I haven't been here a while and as I've missed what's been happening this week, I'm out of the loop for now and don't know the direction that's been taken but after reading Catia's stories it gave me some ideas so here is a true story about debt:
I was in debt £18,000 but only earning £5.55ph. The debt came from an injury working in a factory.
I worked hard and gave my all but didn't realise the damage I was doing to myself as it was gradual over a long period of time.
When I finally realised how severe my injury was I sought medical attention and from there financial compensation as I found out that my injuries were permanent.
At the time of my injury RSI was becoming well known and many people were claiming compensation for it.
Medical specialists were scared to diagnose injuries caused by work duties and so my case dropped after being told that my injuries were caused by everyday household chores like washing up!!
6 months off work with no income, my debts mounted up until I returned to work on light duties and took notice of the constant Tv ads to "CONSOLIDATE YOUR LOANS INTO ONE".
It seemed like a sensible idea to have just one monthly repayment as I couldn't afford multiple monthly payments with high interest.
So I found a £10,000 loan with the lowest rate of interest and proceeded to pay all my debts and with some money left over I'd have myself a nice holiday to recharge my batteries after a very stressful year...
However, when I tried to pay off each debt I was shocked to find that administration charges and heavy interest was added to each balance.
Eventually I didn't have enough money to pay all the debts and was finally left with not only the large loan to repay but other smaller ones too.
The easiest option that people recommended was to go bankrupt. Instead, I took all the overtime available at work and paid as much as I could towards my huge debt.
I found higher paid jobs that offered more overtime which resulted in working ilegal hours of 100+ per week.
My social life disappeared as I constantly worked. It seemed as if I'd never pay back the loans but I did eventually. It took about 7 years.
I've often wondered if I made the right choice. People often take the easy option of going bankrupt, they've spent out on fast cars, fast food and holidays but don't like the bank balance afterwards.
Everytime bankruptcy occurs, other people have to pay for it.
Insurance premiums go up. Although my thought was "why should other people pay my debts?", I should have received compensation for my work injury which would have paid my debts and would have been paid out by the insurance company therefore other people would still have to pay higher premiums.
The outcome of the circumstances:
I lost 7 years of living and live with a permanent injury which affects my day to day living but
I have pride and respect for paying back the debts that I incurred and so my credit record is clean.
We all affect each other and don't even realise half the time and...
THE FACTORY OWES ME!!!
I have also tried to think of lighter humorous ideas:
What do you get if you cross an angry Queen with a bank manager- A bunch of fives!
I was arrested earlier. I bought a goat, thought it would save me some money on milk and cheese. Well, it was only a baby, it thought I was it's Mother and it fell asleep on me. I was done for kidnapping!
Sorry, humour isn't my strongest area but I try!
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