Recession - Can't Cope - advice needed

sinking fast

Hi,
Don't know if i'm on the right forum for this, so apologies if i'm not. I know everyone is sick to death of hearing about the recession and the impact its having on the whole country. But I'm in real trouble here and don't know what to do or where to turn. So I would really appreciate any advice that may help.

I am a single parent of two teenage children. And have worked all my life since leaving school. I never looked for handouts. But I don't get maintenance payments from the father, he has left the country. But i got the house instead. My problem is like many thousands of other's i lost my job at Christmas. got 3k in redundancy which is now almost gone -spent on mortgage/bills/food/kids etc. I don't have payment protection on my mortgage (thought i had, but it doesn't cover redundancy) I get 242€ lone parents allowance pw for myself and kids, my mortgage is €1029pm and home improvemnt loan is 200€pm. I don't qualify for mortgage assistance from Community Welfare on grounds that I shouldn't have qualified in first place for this loan on grounds of earnings but was given it anyway(had no choice to take it in order to literally keep the roof over my childrens head) you do what you have to do to survive, it was manageable at time and company i worked for was and still is going very well, I was singled out for redundancy unfairly so have commenced a case for unfair dismissal, but have no guarentee I will win but was very badly treated so on principal they need to be held accountable. My problem is I can't survive now - I am literally circuling the drain, and sinking fast. I can't sleep/eat and am waking up in sweats as i feel i am about to lose everything. I have applied for 24jobs since christmas and have had only two responses telling me politely to PFO.

Is it even worth going to MABS given that I don't have anything to offer bank in first place without taking food electricty/heat from my children? I'm with EBS and they don't offer "holiday" on mortgage. I feel i have tried everything i can think of and getting nowhere. This is really infuriating given that instead of bleeding the system for welfare payments I worked and paid taxes like everyone else, but now when I am in serious trouble I can't get any help?? I have even considered selling my home but there is nothing selling in my area. Have considered handing keys to bank manager and emigrating but where do i go? i'm 40yr old secretary and too old for Aus.

For first time in my life i feel there is no hope, no way out. and am at an all time low, feel i've failed my children and they would be better off without me.

I'm not looking for sympathy/nor do i need the "tough" get over it" rants, but would really really appreciate some help or advice? I know i'm not alone in this and there are others a lot worse off than me but after spending wks of sleepless nights and freaking out its starting to really affect me. What's more worrying is we are only in the commencement of this recession, and its going to get a whole lot worse from what i read. What's one to do? surely there is some hope? Since i can't get full-time work, should i try partime and claim FIS? what would that earn me?

Please help, any advice would be very much appreciated, as right now a bottle of vodka and the cliffs of moher are looking more and more the only way out of this., (I don't say that lightly but can't see the woods for the trees)

thanks
Worried sick

MagicMarker

There will be other people along soon to give advice on the financial side of things.

But I will say this, applying for 24 jobs since xmas is not a lot. That works out to about one job application every two days!! The more jobs you apply for, the better chance there is of getting a response!! Apply to absolutely EVERYTHING, you should try and apply to at least 5+ jobs a DAY.

There are jobs out there, there's just SO many people applying for them, so make yourself stand out, tailor your CV for each specific job, tailor your cover letter for each job. If you don't get a response back after 2 or 3 days, call them, make it known that you're there. Sell yourself.

What kind of work are you looking for?

Are your kids old enough to work? Are they making contributions to the house?

stupidusername

Ok, might be missing something here but .....

What about the dole? Is that not an option? I know there are waiting periods now since there's a back log but worth a try no? Could you try renting out your house? either the whole thing or just a spare room. Do you have family you could move in with? I'm sure you would get sympathy from them as everyone can see what tough situations many people are in. If you had someone to move in with, you could rent out your whole house and get a lot of rent that way...?
only suggestions

sinking fast

MagicMarker wrote: »

There will be other people along soon to give advice on the financial side of things.

But I will say this, applying for 24 jobs since xmas is not a lot. That works out to about one job application every two days!! The more jobs you apply for, the better chance there is of getting a response!! Apply to absolutely EVERYTHING, you should try and apply to at least 5+ jobs a DAY.

