy soon and will take a mortgage out to do so, thankfully my credit rating is ok now!
It was probably the darkest time in my life but just talking to someone was such a relief. Payday loans are the work or the devil, last year I actually managed to claim a significant sum of money back from them because of the circumstances I was in when the approved the loans. Glad a lot of them have been closed down
realhousewivewannabe
VIP Member
Updating as I got a notification someone liked my post from a year ago. I am no longer in debt. Wishing you success getting out of your debt 
Be More Pacific
VIP Member
Further to post #31, I just wanted to give an update:
• I won my appeal for PIP against the DWP (they changed their decision before it even got to tribunal) and was awarded enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility. The award is also now 'ongoing' and won't be reviewed again until 2029 (the original decision was only for three years) That means I keep my Motability car and I'm over £260 a month better off with the money that I do see (the mobility part of PIP is paid straight to Motability) as I only received low rate care DLA previously.
• We increased the credit card payment to £1,100 plus interest every month and have just made the final payment today so we have cleared the first £10,000 of debt and we now have no credit card debt at all and actually have money left in our bank account every month rather than being overdrawn
• We still owe just over £19,000 to my partner's parents which we'll start paying back in September. If all goes to plan, we'll be debt free in 19 months or sooner (still no word on the other £3,500 we owe them
but I intend to pay that back too)
• My plan to 'do something nice every month' obviously took a hit with Covid and virtually everything has been rescheduled for next year but at least we have lots to look forward in 2021 and it's all already paid for
• I won my appeal for PIP against the DWP (they changed their decision before it even got to tribunal) and was awarded enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility. The award is also now 'ongoing' and won't be reviewed again until 2029 (the original decision was only for three years) That means I keep my Motability car and I'm over £260 a month better off with the money that I do see (the mobility part of PIP is paid straight to Motability) as I only received low rate care DLA previously.
• We increased the credit card payment to £1,100 plus interest every month and have just made the final payment today so we have cleared the first £10,000 of debt and we now have no credit card debt at all and actually have money left in our bank account every month rather than being overdrawn
• We still owe just over £19,000 to my partner's parents which we'll start paying back in September. If all goes to plan, we'll be debt free in 19 months or sooner (still no word on the other £3,500 we owe them
but I intend to pay that back too)• My plan to 'do something nice every month' obviously took a hit with Covid and virtually everything has been rescheduled for next year but at least we have lots to look forward in 2021 and it's all already paid for
Nothing on credit cards, 11k student debt and loads on the mortgage if that counts?
I lived beyond my means shortly after graduating and got into debt despite earning what I considered a fortune. I felt so embarrassed, countless clothes that I hadn't even worn I donated to a charity shop. Since then I've moved around alot so tried to keep stuff to a minimum, aways pay off my credit card at the end of the month and spend my money on experiences rather than possessions.
I lived beyond my means shortly after graduating and got into debt despite earning what I considered a fortune. I felt so embarrassed, countless clothes that I hadn't even worn I donated to a charity shop. Since then I've moved around alot so tried to keep stuff to a minimum, aways pay off my credit card at the end of the month and spend my money on experiences rather than possessions.
Princesspinky
Active member
I don't have any debt , I've never had a credit card or loan , I don't own my own home , I rent and am a single mum. I work , I have a small amount of savings , not much but enough for any emergencies. We live well within our means , but still enjoy life . My only regret is not being able to save as much now I'm on my own 
but everything I own is mine bought and paid for and my son knows the value of money
but everything I own is mine bought and paid for and my son knows the value of moneyTwinkle485
Well-known member
No debt
No mortgage
No car on finance
work all the hours under the sun but physically cannot afford to get into debt.
No mortgage
No car on finance
work all the hours under the sun but physically cannot afford to get into debt.
Be More Pacific
VIP Member
It's a very long story of how we got into such a mess but here is the short version (which is still quite long )
All my debt of £20,000 with various creditors (loans/credit cards/store accounts) was written off on medical grounds when I had to give up work five years ago due to a serious, chronic, lifelong illness.
My partner has almost £30,000 worth of debt, which is over half his annual salary, on three credit cards. None of them are on any kind of balance transfer and we are so hopelessly overcommitted, he cannot get another further credit.
We have been living beyond our means for years and I also developed a crippling spending addiction, which is barely under control even now. I am really trying though but it is HARD. Instagram has fuelled it too big time. We were trying to make inroads into his debt but getting nowhere.
Earlier this year, we had to finally admit defeat, after all his credit cards were finally pretty much maxed out, and we moved from our rented flat into a house owned by my partner's father. He's letting us live here rent free in order to sort ourselves out. We are saving well over £1,200 just on rent and my boyfriend's travel costs alone. His father has actually repaid two of the credit cards, to avoid the interest payments, and is deferring paying him back until we clear the other one ourselves (which we are doing by £1,000 a month) We are only spending what we have in our current account now.
