DMP's and StepChange

[Debtfreewannab]

I am signing up to a DMP with Step Change, but was hoping to hear from those who have done a Debt Management Plan and have come out of the other side or who is currently on one?

I'm making a real effort to sort out my debts, but I'm so worried this means 7 to 8 years or no enjoyment in life. Just working and paying bills and debts.

Step Change have helped me work out my finances. Everything has been cut right back, which then leaves me with £38 after paying my priority bills and food.

This spare money will now go each month to a DMP and be split amongst my creditors.

What do I do about other things for the next 7 or so years? Kids birthdays, can't ever take them on holiday, if they need new uniform or school shoes.

I can't even take them for a day out or to the cinema etc.

I work full time and barely see them because I work and use childcare yet when I do have time with them I can't take them anywhere or buy them anything.

I guess I'm feeling a little miserable.

I'm in a similar predicament, jumping on your thread to hopefully pick up some tips too

Have you got any additional time to earn a little more? While on mat leave i have been doing paid surveys etc online for 10/15 mins a day and earning £5 - £6 a day. It won't change the world but would be enough for a small birthday gift etc if you are strict about saving it.

I've signed up to a few survey sites, but it's either pennies for 15 minutes work or there are no surveys available.

The two i get most money from are prolific which pays a fair amount, usually upwards of £1 each. I also use intellizoom which pays $2 plus per survey/task - this is then transferred to pounds so about £1.40 at the moment.

I also have the Be My Eye app which is a bit like mystery shopping - it asks uou to complete tasks such as going to a local shop and taljng photos of certain things which you upload. This is between £3 and £15 per task dependent on how long/complex it is, but easy enough to earn extra moneywhen you would have been there anyway. You can just google it to download but if younuse my code (totally up to you :)) we would both get an extra pound - 6od21dy

Also make sure uou use a cashabck website for anything you buy - while you may not have a lot to spend, you can het cashback on essential spends such as house/car insurance pf up to £80 sometimes. I have found quidco the best o e rather than topcash back which i didn't get on with

Good luck!!

Ps sorry for typos, i have a sleeping baby on my arm!