There are jobs out there, there's just SO many people applying for them, so make yourself stand out, tailor your CV for each specific job, tailor your cover letter for each job. If you don't get a response back after 2 or 3 days, call them, make it known that you're there. Sell yourself.

What kind of work are you looking for?

Are your kids old enough to work? Are they making contributions to the house?

thanks for your suggestions.
only reason i applyed for 24 is that's all that's been advertised so far. Very little available.have applied for everything - even "cold calling" as in sent to every company around.
would prefer secretarial again as that's what i'm qualified for. but would do anything. One recruitment agency have said i'm "too qualified" which is crap. you'd imagine they'd want someone with loads of experience. even willing to take min. pay but that's not good enough.

Kids are 15 & 18 one junior cert year. the other in college (is working partime to fund this) he need's this to get some sort of education. i know in my day college wasn't an option - we were forced to work to bring in money at home. but he hasn't a hope of getting job either right now. so i feel his education is most important.

glezo

hi,

since readiing your letter im heart broke fro you and your kids.
im a lone parent also but thank god im still working and my job is safe..

MABS are very helpfull they will speak to any where you have lones out from and make arragements to pay lower amounts if possible
i know their always busy but give them a go.

also banks are trying their best to save people from loseing their houses so go into them in the moring and talk
im sure they cud put you on the rite road (maybe/ hopefully)


remember this you have not failed your kids, your the one whos still around and all they've got
this suitation is not a fail on your behalf remember


please im begging you ring MABS in the morning arrange a appointment

and please go into bank also tomorrow

you never know unless you go

will keep in touch to see how you get on so now you have to go in cause i be checking up on you 2morrow eveining

chin up you get through it

sinking fast

stupidusername wrote: »

Ok, might be missing something here but .....

What about the dole? Is that not an option? I know there are waiting periods now since there's a back log but worth a try no? Could you try renting out your house? either the whole thing or just a spare room. Do you have family you could move in with? I'm sure you would get sympathy from them as everyone can see what tough situations many people are in. If you had someone to move in with, you could rent out your whole house and get a lot of rent that way...?
only suggestions

have advertised a double room but as yet have got nothing back - I live about 10miles from nearest industrial estate - there are 100's available closer for ppl working or nearest college is 14miles from me so student accommodation wouldn't work as there are loads near the university.

don't have family i can go to either. one married sister with four kids in 2bed house.

Juwwi

is moving thetwo kids into the same bedroom and renting out a room an option for you?

I wont sove your problems but it might help with the mortgage.


I hope you get good news backfrom 1 of those jobs

Juwwi

forget my post didnt read ur last post

littlebug

1. talk to Mabs.
2. Keep advertising the room.
3. Look into typing/ transcribing work that you can do from home- advertise in the university etc.
4. would you think of volunteering a couple of mornings a week or something? It looks good on a cv and if you choose who you volunteer for carefully it could be a back door into getting some work.

LegacyUser

Do make an appointment with MABS - what they will do is contact everyone you owe money to, and buy you some time with them. I found this to be very helpful, and it relieves some of the stress. Once they see that you're working with MABS, they'll accept a minimum payment and back off until you're on a better footing.

What about doing a course? You can do a full time course (they start in September - maybe you could temp or pick up something part time wherever you can get it til then?). If you do a full time FETAC post leaving cert course, you'll qualify for a maintenance grant (works out at about 180ish euros per week), and you can also get a 500 euro payment for the fees and books if you go onto the Back To Education Allowance. This is the same amount as your lone parents, just the name of the payment changes.

These courses are usually about 350 for the year and mostly the books are not exepnsive. Training for something will give you more of an advantage on the job front, and you'll have the grant and can also work part time if you need to.

If you're over 23, you don't actually need to have done your Leaving to get onto one of these courses.

www.fetac.ie

http://studentfinance.ie/

Hope this helps.

I'm in the same boat as you - things are getting scary, but keep the chin up - you'll get it sorted

sinking fast

glezo wrote: »

hi,

since readiing your letter im heart broke fro you and your kids.
im a lone parent also but thank god im still working and my job is safe..

