In debt Pregnant and alone

[08roxie]

Hi everyone
Im 29 years old and 3 months pregnant, my partner has left me we were together for 7 months everything happened so fast, as soon as he found out he said he couldnt cope with beingf a dad again (as he has 2 kids to a previous realtionship) im completely gutted, im hoping we can work things out and he'l come back as im so scarred to face this almost alone.
Im unemployed from I returned from Australia last June Im currently on Job seekers allowance and also claiming Housing Benefits but even at that Im finding it very hard to keep up with the rent, Im in £8000 of credit card debt from Australia and trying to keep up with rent.
Being pregnant is suspose to be a happy time but for me its just worry after worry how am I to look for work as an employer isnt gonna take on someones whos pregnant, how am I gonna pay off my debts.
My dad has been helping me out slightly with bills but its come to the stage he cant afford it now, iv been looking for a cheaper house but no such luck, Im at my wits end anyone out there with some advise Id be very gratefull.

Sorry you are having a hard time.....have you been able to get to a citizens advice bureau? They could help by writing to your creditors to have your interest stopped and give you the best advice with regard your debts.

The CAB could also check that you are claiming everything that could help you, free prescriptions, healthy start vouchers (not sure when they start but I think you can get them when you are pg), council tax benefit etc.

Is your rent much more than your HB? I went through a very tough time with all sorts of things a while ago and a financial lady from the CAB advised that you could just about manage on benefits if you didn't have debts to pay off, she was right, in the end I have to put food and shelter (shopping and rent) first and sort the debt out later.

You could also phone shelter, they give great advice even if you are not homeless as they will give you advice if you are having trouble paying your rent.

Freecycle is also a good place to find baby stuff (for free) so you can still 'nest' when the time comes.

For starters, let's look after you and your baby, that must be your first priority. Stressed mummy isn't good so don't be afraid to let your midwife know you have a lot going on right now so they can help you and monitor you accordingly.

Gingerbread is going to be able to give you some good advice about finances as well as the CAB. If you can make time to give them a call, you won't regret it.

Workwise, it's not all bleak. I started my own business on a shoestring and work my hours around my DD. I'm doing well and whilst I'm working very hard, I'm not reliant on anyone else.

If you want to chat, PM me xxx

Hi, I was in exactly the same situation as you when I was pregnant and the best thing I ever did was sign up with PayPlan (www.payplan.com). They go through your living expenses including your debt and what you have coming in and then work out what you can actually afford to pay. What they do is speak to all of myour debt companies on your behalf and offer them £1, £2, £3 etc, or whatever you can afford to pay each month. As long as all your debts are unsecured then the companies can't refuse. The interest also gets frozen so the debts don't get bigger.
Before I went through PayPlan I was paying £1,600 a month to my debt, I'm now paying £11 a month which is £1 towards each of my debts per month.
PM for more information but I can't recommend it enough.
Also, congratulations on your baby, I promise you that everything will be OK in the end, something it will seem hopeless and upsetting but it does get better.
:)

Sorry for ur situation i myself am in a great deal of debt and only for my family interveneing and help me i am now keeping my head above water! Please Contact CAP Christians against poverty they are a chatty organisation who have been helping me wif my debts they visited me at home and helped me to prioritise my debts and work out a debt management plan they do this for free or u can donate to them if u wish to and although I am not a practicing Christian myself I found they weren't too preachy or full on it takes guts to get in contact with them and face upto these problems but I'm so glad I did

www.capuk.org/home/index.php

Headquarters Address:
Christians Against Poverty
Jubilee Mill,
North Street.
Bradford,
BD1 4EW

Tel: 01274 760720
Fax: 01274 760745

Hope this helps
Email: [email protected]

Sorry also shud have said just found out in 6wks pregnant and although I'm wif the father all my debt is my own £6000ish I'm not even a bit worried how we will manage because I fully trust in cap and how they have helped me in the last few yrs I do see a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel hope they can help u too