I'll start by saying I have a good full-time job with a higher than average wage. I also have already taken on a second job. I've literally cut back to the bare bones on what I'm spending and am trying to sell things on Vinted, etc. as much as possible.
However, I've ran up a lot of debt - about £40,000 which includes high rates of interest. Most of it is to do with the house as the recent renovation it had undergone when I bought it was done incredibly shoddily (not noticeable at the time) and I've had to spend a fortune putting it right. Examples including the bathroom walls caving in when the previous tiles were removed, having to have the garden foundations, re-laid, etc. Some of the debt is historical from when I was with an abusive ex (long story) and yes some of it is because I was living beyond my means.
I have about £55k equity in my house and was hoping when the mortgage was renewed last year I could borrow against it and pay off the debt. I know that's not usually advisable but would have meant paying £200-£300 a month instead of the £1100 I currently pay! However I was turned down and was able to get a new deal (£250 a month more expensive too) but no additional borrowing.
It's got to the point where I'm really struggling - not as in I'm getting behind with payments but that my leftover money doesn't allow me a life really, plus no room at all for savings, emergencies, etc. I thought about a secured loan but I'm really scared of taking that on! A debt consolidation loan doesn't seem to help as they won't lend me the additional. A second charge mortgage - I don't even know how that works....
I'd really appreciate any advice on what I can do here. (To add my future is financially secure as I'd always pay the mortgage above anything else, I'll also eventually inherit another property and I have a good pension).