MABS are very helpfull they will speak to any where you have lones out from and make arragements to pay lower amounts if possible
i know their always busy but give them a go.

also banks are trying their best to save people from loseing their houses so go into them in the moring and talk
im sure they cud put you on the rite road (maybe/ hopefully)


remember this you have not failed your kids, your the one whos still around and all they've got
this suitation is not a fail on your behalf remember


please im begging you ring MABS in the morning arrange a appointment

and please go into bank also tomorrow

you never know unless you go

will keep in touch to see how you get on so now you have to go in cause i be checking up on you 2morrow eveining

chin up you get through it

will definately give MABS a ring. have rang the bank earlier this week and got nowhere, not a bit helpful, think when they saw my lone parents allowance they knew i hadn't a hope of making a decent monthly payment - hopefully MABS can get somewhere with them.

thank you for taking time to read my post and offer some ray of hope
best regards

Loxosceles

I, with an excellent CV and an ivy league education, two weeks ago went into every single retail location in Letterkenny retail park with my small daughter in tow using the following words: "Hello, I have become the sole income earner of the family (which is true) and I have managerial experience. Is it at all possible that your store is hiring associates?" This does not include the facetime I've been giving two agencies here and the skulking I've been doing everywhere else.

As a career-proud American, I have literally sunk this low, to bring my daughter with me to get it through the skulls of these people that I need work. And even though that's fighting dirty in Ireland, I got sympathetic looks from all the female managers (and they were literally almost crying as they looked at my daughter...I know I would have been scheduled for several interviews on the spot. Yes it's dirty I can't stand myself for doing it, but. I'm literally overqualified as it is.)

And the universal answer was this: there is a hiring freeze policy in effect in every retail location in Ireland literally until May.

I'm sitting on my ass here.

I'm about to do a full final transfer over the border to Derry because I'm absolutely sick and tired of this nonsense. And unlike you, I can't apply for benefits because I have a visa that doesn't allow it. So I know how you feel. My advice is, apply for those benefits ASAP and nobody needs to know about assets or retirement accounts. Especially if you understand it as such that your house assets are for your kids and anything in the bank can't be touched and is for retirement. Not being employed is not your fault. Apply for benefits ASAP and at least get something trickling in so you can prop up whatever else is falling down around you.

And, I might add, in one form or another, those taxes you paid are meant at some point to go straight back to you with interest. Your taxes are a loan you make to the government for operating costs out of your hard earned income. It's too bad my home country doesn't teach that attitude and instead used my hard earned money on bombs. Now finally it's going back in a new New Deal. You need to look at benefits like that as well, pride in self-sufficiency is a virtue you can maintain while getting benefits. You paid into them, you get them back when you need it.

sinking fast

Unregistered wrote: »

Do make an appointment with MABS - what they will do is contact everyone you owe money to, and buy you some time with them. I found this to be very helpful, and it relieves some of the stress. Once they see that you're working with MABS, they'll accept a minimum payment and back off until you're on a better footing.

What about doing a course? You can do a full time course (they start in September - maybe you could temp or pick up something part time wherever you can get it til then?). If you do a full time FETAC post leaving cert course, you'll qualify for a maintenance grant (works out at about 180ish euros per week), and you can also get a 500 euro payment for the fees and books if you go onto the Back To Education Allowance. This is the same amount as your lone parents, just the name of the payment changes.

These courses are usually about 350 for the year and mostly the books are not exepnsive. Training for something will give you more of an advantage on the job front, and you'll have the grant and can also work part time if you need to.

If you're over 23, you don't actually need to have done your Leaving to get onto one of these courses.

www.fetac.ie

http://studentfinance.ie/

Hope this helps.