We don't smoke, drink or take drugs. We eat out rarely and get a takeaway a couple of times a month. We are not extravagant at all really except for my compulsive spending. I also suffer from depression/anxiety/agoraphobia and my partner is effectively my carer even though he's never here as he works long, long hours. The last three years have been pretty grim and I have barely left the house. I was seriously thinking about suicide about eighteen months ago.
But it is a massive relief having a bit of breathing space every month now and we are even starting to having a bit of a life again. His parents are supportive of this and I'm told there will be "no judgement" from them about what we spend our money on. I think having had a snapshot into our lives, since living here, when they have stayed with us, has really opened their eyes to how fucking shit things have been. They told me recently they wished my partner had said something sooner so they could have helped earlier.
I have been awarded standard rate PIP (hoping this will be increased to enhanced at an upcoming tribunal) and I also have a very small pension. I am determined to do something nice for both of us every month next year and have a few things booked already. I have realised I need to have something to live for, for my mental health, and my partner needs a break from work (he is a workaholic and never takes leave unless I book something and effectively force him to) We are going to lose my Mobility car in March - hoping to win that back at tribunal - but his parents have also indicated they will help us out with that too if we don't get back on the scheme. They are not particularly demonstrative people - upper middle class, stiff upper lip types - but I honestly cannot thank them enough for what they have done for us. I realise we are VERY lucky to have had this help.
Hopefully, all being well, we will be debt free by May 2022 and I am determined not to ever get into this situation again. His father has also put some money aside to help us with a deposit for our own home but that is a long way off and I have no idea what or where we'll even be able to afford by then.
Edit: just remembered we owe his parents another £3,500 from when he changed job a couple of years ago and didn't get paid for three months due to an administration issue and they had to sub us. They haven't mentioned that though!
) All my debt of £20,000 with various creditors (loans/credit cards/store accounts) was written off on medical grounds when I had to give up work five years ago due to a serious, chronic, lifelong illness.
My partner has almost £30,000 worth of debt, which is over half his annual salary, on three credit cards. None of them are on any kind of balance transfer and we are so hopelessly overcommitted, he cannot get another further credit.
We have been living beyond our means for years and I also developed a crippling spending addiction, which is barely under control even now. I am really trying though but it is HARD. Instagram has fuelled it too big time. We were trying to make inroads into his debt but getting nowhere.
Earlier this year, we had to finally admit defeat, after all his credit cards were finally pretty much maxed out, and we moved from our rented flat into a house owned by my partner's father. He's letting us live here rent free in order to sort ourselves out. We are saving well over £1,200 just on rent and my boyfriend's travel costs alone. His father has actually repaid two of the credit cards, to avoid the interest payments, and is deferring paying him back until we clear the other one ourselves (which we are doing by £1,000 a month) We are only spending what we have in our current account now.
We don't smoke, drink or take drugs. We eat out rarely and get a takeaway a couple of times a month. We are not extravagant at all really except for my compulsive spending. I also suffer from depression/anxiety/agoraphobia and my partner is effectively my carer even though he's never here as he works long, long hours. The last three years have been pretty grim and I have barely left the house. I was seriously thinking about suicide about eighteen months ago.
But it is a massive relief having a bit of breathing space every month now and we are even starting to having a bit of a life again. His parents are supportive of this and I'm told there will be "no judgement" from them about what we spend our money on. I think having had a snapshot into our lives, since living here, when they have stayed with us, has really opened their eyes to how fucking shit things have been. They told me recently they wished my partner had said something sooner so they could have helped earlier.
I have been awarded standard rate PIP (hoping this will be increased to enhanced at an upcoming tribunal) and I also have a very small pension. I am determined to do something nice for both of us every month next year and have a few things booked already. I have realised I need to have something to live for, for my mental health, and my partner needs a break from work (he is a workaholic and never takes leave unless I book something and effectively force him to) We are going to lose my Mobility car in March - hoping to win that back at tribunal - but his parents have also indicated they will help us out with that too if we don't get back on the scheme. They are not particularly demonstrative people - upper middle class, stiff upper lip types - but I honestly cannot thank them enough for what they have done for us. I realise we are VERY lucky to have had this help.
Hopefully, all being well, we will be debt free by May 2022 and I am determined not to ever get into this situation again. His father has also put some money aside to help us with a deposit for our own home but that is a long way off and I have no idea what or where we'll even be able to afford by then.
Edit: just remembered we owe his parents another £3,500 from when he changed job a couple of years ago and didn't get paid for three months due to an administration issue and they had to sub us. They haven't mentioned that though!
