So, You're in Debt! How Do You Handle It? Do You Deal With It?
By Andrew
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
United Kingdom
September 11, 2008 3:43pm CST
Debt! I guess this is one subject where virtually most people can say, "Yes, I've had a problem with that!" I have been in debt for the past eight years now! I used to be stuck in a very dark pit! Now, I'm coming to terms with the fact that I am in debt and have decided to "grab the bull by the horns!" How about you? Do you panic when it comes to debt management? Do you feel harrassed by creditors that surround you like a pack of dogs, waiting for the kill? I lost my job due to ill health in December 2004 and then all of a sudden, my world came crashing down around me! Those were very dark days! Still, I sought advice and was introduced to a wonderful charitable organization called National Debtline, perhaps you've heard of them! Anyway, they introduced me to the budget sheet! That's funny, I never used to budget at all, I didn't know where I was spending my money! Then, I started budgeting and then, I started to believe that, yes, there's hope yet! Perhaps I really can escape this mess! Well, I'm going to become debtfree in about five years from now! Ok, it seems like a while away but it's not that far away! I'm dealing with my creditors, writing letters and sticking to my guns! Yes, they threaten me with court action from time to time but I'm thankful that I have National Debtline behind me. What are your stories in relation to debt? Do you feel inwardly content that you are dealing with your debt in a positive way? Well, I guess, it's over to you!! Andrew
2 people like this
5 responses
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
29 Oct 08
I got a Student Loan way back in 91 and although I thought it was paid at one time (I gave the payments to someone that was supposed to pay it and didn't) I am now working on paying it off. I finally just called them up and laid it on the line, I have about 4 more months and it'll be paid off. It's a slow process but at least it'll be over with and I'll have them out of my hair. I've found the best way to handle it is just one step at a time.
[b]~~IN SEARCH OF PEACE WITHIN~~
**AGAINST THE STORMS, I WILL STAND STRONG** [/b]
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
30 Oct 08
Don't worry you'll get there...it just takes time. The biggest thing is knowing how you got in the trouble so you can avoid it next time around. Like I have a credit card that needs to be paid off...I know that credit cards and I don't mix so I won't get another. I just use my debit card and that keeps me from getting into trouble.
[b]~~IN SEARCH OF PEACE WITHIN~~
**AGAINST THE STORMS, I WILL STAND STRONG** [/b]
1 person likes this
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
29 Oct 08
Ouch! That sounds like a nasty situation to have got involved with. It's a good thing that it's almost over. I have many years yet until I finally become debt free. Like you, I'm working on things slowly, I'm doing the best I can. At some point in the future I just know that there's going to be some light at the end of the tunnel! Andrew
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
11 Sep 08
I made some less than favourable decisions a few years ago and at one stage thought that I would never emerge from the money pit I had created for myself. But slowly and steadily I have managed to pick up the pieces and although I am not clean and clear just yet I am certainly more in control now. I too was able to negotiate with debtors and agree on viable payment plans and cycles and I have stuck to them like glue. There is a certain sense of pride achieved when you start to rise from the abyss so to speak! I have learned a LOT and am far less materialistic than before. The key is to be true to yourself and realistic about where you stand. There is no quick fix and only steady committment will improve the situation. Many people make the mistake of thinking that MONEY fixes money problems; but it does not as I am sure you have learned yourself! Changes in behaviours and attitude towards money and how you manage it fixes money problems!
1 person likes this
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
11 Sep 08
Hi James, thanks for your response once again. I think the thing about finally finding your way in relation to debt is, you can give sound advice to others that are in debt. A friend of mine was saying recently "Andrew, you are really handling this situation, I don't think I would have the courage!" Those words really hit the spot! All of a sudden I had an incentive to keep on going, to continue the fight as it were, this was positive feedback! I think that a lot of people in debt would cringe or waver if creditors were chasing them. The good thing is, creditors don't have much in the way of power! They cannot make you pay what you don't have. I know what you mean as regards certain people relying on money to pay debts off. There's the typical case of using a credit card to pay off another credit card, hugely irresponsible! Anyway, there you go, I'm slowly returning to the straight and narrow! Thanks once again. I really must get myself into one of your discussions! Even if I don't know much about the subject! You wouldn't object to me coming out with gobledegook would you?
Andrew
Andrew1 person likes this
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
11 Sep 08
I would cut my Visa Card in half, if it is out of control. I would try to seek financial help and try to find an arrangement with my creditors. I would cut down spending, going to restaurants, buying expensive gifts or unnecessary items.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
11 Sep 08
Hi, thanks for your response. That sounds like good advice! I used to have a real weakness for just going into shops and purchasing things, stuff I really didn't need! Well, I guess I'm slowly getting on the right track now. You're not in debt now I presume? Andrew
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
11 Sep 08
Hi, thanks for your response. Do you feel ok about your debt though? You don't feel down in the dumps or depressed at times? Have you ever felt the need for a debt management company? Thanks again. Andrew
@wickikitty (532)
• United States
11 Sep 08
My debt isn't bad I owe about 1100 so I can pay most of it off this month. It sucks for me though since I work retail thats a whole month with not seeing my checks at all. I use enough to pay for gas and thats it. Other than that is all in the bank and to bills. I hate the way money comes and goes like that. Its like it just flees away from you and you just wasted a month or years of work for nothing lol. The worst is when you hear people say well its your fault... blah I hate money 
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
11 Sep 08
Hi, thank you for your response. It sounds like you are managing your debt as best you can. Like you, I hate money!!! I guess I can learn to love it once again once I start having more of it! The clock is ticking and I'm getting older, 33 years of age! There are so many things that I want to save up for and buy but I cannot do whilst I am in debt. Someone build a time machine so that I can go back to the time when I was not in debt and start afresh!! Look forward to celebrating when you finally become debt free. Andrew
