So I know it's not a huge deal, I'm still at the beginning. But finally getting rid of those debt collectors is an amazing feeling, they in particular were such a nightmare to deal with!
I've had a previous bad habit of hiding my head in the sand when old debts got out of control. Because of various circumstances I had to move around quite a lot, which helped with that quite a lot. Now I'm settled down, with a partner I plan to be with for a very long time, and the place I'm living now is the first place I've lived for over a year straight.
Rewind 3 months and I was hiding behind the building I work at so no one would hear me on the phone to these agents sobbing, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel, being told that the balance I owed has gone up because of "charges and fees" (that was the only explanation I got, not even exactly what the charges were for, it was a mess).
I contacted the original creditor, got it straightened out exactly how much I owed (that was a battle in itself, took a lot of patience and determination as the creditor and debt collectors really didn't want to contact each other unless absolutely necessary. They didn't make it easy). I also found out from each of my other creditors how much I owed, and got in touch with a debt management charity.
Now as soon as I've said the words "debt management charity" to some of my friends, a horrified look came across their faces, "they're just scammers!" - however this isn't always true. I can see how much I've paid them, and I can see how its been split between my creditors, and if I contact the creditors the numbers add up. The debt management charity haven't kept a penny. I'm UK so if anyone is interested I can let you know which charity I used, I don't work for them I'm just a huge fan because of sheer panic they removed from me knowing all my debts were being taken care of. They also helped me make a realistic budget which I was previously unable to do by myself.
I started been working between 5 - 20 hours overtime every week at my job for the past 3 months, and as of yesterday I officially owe NOTHING to the debt collectors that were trying to visit my house & threatening to repossess my stuff to cover the debt.
It's such a good feeling that I didn't think I'd achieve, especially so quickly, I can't wait to get onto the others with the extra I'm now not paying those ones with.
If you're right at the very beginning now, I know your fear. I know how it feels to be hiding away crying to yourself, because you're scared they're going to take what little you have. Or scared your partner will finally get sick of having to deal with it and leave even though they've said it's fine and they'll stick with you - it's not their problem, why should they have to deal with it? Feeling like you're in a pit with no rope to grab. Feeling lower than low and like money is slipping through your fingers like sand at the beach.
Let me tell you, it does get better. Sobbing alone behind the building at work was my rock-bottom moment. I can honestly say if you keep strong, pick yourself up and don't lose determination, you can do it. Use your rock-bottom moment to motivate you. You never wanna go back there, you're strong, and it IS possible!
I wanna say thank you to the good people of this sub. I've been a lurker for a long time now, I'd never have even heard of the snowball method if it weren't for you guys. Reading some of your success stories has really helped keep me motivated, which is why I wanted to put up my own 'on the road to success' story - so anyone feeling their own rock bottom moment will hopefully find some courage and motivation from it. Thanks a lot you guys :-)
Submitted July 02, 2017 at 01:45AM by HappyActually http://ift.tt/2suNr6X
