It's worse than I thought.

phoenix, I am so sorry that you find yourselves in this situation.

I have to wonder, though, why Mr P thought it wise to buy that new car recently. Has he been burying his head in the sand, d'you think...? Whatever, try not to worry, you'll get through this!

Ana thanks for your response. At the time that himself bought the car (which is a 13 year old one) things were looking ok.

Unfortunately North Somerset Council decided to do away with all their current consultants, and get a new bunch in at a cheaper rate. Mr P had the privilege of training them!

phoenix I am so sorry you are in this situation, its terrifying I know as we have been where you are in the past.
I contacted our mortgage provider who were very understanding and did ease the situation for us, we then when things got back onto an even keel managed to bring things back in line. But from experience approach them before they have to start to contact you it puts you in a much better position.
Also contact any other people who you owe anything to, they can usually come up with some kind of repayment package.
All I can say is try to keep your chin up...... things will and do get better {{{hug}}}

Oh Phoenix it brings back the unhappy times when DH had been made redundant and was unemployed/self employed and too ill to actually work - did he claim benefits? What do you think. He also was in a certain amount of denial - shopping at John Lewis as if we still had money, but an understandable reaction. It was a constant worry lurching from crisis to crisis and for you, on top the the malarkey with your "friends" and your car....well. Don't panic - if that is possible, there are more sensible ways of realising assets or arranging emergency funding than the expensive drwing of cash on your credit card.

Dear glass thank you for your good wishes, they are much appreciated.

With regard to others that I owe money to, I already have repayment agreements in place

I have always believed in facing things, rather than the "fingers in the ears, la la la " approach, but I don't know where to start this time.

Our mortgage is interest only, and is currently around £550 pm.

I think that most members who read some of my posts, thinks of me as upbeat, humorous etc, unfortunately I'm feeling far from that at the moment.

phoenix even interest only its worth speaking to them, they do try to help out. Go back to the other company's and explain that your situation has changed and ask if they can amend the payment you are making, it can be in their interest to accept a smaller repayment rather than go down the other road where they could get noting back.

Oh dear phoenix I wish I could offer you some helpful advice, what a rotten, rotten situation for you to be in. So sorry. Hope you manage to sort something out with your mortgage lender

I don't know what to say phoenix. (((hugs))). I'm sure you've looked at claiming all the benefits you can.

Thanks to all who have replied, you have no idea how much it is appreciated.

kitty at the moment it would appear that I'm not entitled to any benefits, but have filled in all the relevant forms. However, I'm not holding my breath.

Phoenix you must be worried sick. So, so sorry. Often things have a way of working out in the end. Hang on in there

phoenix I am so sorry you are in this situation and send (((hugs))) NS Council have a lot to answer for right now as they are in danger of making my DD2 homeless. Government cutbacks . You are entitled to feel bitter and I hope next week brings better news for you.

phoenix, it's a real shock to the system when things seem to be toddling along not too badly, and then something that you suspected might just happen, does happen.
At the moment you're really worried - it goes without saying, but you know you'll come out the other end of this. You've fought your way through a lot of bad stuff, and you'll get through this as well. Something will come up. It always does. You are not like your neighbour who 'will neither work nor want'. You wouldn't be able to live your life like that. xx

phoenix I'm so sorry to hear how things are. I can imagine how low you must be feeling. Your circumstances are different his month than last, so it's worth talking again to an advisor because they may now be able to help in some way.

If your OH is getting JSA at the moment, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support - though the old CT Benefit has gone.

phoenix sometimes we do seem upbeat/humerous to others, but! underneath (very well hidden) we can have many worries, too numerous to mention and usually financial, I can only suggest take a day at a time and like others have suggested maybe have a chat with your mortgage people......

Oh Phoenix (hugs) xxxx

So sorry Phoenix. Can't really add to what the others have said, but you will get through it.

phoenix, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. It's something that a lot of us fear.
However, I'm sure you will work something out, keep your chin up, we are all wishing you well.
(((hugs)))

Oh dear! I do wish there was some useful advice or practical help I could give!
I presume you have tried the CAB?

To echo others, so sorry to hear of your situation. Good advice given by others. Only a suggestion, but could you raise some cash by selling at an on line auction site. It is sometimes surprising how much can be raised with every day items. Hope things improve soon.x

So sorry you are having a difficult time (((((hugs)))))

(((Hugs))) from me too phoenix I have been there too. One way or another you will come through it. xx

I'm really sorry that you're having to suffer this Phoenix.

I think in the past you said that you are already in negative equity - does this still apply? Property prices in your area may have gone up so that there could be a chance of downsizing?

Stay strong, you will get through this eventually - you've suffered worse things.

The only practical thing that I can think of would be could you take in a lodger? Have you got a room which you could rent out until you are through this very sticky period?
So sorry.