» Debt pron

Agreeing
with the people before me.

We're not looking for smug twats to say how they've never had a moments debt thanks to the bank of mom & dad. I've been bloody fortunate to receive limited assistance from my parents.

Debt doesn't happen because you "overspend" on frills. It's not buying a new tv that does it, it's losing your job and realising that housing assistance never quite covers your rent, and that you have to choose between eating & washing your clothes.

My debt was self inflicted, but I'm living with it. I got into debt because of a choice I made to pursue a career. my objection is to those who I am in debt to being arrogant, condascending & ruthless in their endeavour to strip me of any chance of living a life where debt doesn't keep me awake at night.

If the banks, credit companies and loan arrangers were being regulated as they should be, then the stigma and fear associated with debt wouldn't drive people to suicide. When a bank or company can ring you 5 times a day to harass a underpaid, overworked person into paying "just a little bit more" than they can afford, then the system is not working.

My advice to those in debt

1 - Statement of Affairs - work out your incoming & outgoing
2 - Write to your creditors, detailing the issue and offering to make token payments until things improve. They won't always accept this, but you've made the effort and this will help in the future. (at least that's what I did)
3 - Do not pay anyone to manage your debt. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service do it for free, and know what they're doing.
4 - Realise that what the creditors tell you isn't always the truth. (Shock) They'll tell you they'll send the bailiffs around, that they'll take you to court and you'll be kicked out of your house. This is bullshit. They can't send the bailiffs around, and they probably won't take you to court as invariably the money you're going to end up paying them is LESS than what you offered initially. PLUS the debt often gets reduced and it costs them money to pursue the case.

Most of all, try not to panic. I've been in your situation and I'm surviving. Creditors rule by fear and they enjoy making your afraid.
(Mon 27th Nov 2006, 12:19, More)

» Putting the Fun in Funeral

First post
so be gentle.

Grandad died when I was about 12. Wasn't allowed to go to the funeral, despite the fact that we were extremely close, so instead I had to go to school. Wandering around in a daze, one kid decided to take the p1ss out of it being his funeral. Next thing I know, he's on the floor, I'm on top of him trying to beat the snot out of him. It took three teachers to pry me off him.

A few years back, his wife (my nan) died. I was asked to be a pallbearer, but declined. My brother decided to do it. On the way to the grave, he decided to announce loudly that "she's a heavy old bird ain't she?"

apologies for crapness, I'm an amateur.

Pup
(Thu 11th May 2006, 13:52, More)

» Beautiful but Bonkers

Let's call her Jen
Because that's her name.

She worked support for the company I worked for, and we started going out. I lived on my own, she lived with her brother.

Strange fact 1 - rang her up one night to be told by her brother never to ring again. Okkk
Strange fact 2 - brother slept in a tiny bedroom, she in the main room. Oooookkkkk

Found out after 5 months of dating her, that there was no brother. and I was the 3rd "bit on the side" as she referred to me that she had going at the same time.

Not much I could say except "Never talk to me again. I hope you shrivel up and die you fat, ugly bitch"

No wonder her last boyfriend pushed her down the stairs... he probably found out what she was really like.
(Fri 17th Nov 2006, 13:51, More)

» Debt pron

Credit cards are the devils own work
and credit card companies are gready bastards.

Guess you can say I've got a grudge against the Halifax.

Was offered a new job, exactly what I wanted, money not amazing, but I was willing to scrape by because it's a good job. Started the job about 2 weeks before I want to the US on a holiday which had been planned months in advance. Credit card 2 was obtained to keep all the holiday costs in one place.

Finding a place to live took a month longer than expected and ended up staying in a hotel for that month. Credit card 1 & 2 quickly maxing out. rang Halifax and said that I am experiencing problems paying the whole amount and was told not to ring them till I went over my limit. WHAT? So promptly went over limit on both cards. WRote them a nice letter to explain situatino and presented them with a statement of affairs. Both companies refused the amount offered.

By this time, I wasn't sleeping, was having panic attacks, mad visions of being on the streets etc. At this point, Halifax decided to put the boot in and took £200 out of my bank account with them to pay the amount I hadn't paid them.. no warning. Quickly discovered that if a bank issues you a card, and you have a account with them, they can take the money without warning. Even if you've advised them of the situation. Cue sleepless night as the rent was due, and saturday morning dash to the nearest branch to prove my rent was due. Money returned... for about 2 weeks, then taken again.

Spoke to Credit Card Counselling service who put me on a £20 a month payback plan :) Closed my accounts with halifax, went to First Direct got a decent account there (VERY helpful)

Had a bank statement from Halifax saying that I owe them 12p as they applied charges AFTER i had closed the account, and so held the account open. I have advised them that they can whistle for the money as I have no intention of paying it. and shan't so there.

Moral of the story Credit Card companies are only happy when they're taking you for a ride. My advice? NEVER take a card with your bank, don't pay money to a debt management company, use CCCS it's free! and above all, try to steer clear of credit cards unless you absolutely need one.
(Fri 24th Nov 2006, 13:50, More)

» Worst Nicknames Ever

Boring ones
A few name to throw out here

Bloke - because she was as big as a..
Martini - Another girl, owing to her reputation (any time, any where, anyone)
Snaggletooth - No idea why, but he had a habit of shouting this out in class. It got him expelled after a while.
Squirt - My brother, ironic as he's a big git
Basil - another brother, thanks to his long hair

me? I'm sexpuppy. It was just thrust upon me by a group of girls, apparently, because I was British, and therefore must have a sexy accent.

L
(Mon 22nd May 2006, 16:14, More)