Does anyone ever have no money at all?

Just noticed your username. You should take notice of it and address your money and relationship issues once and for all.

When we were suddenly on a very restricted income we contacted credit card companies and got the debts frozen. We cut the cards up and paid an agreed (but much smaller than minimum) amount every month. It took years to clear the debts but at least we weren't paying interest on the debts any more. I have never had a CC since.

@Thiscantgoonlikethis

I know you didn't want advice but I can't help it when I see someone struggling.

Firstly charity begins at home, if Oxfam and Wildlife trust are regular payments you need to cancel them. Talk to the council and see if you can pay your council tax over 12 months instead of 10. Also you need to cancel your single person discount if you applied for it when he left

I see you are paying your mother back £150.00/month. Would she accept £125.00 and you could put £25.00/month to paying something else off. Debts with interest should be paid first but do understand if this is not possible. Bless her for having helped you out.

All these little bits absolutely have to go towards paying debt off - nothing else

I also have a spreadsheet to track my credit card. Now I don't get the paper statement I find it hard to check on my phone.

Citizens Advice are always helpful

Then your obvious answer is to downsize. You can’t afford it. You’ve been pleading poverty on this thread but you have a big house? Doesn’t make sense.

Are you able to sell up and live somewhere smaller in a slightly cheaper area, pay off your debts and live alone with a smaller or no mortgage and lower bills?

It sounds like there's a few options that would improve your circumstances but you seem to be dismissing them and while you do, you'll just keep getting further into debt with the problem getting worse and worse.

Can your church/temple etc help you with money management or someone like Christians against poverty, who will help you whatever your faith.

Hi OP 👋 I'm the same, terrible with money. Work part time as a freelance editor, so it's actually less than minimum wage 😳 around £875 a month.

But the majority of my outgoings aren't household bills, as my DH covers these. We have 3 DC and I get child benefits for them but it still doesn't make my income more than £1k month. God knows how I might survive if it wasn't for the fact my parents top me up every now and then (yes, I know I'm incredibly fortunate). I just am terrible with money and budgeting, and never got used to living within my means even when I lived alone. I also have debt which I shouldn't have, and I only have myself to blame for the frivolous purchases on my credit card.

You're doing everything you can, I'm sure, especially as it will be harder as a single mum. As PPs say, make a list and budget, and cut back if you can.

Or more sensibly, take the £20 or whatever she is sending to charity and put that directly into paying off debt more quickly.

Don’t be ridiculous. A school trip costing £425 is not essential. We’ve a much higher joint income than you but say no to our children going on many expensive trips or experiences. It doesn’t mean the world is joyless, it just means you and they need to know the value of money and choices. Money can only be used once- unless invested and then it compounds.

What rubbish . And what about the thieving ? We all end up paying higher prices because of shoplifting and encouraging OP to become a criminal is plain silly .

Aah sorry I thought you said you weren't together, I must have missed that you still live together. I thought you meant he had moved out but was still paying the mortgage in liue of child maintenance.

School trip £400+??? Seriously?? I just said no to my daughters £22 school trip, I think you make poor choices.

You can take it or you can leave it but it’s worked for thousands of people over many many years
The Credit companies take advantage of people every now and then the people claw one back

Not any more but when my kids were young yes.

i used to be happy if I could afford a coffee at the end of the week.

Please, please look at the Rebel Finance School on Facebook. There’s an online course (free) and it’s helped many people consolidate debt and start saving. Really helps people change their life direction.

Most IVA's fail, stepchange could help you set up a payment plan and get interest frozen.

Op, you need to apply for an IVA. They are a life saver.

Sympathy OP. Also while 15 years ago or so, 35k was seen as a decent salary, it’s hard to live off that these days. And even when I was on 35k back in 2013 and didn’t have any kids, it really didn’t stretch far at all.

I was often in that position and do sympathise with you.

I sincerely hope you find some way of managng until payday this month, Thiscan'tgoon. Is there a relative or someone who could bung you £100 short term?

All I can say is that things do improve with time. It's a shame that it all comes too late in many respects but, on the other hand, it's nice to have security when you are retired. That of course doesn't help you in the here and now.

Please let us know how you get on.