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MsWitch94
Member
My ex left me in a few thousand of debt which is all clear! It’s such a relief when it’s paid off.
i can’t mention which company I work for but I’m a care advisor for a debt collection company and my role is to help people in any way possible, if anyone needs and advice or support please drop me a message x
i can’t mention which company I work for but I’m a care advisor for a debt collection company and my role is to help people in any way possible, if anyone needs and advice or support please drop me a message x
bunnyboo
VIP Member
No debt.
Which sounds impressive.
BUT... I'm in my late twenties living at home because of the Irish rent crisis. I will never get a mortgage. I have accepted that. I don't have a car either.
I'm just one big fuck up lol. This is all my fault because I didn't really plan on living past the age of 25. I've been hospitalised several times with mental health problems. Failed suicide twice. So I'm kind of winging it.
Which sounds impressive.
BUT... I'm in my late twenties living at home because of the Irish rent crisis. I will never get a mortgage. I have accepted that. I don't have a car either.
I'm just one big fuck up lol. This is all my fault because I didn't really plan on living past the age of 25. I've been hospitalised several times with mental health problems. Failed suicide twice. So I'm kind of winging it.
Itsafingbingthing
New member
Debt free as of three months ago! Get so angry with myself about how stupid I was for so long. Maxed out a loan, over draft and very account after uni. Parents couldnt help and paying rent/bills/travel on £12500 a year entry level PR job meant I funded all the nights out and clothes with debt that meant even as my wage increased, so did my lifestyle costs and spent a decade paying minimum payments. Even if I got a bonus or something I'd pay something off and then treat myself.
Was nearly £10k 2years ago when I finally realised I shouldnt be in debt with mine and my partners wage and just needed to stop spending!
Now I'm debt free I HATE actually spending my money and consider any purchase for weeks, where as when I was buying in credit I just didnt care?! Just wish id realised 10/15years ago I didnt need 'things'!
Was nearly £10k 2years ago when I finally realised I shouldnt be in debt with mine and my partners wage and just needed to stop spending!
Now I'm debt free I HATE actually spending my money and consider any purchase for weeks, where as when I was buying in credit I just didnt care?! Just wish id realised 10/15years ago I didnt need 'things'!
Alice Roosevelt Longworth
Member
Close to £11k on a 0% credit card. 
I used to be so frugal and apart from our mortgage, my husband and I have never had debt.
My husband really pushed himself to complete a postgrad degree and a professional accreditation within a very short period of time, while working with full-time. He completed both with distinction and immediately received a huge promotion - then he had a nervous breakdown. I think that he just put so much pressure on himself that he burnt out and he ended up with very severe depression.
Luckily, he has private health insurance and received excellent care from a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, but it's been two of the hardest years of my life. I have felt so emotionally drained having to support someone who became like a zombie, and there were times where I felt too scared to go home after work because I thought I might walk into the house to find that he committed suicide.
As a pick-me-up, I started buying clothes, make up, beauty treatments like there was no tomorrow. When I felt low, spending £600 at a time buying clothes online or dropping £400 on make up and perfume perked me up for a bit. I spent thousands and thousands on my credit card without even considering how I would pay it off.
My manager eventually persuaded me to approach our private insurance and request a referral to a therapist for myself, because she became worried about the impact that my husband's depression was having on me. I really should have sought help from the beginning - I might have saved myself £11k and cupboards full of clothes that I don't particularly like or wear!
My husband is getting back to his old self, and our relationship is thriving, and I am so much happier these days. I've cut up my cards and am really committed to saving like mad this year to pay off as much debt as possible. I feel like my debt is a burden and a reminder of such a dark time in my life - it will be liberating to be rid of it.
I used to be so frugal and apart from our mortgage, my husband and I have never had debt.
My husband really pushed himself to complete a postgrad degree and a professional accreditation within a very short period of time, while working with full-time. He completed both with distinction and immediately received a huge promotion - then he had a nervous breakdown. I think that he just put so much pressure on himself that he burnt out and he ended up with very severe depression.
Luckily, he has private health insurance and received excellent care from a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, but it's been two of the hardest years of my life. I have felt so emotionally drained having to support someone who became like a zombie, and there were times where I felt too scared to go home after work because I thought I might walk into the house to find that he committed suicide.
As a pick-me-up, I started buying clothes, make up, beauty treatments like there was no tomorrow. When I felt low, spending £600 at a time buying clothes online or dropping £400 on make up and perfume perked me up for a bit. I spent thousands and thousands on my credit card without even considering how I would pay it off.
My manager eventually persuaded me to approach our private insurance and request a referral to a therapist for myself, because she became worried about the impact that my husband's depression was having on me. I really should have sought help from the beginning - I might have saved myself £11k and cupboards full of clothes that I don't particularly like or wear!
My husband is getting back to his old self, and our relationship is thriving, and I am so much happier these days. I've cut up my cards and am really committed to saving like mad this year to pay off as much debt as possible. I feel like my debt is a burden and a reminder of such a dark time in my life - it will be liberating to be rid of it.