“I thought my children needed the best of everything – but they just need to be warm and loved”
“As a new parent, you have so many extra costs. Essentials like nappies and baby wipes are expensive, and you can spend a fortune on baby chairs and cribs, which they grow out of quickly. Although it’s easy to pick them up second-hand, there’s still a cost.
“My debts spiralled when my daughter, now two, was born. I already had a three-year-old son, and I thought they needed the best of everything – including the latest fashion clothing and gadgets. What I now know is that all they need is a warm home and love.
“I bought a lot of things from catalogues that my daughter didn’t really need, and eventually reached the point where I owed £9,500.
“I know from my own experience that it’s really hard to ask for help. You feel embarrassed that you’ve managed to get yourself into so much debt but there’s so much support out there.
“Even speaking to someone at Creditfix helped to take some of the stress and pressure away. Now I’m paying off my debts in manageable amounts through an IVA, instead of worrying that they’ll increase even more.
“Life is really difficult for families at the moment, and I’m concerned about the cost of gas and electricity and whether I’ll be able to keep my children warm this winter. But at least I’ve got my spending and debts under control.”