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Sitting here today thinking how differently things were this time last year. I was absolutely dreading christmas. Didnt have enough money for food/bills etc let alone gifts, most were from catalogues/credit. New Year came with an almighty bang. Took the brave steps to call Mel and her team and never looked back. This year, everything is bought and paid for, wrapped packed, ebay been a godsend. Saved vouchers for food, every single bill is accounted for and do not have the sinking feeling that I had last year. I have been reading about people who are just going on their journey, take small steps, paperwork will be sorted, and everything will fit together. I am proud to say I am very happy and relaxed and I am genuinely looking forward to the festive season for all the right reasons. Good Luck to everyone, especially those looking in feeling how I did last year.

True words all, GH. The biggest silver lining (that every cloud is reputed to have) is that we learn the habit of budgetting and, that we are free of the banks and credit card company's who have had us by the throat for so long. On several of my cards the interest rate has doubled. But now -- it no longer matters.

On the voucher front we had enough Tesco vouchers for this weeks shopping (the Christmas stuff), so Christmas is on Tesco !!!

Excellent post Getting help. Been there and done it!

My Tesco vouchers (clubcard and survey earnings) have paid for the drinks. Parents have helped towards the rest.

Great post getting help and one I totally agree with, I often used to panic about Christmas but now now, I have a budget and stick to it religiously.
Wishing all those who are starting out on their journey and collating paperwork etc., a happy conclusion as this time next year they'll hopefully experience this feeling too. x

I pretty much feel like that myself, the dread of Christmas last year is a dim memory now. The joy of this Christmas is still flowing, can't wait to see what the big guy in red has for me [:D]. I actually feel happier with the little we have than what we used to go through to "feel good". Great post and Happy Christmas to all.

fantastic post and very welcome as I am one of those who is just going through the process now, this month is proving very hard, although I am very good at budgetting (just not enough money to live after paying creditors) this month is hard as I had already paid a number of creditors before making that nervewracking first phonecall and since then accepted I can no longer use credit, so trying to make it through the month!

I have my phonecall with Mel tomorrow which I am really looking forward to (hoping she will put my mind at rest!) but am also really nervous about as I feel our whole future relies on her expertise at the moment.

I am so glad things are very different for you this xmas, hopefully we will be reporting the same thing next year!

Mel will certainly put you at ease lem.

If you need to talk off forum then let me know.

thanks Jan, I could do with it, I have added you as a frugal friend xxx

I'll email you lem.

thanks Jan xxx

Lem, good luck with your call tomorrow, I know from my own experience with Mel and her team you have nothing to be concerned about, although having said that when I was at the point you are I was feeling exactly the same. You will be fine and its such a relief when its all over you can breathe/sleep and move forward with your life.

Mel's expertise will get you through this and that is a fact. Mel cares about each and every one of her clients and nobody is a number with her.

Couldn't agree more.

great post, just what we need at the moment,paperwork gone off. gifts are smaller,but all bought with money(i'd been buying through the year in sales). food money budgeted for already-cash. yes things are tight but i know my hubby won't be dreading post in the new year,no c c card bills.

I was just guilty of shopping full stop! Didn't care how I paid for it as long as I had it.

Rosepetal you will have a fab Christmas and it is a great feeling when the postman either walks straight past or brings you junk mail!