I'm in the same boat as you - things are getting scary, but keep the chin up - you'll get it sorted

i did register with Fas 2wks ago, and here's the real sickener... they have a limited number on course attendees.. ie. one of the one's i look at was Payroll - 18 places - 62 applicants so far.. was told - you may get on this or other courses in early 2010.. they are inundated with applicants and thought i had a slight chance of getting bumped up the list because they give priority to redundancy cases & lone parents - guess how many places i jumped up on the list.. 3! it seems everywhere i try i get knocked back! i will have to go another route.. will look into the Fetac one's too tho.

thanks

glezo

have rang the bank earlier this week and got nowhere, not a bit helpful, think when they saw my lone parents allowance they knew i hadn't a hope of making a decent monthly payment

i cant believe they were at no help
word is out their that they will help people with mortages ????

typical once anyone sees your a lone parent they make you be out to be at fault and your a 3rd class citzen

Nevyn

Have you applied for FIS ?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/social-welfare-payments-to-families-and-children/family_income_supplement

Due to you having two children in full time education your income should not be less then
€590 a week and the FIS payment is to bring the house hold up to that.

There is a lot of information on the link above and your local welfare officer will be able to advise you on it.

ShawnRaven

Loxosceles wrote: »

I have literally sunk this low, to bring my daughter with me to get it through the skulls of these people that I need work. And even though that's fighting dirty in Ireland

That's not fighting dirty, that's doing what you can by any means necessary to be able to provide for your family. What any decent parent would do.

It's just that most Irish are too proud to do it, or stupid not to do it as the case may be. Credit to you for it, it's not the easiest step to take, but Ireland always has been a "don't ask? don't get!" country.

And when you've got f*ck all, then you've f*ck all to lose.

Jimdagym

Forget about phoning. You MUST go down to the bank and discuss this with them face to face. Forget that someone has given you the run around over the phone. As a secretary you must know how easy that is, and how hard it is to fob someone off thats standing in front of you.
There have been representative's from every single bank on the radio the last couple of weeks, begging people to come in as soon as they hit difficulty. Please go talk to them tomorrow morning.
I really wish you the best of luck.

LegacyUser

sinking fast wrote: »

i did register with Fas 2wks ago, and here's the real sickener... they have a limited number on course attendees.. ie. one of the one's i look at was Payroll - 18 places - 62 applicants so far.. was told - you may get on this or other courses in early 2010.. they are inundated with applicants and thought i had a slight chance of getting bumped up the list because they give priority to redundancy cases & lone parents - guess how many places i jumped up on the list.. 3! it seems everywhere i try i get knocked back! i will have to go another route.. will look into the Fetac one's too tho.

thanks

FETAC is a better option than Fas imo, as far as I know, you won't get an additional training grant with Fas but you can with FETAC... plus they have a better range of courses, bigger choice in colleges and training centres, and the qualifications at the end of them tend to be better and leave you more scope for continuing the training with an advanced course if that's what you want. Eg. FETAC level 5 or 6 can give you a pathway to a level 7 or 8 in a university. Good luck!

Just as an example, this is the college I went to - but there are others all over the country with a similar course list and set-up;
www.bife.ie

LegacyUser

Hi,

Firstly, sorry for your trouble - I know it is hard to believe, but you will get through this.
I will leave the other advice to other people, but on the bank side of things - do go into them and do tell them that you are in some difficulties and could you make an arrangement. Just be as honest as that.

I have a family member who got into huge debt on her credit card and just ignored the calls (couldn't get letters as she would not tell them her address) etc. So in the end with no other choice they cut her off and took away her cards. I was in the bank in question about some of my own stuff and got talking informally with the manager - he said "why didn't she just come in, we could have made an arrangement - even a tenner a week".

Now she can't get credit, loan, mortgage... they will help you to not end up like that. Just go in, be honest and they will sort something - they don't want the alternative!

J

sinking fast

Thaedydal wrote: »

Have you applied for FIS ?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/social-welfare-payments-to-families-and-children/family_income_supplement

Due to you having two children in full time education your income should not be less then
€590 a week and the FIS payment is to bring the house hold up to that.

