What to do first?

[Midlifedelulu]

I’m using over 90% credit over 5 credit cards. There is a small sum of money that I could either put away and build upon or pay off cards. What would be best to do? I do use cards to get by when things have been more expensive during the month. I am on my own and no longer employed however cards taken out when employed. I should add that when mortgage term ends I’d have to apply for another product. Hopefully back to work then but I see from credit report using over a certain amount of credit can affect credit rating. Hope this makes sense. I use cards for things kids need. Cost of living has hit hard.

How much do you owe on credit cards and how much do you have put aside in savings?
Do you pay interest on all of your CCs?

As per @PigInAHouse how much, how many cards, are you paying interest.

If it's overwhelming do you need debt advice?

Try Step Change or National Debtline. Make sure you go to the right websites; Google results are heavy on 'for profit' providers whereas the above are charities.

Paying interest on them all. I do make payments as normal and over the minimum amount but find myself using them again. No savings after Christmas

There's lots of good advice on moneysavingexpert

How much is the ‘small sum of money’ that you have available to pay them?
The issue here is that you’re using credit to supplement your income, so even if you pay them off you’re just going to run them up again unless you get a handle on your outgoings. I think going to an organisation like Stepchange is a good idea.

Can you transfer any of the balances to interest free offers so all the money you pay reduces the balance?

If not, pay the balances down to reduce the interest you pay.

Also look on Moneysavingexpert.com for advice on cutting costs, setting a budget and getting out of debt. It's rare that people can't cut out or reduce their expenses unless they've already ruthlessly reviewed what they spend.

You sound like you're really struggling so I'm sorry this sounds harsh but you need to address your spending. You are in a cycle of using cards to fund everyday life (completely understandable with the current cost of living) but unless you ruthlessly review your spending (every single penny of it) you will only run up the credit card debt again.

As for your question, if you are happy to list out the amounts you owe on each card, along with the interest rates, and how much cash you have available to pay them then posters should be able to help guide you.

As others have said though, MoneySavingExpert has loads of good advice and maybe contact Stepchange.

Hope this doesn't come across badly, things are truly truly tough just now.