I wanted to write something about my experiences over the last 3 years in a trust deed, and hopefully pass on some decent advice to anyone currently considering entering into one or indeed in one at the moment.

Of course you aren't obliged to take anything I say on board but maybe someone who has been there and come out the other side can help a little bit.

I started my TD back in April 2008 and like most people who go down this route I was sinking in a sea of debt from various loans and credit cards. I had completely overstretched and my circumstances had changed ÔÇô I had a little girl and two stepchildren to support as well as my fianc?® and I (we) couldn't see a way out. We decided after doing an Income/expenditure that it was the correct way to go (after taking advice as well).

It was hard at first having to budget and with no access to credit but on the other hand the relentless phone calls stopped and my heart didn't miss a beat every time I heard the letterbox rattle. And once the first payment was made to my TD company I almost felt a sense of relief ÔÇô this was what was happening now, not robbing Peter to pay Paul, not borrowing from family members to cover minimum credit card payments.

If I could say one thing it is live your life. I felt guilty after a few months going on a camping holiday which was paid for by someone else largely but then I knew I cold return the favour once three years were up. Gradually you learn to live WITH the TD ÔÇô the monthly payment becomes part of your life for 36 months.

Another thing I did was always communicating with my TD company whenever I felt the need to or when I received a review notice (usually every 6 months). When I had my hours cut at work they were very understanding and reduced my payments and I would like to think this was because I was always honest and up front which allowed a degree of flexibility.

So anyway if you do read this, thanks and good luck. As I say, live your life. And 3 years is shorter than you think.