There is a lot of information on the link above and your local welfare officer will be able to advise you on it.

was just talking about that last night, was wondering if i did take a part-time job, apply for FIS, and with my lone parents how much would i gain. one of my children is in college, have secured the grant, so prop wouldn't get any allowance for her, but yes, think it would be worth looking at.

sinking fast

Jimdagym wrote: »

Forget about phoning. You MUST go down to the bank and discuss this with them face to face. Forget that someone has given you the run around over the phone. As a secretary you must know how easy that is, and how hard it is to fob someone off thats standing in front of you.
There have been representative's from every single bank on the radio the last couple of weeks, begging people to come in as soon as they hit difficulty. Please go talk to them tomorrow morning.
I really wish you the best of luck.

thank you for that - your right nothing like the face to face approach - think i might take a leaf out of Loxosceles book and arrive with kids on tow..

but guy i spoke to on phone was so flipent with me it wasn't even funny he all but said "tough s*ite" - never got his name unfortunately was so upset

sinking fast

ShawnRaven wrote: »

That's not fighting dirty, that's doing what you can by any means necessary to be able to provide for your family. What any decent parent would do.

It's just that most Irish are too proud to do it, or stupid not to do it as the case may be. Credit to you for it, it's not the easiest step to take, but Ireland always has been a "don't ask? don't get!" country.

And when you've got f*ck all, then you've f*ck all to lose.

hear hear... i agree completely, you do what you have to do to survive in this world. fair play to you for getting your daughter to go, my kids are stubborn teenagers who havn't a clue what real desparation is... YET

ShawnRaven

sinking fast wrote: »

hear hear... i agree completely, you do what you have to do to survive in this world. fair play to you for getting your daughter to go, my kids are stubborn teenagers who havn't a clue what real desparation is... YET

I was one of those "kids in tow" in around 83, when we had an actual recession where the banks took away the houses at the drop of a hat and no government intervened.

It's not the most pleasant time for the country at the minute, jobs are going, pay cuts are being enforced, unions are moaning, the usual crap. But the trick is to stay mentally strong in all of this. We've been here before

80s recession
early 90s post recession
dot.com crash in 2001 for the IT sector, leaving several graduates and IT employees snookered for a while.

We've hit the bottom before and came out smiling, we'll do it again.

sinking fast

Unregistered wrote: »

Hi,

Firstly, sorry for your trouble - I know it is hard to believe, but you will get through this.
I will leave the other advice to other people, but on the bank side of things - do go into them and do tell them that you are in some difficulties and could you make an arrangement. Just be as honest as that.

I have a family member who got into huge debt on her credit card and just ignored the calls (couldn't get letters as she would not tell them her address) etc. So in the end with no other choice they cut her off and took away her cards. I was in the bank in question about some of my own stuff and got talking informally with the manager - he said "why didn't she just come in, we could have made an arrangement - even a tenner a week".

Now she can't get credit, loan, mortgage... they will help you to not end up like that. Just go in, be honest and they will sort something - they don't want the alternative!

J

ok, i'll have to face the music and go talk to someone face to face - just wondering if you can go to any of their branches? - reason i'm asking is I'm with EBS - went tru a broker to get the mortgage - EBS head office is in Dublin - will i have to go up there or can I go to one of the local branches? or should i go back to the broker?

sinking fast

ShawnRaven wrote: »

I was one of those "kids in tow" in around 83, when we had an actual recession where the banks took away the houses at the drop of a hat and no government intervened.

It's not the most pleasant time for the country at the minute, jobs are going, pay cuts are being enforced, unions are moaning, the usual crap. But the trick is to stay mentally strong in all of this. We've been here before

80s recession
early 90s post recession
dot.com crash in 2001 for the IT sector, leaving several graduates and IT employees snookered for a while.

We've hit the bottom before and came out smiling, we'll do it again.

God I do hope your right - but right now I really feel i am going under fast and before posting to Boards really felt the whole situation was completely hopeless. but least now i have a plan i didn't have this morning it goes as follows:
1. MABS
2. BANK (In person)
3. FETAC Courses
4. Part-time Work - hopefully qualify for part-time work - think there's a job in my local supermarket- 8.60 per hour - if someone can work out what FIS would earn me working 19hrs + 242lone parents that'd be great.
5. Calm Down!

