[Suzanne]

Hi
I am 25 and work as a Marketing Manager. I am happy in my relationship and my job is pretty good - its not really me but I am doing ok. I left home at 18 and have been renting ever since and have occured a large amount of debt (£18k) over several years. This has been a combination of not earning enough to afford basic outgoings - rent etc and general over spending - holidays, clothes etc.

I think I live in complete denial most of the time - but I really want to change and turn the situation around. My parents do not know my financial situation - I feel too ashamed to tell them and are very worried they would be dissapointed in me and I do not want them to worry as it is my responsible to pay off the money I have spent. I am meeting all my monthly repayments (just) so I am gradually paying my debts off but it will take years.

I feel quite anxious about the future, my boyfriend also has debt (£12.5k) which his parents know nothing about either.

Should I tell my parents? Or would it just make them worry. My sister who is 2 years younger than me is doing well for herself, she lives and works in London and is on a very good wage and has impressive savings. I worry that if I come clean my dad in particular will compare me against my sister and will be dissaprove of the way I have acted over the last few years.

My debts do cause me to feel worried and stressed and often when this happens I will buy something to cheer myself up - its just a cycle.

Can anyone give me any advice ?? - I really want to make a success of myself but feel totally lost as to where to turn.

Is anyone else in a similar situation??

[Paul]

graham, on Jul 30 2006, 08:35 PM, said:

may I suggest you try national debtline.co.uk, very helpful good luck

Parents do like to compare but you need to know that they are you parents no matter what...and they should love you...no matter what. Telling them will show them that you want to take responsibility for your actions. Maybe you could come up with a plan before talking to them, so they know that you are taking initiative to figure this out and could use some support. You can look into solving debt here What do to when in debt
also as the previous posting said debt line is a good website as well here is the link
National Debt Line
If you take the time to figure out your options and lay it all out to your parents they should eventually understand. I hope it goes well, and don't worry about being compared to your sister. You guys are completely different people and that would make no sense. Every person in the world takes a different path through life and has different experiences to shape them the way they are.

[FinVik]

if you are sure you dont have any other way out. and you feel the earnings yo have right now will not help you in getting out of this debt. then you have no other option but to go to your parents for help (if they can afford it). if you think you can pay it back your self then plan better, and start doing as per the planning.
Vik