Typo houses* should obviously say house - singular !!

Hi boys1211.

I think everyone has felt the pressure of price inflation over the last couple of years, trust deed or not.

I'll drop out of the thread now as I think this is for others, but I'm glad that you feel secure about your major bills. That's really one of the big things that the process should be about... when you match a determined client with a good trustee the outcome should be positive overall even if there are challenges on the way.

Hi Boys 1211. I do understand exactly what you are saying. My TD started 2009 and is just finished. I am awaiting discharge. It has been the hardest 3 years for me. I found prices going up although my salary did not (fortunate to have a good job, just no increases). I am very fortunate that I have a company car, although the car tax increased by £70 month in April for the same car due to change in government policy. I had to do everything possible to reduce outgoings and every £10 counted. It was particularly difficult because of the job I have which requires me to socialise and dress well among other things. Like you,I very much appreciated that I have house, could pay bills, had a car and kept my job. Not everyone is so lucky. I am so pleased my TD is over. Hang on in there. Try to re-negotiate insurances, energy suppliers, anything you can. Drop what you don't need. When I managed to do that and save a little, I felt so much better - and a little more in control, even if I was not :-). And remember, the next year will pass and it will be over!

Hi Firewalker,
Thanks for that & you're right of course !!! What hasn't helped is the fact that our energy supplier set up our direct debit last year then we recieved a bill saying we owed them a fortune - so our monthly DD for gas & electric shot through the roof...grrrr !! Defo changing as soon as we can which will probs be after Xmas by time "arrears" are paid off !!!
Also our combined TD payment is £900 a month so come next year it's going to be great to have money in the bank (not for squandering) again !!! Feel I'm wishing our lives away a wee bit the now !!

My last 3 years have been wished away - crawling to the end of each year - and if you find that dramatic, it is not meant to be - it is truly how I experienced the same. I had the same with the energy company I switched to, and it was a shock for a year. Good that you are focussed on the free cash next year some time. If you can get through the festive season with the end in sight, it will be here in no time. Like you, I am so grateful to have my home and as you say, some free cash. It is like 3 years of training to manage with cash :-).

I am exactly the same due to complete trust deed in may and counting down the months. I have a good job and am fortunate my husbands income is not affected so when things get really tight I can send him out to do overtime! That aside I am the main breadwinner and I think I have now cut every living cost possible without disconnecting the landline and stopping the internet connection. It is hard going but my kids are still young and don't know the difference when they get hand me down clothes and second hand toys. I am on money saving sites alot and have found lots of good tips. After saying all that if I don't get a payrise this year (not had one in 4 years) I won't be able to afford the nursery costs so we can both work! I have certainly learn't my lesson now. If you want to buy something ask yourself if you need it and can afford it. Then you don't but it unless it it absolutely essential! Haven't bought much recently!

Be advised, guys, that while its great to have the extra cash after you complete your trust, they can get at any windfalls like lottery or inheritances, etc until you are discharged. And discharge can take many months. My last payment Dec11 and not discharged yet! PPI claims delayed things but still.

Many firms, including those represented on this forum, will discharge people from their trust deeds as soon as they have completed their contributions, and then stay in office themselves to clear up any outstanding matters. I guess your trustee won't do this nicoll406? Or did you sign before 1/4/08?