ShawnRaven

sinking fast wrote: »

God I do hope your right - but right now I really feel i am going under fast and before posting to Boards really felt the whole situation was completely hopeless. but least now i have a plan i didn't have this morning it goes as follows:
1. MABS
2. BANK (In person)
3. FETAC Courses
4. Part-time Work - hopefully qualify for part-time work - think there's a job in my local supermarket- 8.60 per hour - if someone can work out what FIS would earn me working 19hrs + 242lone parents that'd be great.
5. Calm Down!

You got the right idea, especially for 3, 4 and 5 for the sake of your sanity.
I haven't been able to get jack sh*t regarding employment in four months, so i'm skilling up. I'm starting a teaching diploma in IT and Comms on Monday to get into the training aspect of the industry. A move i'd been contemplating for two years, but lack of time got in the way. Don't have that problem now!

There's a pretty good chance nothing will come of it immediately, however when this blows over and companies start hiring again (which is what a lot of this is, a putting on the brakes), i'll have more options than i had before all this crap started.

Stops me from being bored too.
One more piece of advice, don't read After Hours! There's so many recession threads over there that even the mods are sick of it there too!

LegacyUser

Breakdown of FIS payments:

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW22/Pages/8HowmuchcanIget.aspx

sinking fast

ShawnRaven wrote: »

You got the right idea, especially for 3, 4 and 5 for the sake of your sanity.
I haven't been able to get jack sh*t regarding employment in four months, so i'm skilling up. I'm starting a teaching diploma in IT and Comms on Monday to get into the training aspect of the industry. A move i'd been contemplating for two years, but lack of time got in the way. Don't have that problem now!

There's a pretty good chance nothing will come of it immediately, however when this blows over and companies start hiring again (which is what a lot of this is, a putting on the brakes), i'll have more options than i had before all this crap started.

Stops me from being bored too.
One more piece of advice, don't read After Hours! There's so many recession threads over there that even the mods are sick of it there too!

Best of luck with the course - if u need a really good secretary when u get really busy u know where i am! i could be a virtual secretary for u!

tbh - If i read/hear anymore about this recession i think i'll go insane - but when ur home alone and it's all over the radio/newspapers it gets to you. Believe me i don't need reminding how F*cked i am! won't deliberately go looking for more on it.

I will definately have to upskill myself - just need to figure out how i can do that and provide for my family. they have a nasty habit of needing food and shelter!

Best of luck with your upskilling and thanks for taking time to respond in my hour of need!

LegacyUser

Hi There,

A diploma for teaching IT will NOT give you any kind of safety in your job, I did it 7 years ago as I was sick of secretarial work, I did all the courses & yes I did get work, but it was so casual, no contract, a 'phone call on a Monday morning "we need you for three hours this morning, can you be here in 15 minutes?" I lived a 30 minute drive away from the place & another 15 minutes to find parking & walk to the place (this didn't include having a shower, ironing a blouse etc.), I got this a lot. I also taught night classes & in recent years (Sept. 2007 on) people who are being counselled have been told to take classes, I have had to put up with the following in my classes: people with a lot of drink taken, people who have to get a new set of notes every week because they can't be bothered to bring their own set, people who blame me because the Polish girl gets 100% in the exam & they are jealous (even though they pass anyway). In the past 18 months I have been insulted, moaned at & my confidence is shot. Don't become an IT teacher (if you asked me 18 months ago I would have reccommended it, but it has changed so much), it's precarious & soul destroying.

Hope things work out for you, I'm possibly going to lose my job in June & every morning I wake up & my tummy does flips thinking about it & then I tell myself "you don't live in Zimbabwe or the Gaza Strip.

There's a member of my family whose husband has got into business & he added their family home as collateral, he has now told her that he has another woman, so he's going to swan off & his wife & two children are going to lose their home over his speculation (which she went along with because she loved and trusted him).

Go to the Community Welfare Officer as well as MABS & all the rest, you may be entitled to a relief on your mortgage (I really thing that you are!!).

Very kind regards & my thoughts are with you.

