And yet another Newbie

[gwdihw]

Hi

Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place but......

I've been struggling with debt for the last few years, the usual scenario of credit card use becoming out of control partly due to the rising cost of living and admitedly poor budgeting on my part.
I found this forum quite by chance yesterday mornin. I spent nearly all day reading through it and found it a huge help. I had previously heard of IVA's but didn't fully understand what they were and what they entailed. Reading the posts on here have really helped me come to a decision as I feel I can't go on living the way I have been. I'm really impressed by the level of support on here and the support given by IP's.
I especially found useful the posts where forum members talked about their feelings of guilt as that is how I'm feeling now along with panic wondering what the next direct debit to be unpaid will be. I've already gone down the route of switching providers for gas, electricity, phone etc and cancelling direct debits for things I feel I can do without. Daft though this may sound but my lowest point (and I'm filling up at the thought of it now [:(]) was cancelling my pet insurance. After all it's not their fault their owner is so crap (sorry) with money.
I e mailed Melanie Giles yesterday and was due to speak to Tina today. Unfortuntaely because of circumstances beyond my control (oops I forgot I had a meeting after work) we've postponed this until tomorrow. I'm really hoping that I meet the criteria as I desperately want to pay off as much as I can and just get back on track.
Sorry for the ramble but basically wanted to say what a great forum this is.

[orange]

i agree we been on and off here for 2yrs its a great support to know your not alone x

[MelanieGiles]

Hi there

I am really glad that you have contacted my firm for advice, and we will be delighted to help you find a solution. This is often the worst step, as the cold realisation of a situation which you can no longer control, comes to the forefront, but once you have shared the problem and taken advice as to options, I promise that you will feel 10 times better - and you will make plenty of likeminded friends on this very valuable advice site.

[Cath]

Welcome to the forum, It's been a lifeline for me, I am in the same stages as you and you are in the best hands x

[Skippy]

Welcome from me as well. You're in safe hands with Melanie and here team, and as she's an animal lover, you may be able to reinstate that pet insurance!

[MelanieGiles]

Ooh I didn't note the bit about pet insurance. You absolutely must not cancel this vital policy which cares for your loved ones. Things like this take an absolute priority in my book. Please get the insurance reinstated now! It is usually very cheap compared to the amount of things it covers.

[Skippy]

I thought you hadn't picked up on it Mel as I know how strongly you feel about it!

[gwdihw]

Ok will do. Would probably get a cheaper deal anyway if I shop around. I was with PetPlan as it was recommended by my vet and I got 1 month free. Not the place to ask but could anyone recommend any others? Would I get it slightly cheaper as I'm taking it out for 2 cats rather than 1 as origionally they were on 2 seperate policies as I got one cat a year before the other.

[Debtwitch]

Hi there G

I do hope that the chat with Tina will help you feel better about progressing to your solution.

This is one of the more difficult stages and don't forget also to consult your GP if you're needing some addtional support.

Kind regards,

[Skippy]

I have Harry (my baby in my avatar picture!) insured with Homebase as I couldn't afford Petplan any more. The Homebase insurance provides continuous cover (a lot of them don't) and will pay out £2k per year. I pay £6.99 a month for one cat, as opposed to £15 a month with Petplan.

http://www.homebase-pet-insurance.co.uk/

I've no idea what they are like (and hopefully will never find out) but I wanted to make sure he was insured, and there were actually more benefits with this one than Petplan.

[Cath]

Would I be able to get my dog insured now my credit rating is smashed?

[Skippy]

I don't see why not - I've got Harry's insurance in my name and my credit record is shot.

[gwdihw]

Thanks Debtwich for advice about GP. I might have to resort to that as also in a stressful situation at work due to changes in my team and a clash of personalities- just what I don't need now!

Skippy, Will certianly look i nto Homebase insurance thhat sounds like a really good deal, especially if I can afford to do it in one go and not by direct debit. By the way Harry is a handsome devil. How do you upload your own image. I looked earlier but couldn't see how to do it.

[Skippy]

Sorry to hear you're having problems at work. Keep posting on here as there's always someone around to listen.

That's the third compliment Harry's had today! We can't upload our own pictures, Admin have to do it. There's a link on the forum somewhere to contact Admin.

BTW, there's also a pets' corner section in the social part of the forum!

[country girl]

Hi
I have felt exactly the same as you, I feel I have let everyone down. It is good to realise on this forum that you are not the only one. I felt much better when my Iva was sorted out but still have good and bad days.