Help, in such a financial mess

[TheFutureMrsBellamy]

I'm so ashamed of this but I don't know where to start. I'm a terribly impulsive spender anyway but last year my mum asked to 'borrow' a credit card of mine. Between us we've racked up £15k in debt, all in my name.

Whenever I try to budget I work out that I should have £100 a week disposable income but I genuinely don't. I'm forever living hand to mouth and having to put food and fuel on the credit cards. Now they're maxed out and I'm just in such a muddle I don't know where to begin.

Please no judgement, I know I've been bloody ridiculous but no amount of berating will change anything. I've tried to get loans to consolidate the debt but can't.

I live in a shared ownership property, the owned part is in trust to my children so I can't release any equity from that, not that I would anyway, I wouldn't want to risk our home.

Also, think about your mum and her attitude to money. Does she need to rein in her spending and, if so, could you support each other? Or is she likely to undermine your attempts to get back on track? You may have to reconsider the amount and type of contact you have.

No Squirrels Good Advice there! I always feel I should have more left than I actually do!

I think this is a vicious circle really ,you spend to make yourself feel better ,then you feel worse when your debts increase! I remember reading that many people who are depressed will spend if unhappy !.CAB will help you they have trained debt counsellers .Firstly make a note of ALL of your outgoings right down to a paper or coffee ,are you paying for things like Amazon Prime or subscriptions that you can get rid of .I think you need to get rid of all your credit cards and use cash or debit card ,also your Mum needs to pay for her spending from now on .Many companies will accept a lower payment and the CAB will help .They may be able to give you tokens for a food bank just for a short while to help you out temporaily .Many people are in the same boat believe me .Many people struggle with money to some point .Even well paid people can overspend so you are not alone and certainly no judgement from me!

Any progress MrsBellamy ?