Debt Consolidation Calculator

Exactly 12 months ago, out of the blue, BANG!, I was given redundancy notice. The message inside my Xmas card read "Merry Christmas, thanks for your efforts, have a mince pie and a P45...". Debt was now top of my christmas card list, whether I wanted it or not.


Debt can be an extremely debilitating condition. Debt affected every waking action, and every sleeping moment. Spending money on ANYTHING, took on a whole new significance. Debt distorted my perception of what was important, and by how much.
However, I decided to do EVERYTHING in my power to alleviate at least some of the pressure, and if reading this causes you to pause and think, re-evaluate, plan, and act, then you will be amazed at how refreshed you feel. How every so slightly more energised you are. The problem wont be gone. Thats a fact. But you will observe it differently. Thats also a fact.


My plan was to start with a strategy, and a list of rules.
Rule 1: STICK TO THE RULES
Stupid as it sounds, its easy to revert back to old habits. Keeping focus was key.


Rule 2: DONT DESPAIR
There is help out there. Citizens Advice are excellent. Dont be afraid to ask!. If they cant help, your next question is "do you know who might?"


Rule 3: BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF
List everything you owe. When its due, how much, other outgoings, daily treats etc. etc.. You may be scared by the list. You may be frightened to add things. But do not omit anything. If you think of it, then add it.


Rule 4: BE HONEST WITH EVERYONE ELSE, IMMEDIATELY!
Tell everyone you owe, your circumstances. Record any correspondence, with a diary, notepad etc. It helps to keep you aware of who knows what. It shows you are being proactive, and not ignoring circumstances. You may be very pleasantly surprised by the replies you recieve.


Rule 5: WRITE A LIST OF DAILY TASKS, TICK OFF WHEN COMPLETE.
This helps keep you motivated, and keeps you routine.


Slowly but surely, things should improve. There are many helpful on-line calculators, to assist with the process. So choose one, grab that piece of paper now, and make the start.