Reasons to be Cheerful XXVII ( #R2BC )

Welcome back Michelle after your break - hope all of us guest hosts looked after this OK for you!

1) Cars

The fact that my Skoda may have completely packed in on Friday could have left me in a complete state. Luckily my lovely mum bought me a Saxo off a friend on Friday morning so I am mobile again. It's going to take some getting used to having a little car and not an estate (plus no power steering) but I have re-gained my independence.

2) My daughter

Last night I went to see my daughter perform in her school's KS2 Christmas musical. I was very proud of the dance routine she performed with a group from her class. She was doing it again tonight with her grandparents watching.

Checking out her rock star pink mohican!

3) Getting festive

Despite the downbeat post earlier this week I am feeling more festive. Our decorations are up - just outdoor lights awaiting the end of the rain! The brief flurry of snow made Christmas seem closer. Tomorrow is my son's nativity play - wonder if I'll cry at sight of him as a sheep!


4) Winner!


I was so tired I forgot one of my biggest reasons to be cheerful! I have won a family Christmas Experience Day at South Lakes Wildlife Park. The park is free at the moment to everyone but all the extra Christmas bits still cost. We are getting a free lunch, a ride on the train to visit Santa and a chance to feed Santa's reindeer - not sure who is most excited me or the children ;-)


5) Kindness of others


Another late breaking one was the arrival tonight of an unexpected hamper from Christians Against Poverty. It is so kind of the people at Parr St Church in Kendal so send my children and I a box of Christmas goodies that we can't afford to buy ourselves.

Debt Help: Christians Against Poverty

If you are struggling with debt and don't know where to turn then maybe you should consider calling Christians Against Poverty on 0800 328 0006. They provide FREE debt counselling for everyone (you don't have to be a Christian) and as a charity they are not in it for profit but just to help. They have been endorsed by Martin Lewis the Money Saving Expert as well as banks and the courts as a great way to get out of debt. 


Instead of going to visit them they come and visit you in your home so its much more relaxed. This is their first of their "steps to freedom" where a Debt Coach and Support Worker take down all the financial details. They then send this off to the head office where a financial adviser works out a realistic and effect budget for your Debt Coach to bring back to discuss with you at your home.


Once this agreed you open up a special account with the organisation so that they can distribute money to your creditors and make sure your bills are paid. CAP will negotiate with any banks you owe money to so that there is a sensible payment plan. It is also possible to use this account to make savings or a voluntary donation to the charity.


If your debts are too great then they will help you through insolvency (bankruptcy) and assist with form filling and attend court with you.  As long as you work with them they will carry on assisting you until your debts are all gone.


So stop having sleepless nights and avoiding opening post or answering the phone and give them a call!