ShawnRaven

Thanks, and best of luck to you too.

skooterblue

Hi OP,
Just to agree with whats gone before but I dont think the bank will reposses your house. The government told the banks to go easy on the mortgage payers after the cash injection. Then next thing is, the Banks dont want to have a heap of over valued houses on their hands. It is in their interested to keep you owning the house for the long term.

What a lot of people are talking about is going to Canada. Rent the house through an Agency. Possibly think of Canada. Its where a lot of people talk about going at the moment. I know it will be tough on the kids but you may have to cut your cloth to measure

Talk to the bank as long as you talk to them it works in your favour as you were seen to be making the effort. Yoou have a lot of difficult decisions ahead. Good luck

sinking fast

skooterblue wrote: »

Hi OP,
Just to agree with whats gone before but I dont think the bank will reposses your house. The government told the banks to go easy on the mortgage payers after the cash injection. Then next thing is, the Banks dont want to have a heap of over valued houses on their hands. It is in their interested to keep you owning the house for the long term.

What a lot of people are talking about is going to Canada. Rent the house through an Agency. Possibly think of Canada. Its where a lot of people talk about going at the moment. I know it will be tough on the kids but you may have to cut your cloth to measure

Talk to the bank as long as you talk to them it works in your favour as you were seen to be making the effort. Yoou have a lot of difficult decisions ahead. Good luck

thanks, for that - yes, i know of a lot of ppl going - if none of the above suggestions work out for me i will definately look into going. tried looking up criteria yesterday but couldn't find too much.

I know it'll be hard on kids but tbh at this stage i'm running out of options. I will talk to bank but on my current earnings there isn't a whole lot i can offer them. Even if they had that "holiday option" would have been something.

*Honey*

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055490947

My local Institute of Technology is offering this - now it may be nowhere near you, but check our your local Institute and/or VEC colleges and see if they're offering anything similar - might be useful.

Best of luck.

gurramok

Loxosceles wrote: »

And the universal answer was this: there is a hiring freeze policy in effect in every retail location in Ireland literally until May.

I'm sitting on my ass here.

I'm about to do a full final transfer over the border to Derry because I'm absolutely sick and tired of this nonsense. And unlike you, I can't apply for benefits because I have a visa that doesn't allow it. So I know how you feel. My advice is, apply for those benefits ASAP and nobody needs to know about assets or retirement accounts. Especially if you understand it as such that your house assets are for your kids and anything in the bank can't be touched and is for retirement. Not being employed is not your fault. Apply for benefits ASAP and at least get something trickling in so you can prop up whatever else is falling down around you.

I don't get this. There must be a retail position for you available in the border counties of the North?
So what if sterling has plummeted, you will have a job and when Sterling recovers and it will if it takes a year of 3, you will have something to show for it.
You live so close to there, with the daily invasion of southern shoppers/holidayers like myself, there must be an opening for you?

Loxosceles

gurramok wrote: »

I don't get this. There must be a retail position for you available in the border counties of the North?
So what if sterling has plummeted, you will have a job and when Sterling recovers and it will if it takes a year of 3, you will have something to show for it.
You live so close to there, with the daily invasion of southern shoppers/holidayers like myself, there must be an opening for you?

Sure if I want to spend three hours' wages with the equal Sterling on a bus there and back each day to work as a greasemonkey at Supermac's in Foyleside for two pound fifty an hour or whatever they pay with my profoundly overqualified CV that Irish people don't look at because I'm not Irish even though my daughter I have to support 50% is Irish. Sorry but I think I'd probably kill myself and Supermac isn't hiring there anyhow, I already asked.

It's a comparable time commute compared to working in Dublin, but in Dublin I was making real money. I am in the process of looking right now anyhow and there's a broadband company opening in Derry that can use my data entry speed. But it's slow going and honestly I'm fairly exhausted trying to manage all this crap alone as an unwelcome foreigner and separated parent with an imposed custody arrangement; right now it's all I can do to decide to ring a shrink who can listen to everything I've endured since moving here. And again, my visa does not allow me to collect benefits in either country, which means I either sit here and go broke thanks to policy or go home without my daughter, or go home with my daughter breaking international law and meet with the authorities in the US and go to jail.

