Thanks everyone for your replies. It feels so good to know that we're not the only ones in trouble. Hugs to everyone else going through this. Its not nice, but I kind of think it puts things in perspective - i.e. that you really don't need money to be happy.
DH went to the financial counsellor today (it was a charity like the Salvo's or someone), and found out about the government electiricity payment that someone mentioned (at least I think that's what he said...) I am going to see them next week to organise this.
Thanks for the advice re not paying the debt collecotrs. I am so ****ed off with them and their bullying attitute. I will pay them when we're ready, and I spoke to a friend today who agreed that no one is going to take us to court for $200.
We can't apply for other credit cards, as ours are maxed out (already tried), and unfortunately I don't think that we have a good relationship with our banks anymore as we have been having problems with repayments for the past 3 months. I will see if we qualify for financial hardship.
I also made a call to a debt solution company last night and was told that they would call me back. So things are looking a little less bleak. Thank heaps everyone for your support.
Oh and the really good thing that's come out of this - I have realised that by buying fresh fruit and veg, etc, we have really cheap grocery bills and actually eat really healthily.
With your credit cards - relationship with the bank doesn't matter, they have hardship policies for a reason When I was out of work before getting this job, I called our credit card provider and, after filling in their mountains of paperwork, we were given a 3 month 'holiday', where no interest or fees were charges, and no payments were expected. Of course, we couldn't use the card in that time, but that was fine, I didn't want to. For the record, that particular card was worth $6k, and we were overdrawn by just over $400 when they gave us the 'holiday'.
Debt collectors - stand your ground hunny! You know what you can afford to pay, don't let them bully you. As you said, there is absolutely NO point entering into an arrangement you know you can't fulfil. I like the idea of calling the company who have referred it - and I would also recommend keeping a written record of ALL communication with the companies you have outstanding debts with. Owing money is no reason to be treated unfairly or disrespectfully, and if you have taken note of who said what, you would be surprised how much help the complaints dept can be.
I also just wanted to say something in general : These days, being in debt is nothing to be ashamed of. Particularly in the last few years, it has been ridiculously easy to get into a huge amount of debt, which may appear manageable when you sign on the dotted line, but when faced with a surprise baby, a redundancy, a car accident - things change fast and finances get out of control VERY easily. Please don't let embarrassment stop anyone from getting the help they need, because the sooner they seek help, the easier it will be
in the uk you can get template letters to send to tell them only contact you by letter...i have found the bailiffs won't say half the things they say in a letter because they would be in serious trouble. and over here a debts is sold for about 30% of the actual value to debt companys x
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When I was out of work before getting this job, I called our credit card provider and, after filling in their mountains of paperwork, we were given a 3 month 'holiday', where no interest or fees were charges, and no payments were expected. Of course, we couldn't use the card in that time, but that was fine, I didn't want to. For the record, that particular card was worth $6k, and we were overdrawn by just over $400 when they gave us the 'holiday'.
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