All, and I mean all, retailers and chain retailers in Donegal are frozen on hiring. No exceptions. I don't have a disposable home I can just pick up and move, I am locked into the lease and moving costs, it will take money and resources that are dwindling.

I am literally SOL myself, which is why I am wasting my time being an angry and unsympathetic jerk on Boards with the exception of people in equally legitimate and grown up circumstances of dire straits, like the OP.

Hobart

I've scanned through most of the replies, so I'm probably just repeating myself here, but I'll highlight a couple of things that you should do, particularly in relation to the bank.

Firstly, talk to them. Not on the phone, go in to them. Take minutes of the meetings (time, date, who you spoke to, what was said).

Respond to everything. Do not be afraid to open those letters. Find the name of the sender and respond.

Be consistent in every response.

Pay them what you can afford. Do not overstretch yourself financially, use Mabs as a budgeting service, and pay what you can.

I know you have asked for a moratorium, ask again. I don't believe that "some" banks don't give them, they all do. If you are knocked back, go to their boss.

Ask to go onto interest only for a short period (12 months).

Be a nuisance. I don't mean that you should picket them, but they can in a lot of cases be faceless institutions, find out the names behind the faces, and make your case. Do not be put off by automatons on the phone, no does not mean no in most cases. They are not interested in your home, they are interested in getting their money.

Finally, be positive (as much as you can). This is my 3rd recession (I emigrated in the 80's) and it will end, there is no doubt about that. From a purely practical perspective, sleeplessness and stress are self-perpetuating, in other words, the less sleep you get the more you feel stress which leads to less sleep etc...and you also tend to look sh!te, which does not give any prospective employer the best impression .

I can't stress how important it is to keep good, clear records of how hard you are trying to make this work, make sure you do. Best of luck.

DublinWriter

OP - I can't stress enough how important it is to a) keep all contact with the bank and MABS in writing and b) keep a log of your contacts with them.

The reason is because should the bank try to repossess, you will be able to demonstrate to the judge your willingness to negotiate, which will be a huge plus for you.

sinking fast

Hobart wrote: »

I've scanned through most of the replies, so I'm probably just repeating myself here, but I'll highlight a couple of things that you should do, particularly in relation to the bank.

Firstly, talk to them. Not on the phone, go in to them. Take minutes of the meetings (time, date, who you spoke to, what was said).

just a note on this - i went tru a broker for mortgage - which went tru their office in Dublin - about 100miles from me - do i need to go in there or can i just go to local branch EBS?

Respond to everything. Do not be afraid to open those letters. Find the name of the sender and respond.

Be consistent in every response.

Pay them what you can afford. Do not overstretch yourself financially, use Mabs as a budgeting service, and pay what you can.

I'm meeting with MABS next week - but don't know what i can offer bank with only €242pw + 249€ childrens allowance for two kids, debts of: €1029 mortgage pm. and €200 home improvement loan pm to pay back?

I know you have asked for a moratorium, ask again. I don't believe that "some" banks don't give them, they all do. If you are knocked back, go to their boss.

Ask to go onto interest only for a short period (12 months).

Be a nuisance. I don't mean that you should picket them, but they can in a lot of cases be faceless institutions, find out the names behind the faces, and make your case. Do not be put off by automatons on the phone, no does not mean no in most cases. They are not interested in your home, they are interested in getting their money.

Finally, be positive (as much as you can). This is my 3rd recession (I emigrated in the 80's) and it will end, there is no doubt about that. From a purely practical perspective, sleeplessness and stress are self-perpetuating, in other words, the less sleep you get the more you feel stress which leads to less sleep etc...and you also tend to look sh!te, which does not give any prospective employer the best impression .

that's so true - have aged 10yrs in past few weeks! sleep is all over the place and when i do - i wake up in a panic - vicious circle

I can't stress how important it is to keep good, clear records of how hard you are trying to make this work, make sure you do. Best of luck.

thanks for that - need all the luck i can get that for sure

sinking fast

Hobart wrote: »

I've scanned through most of the replies, so I'm probably just repeating myself here, but I'll highlight a couple of things that you should do, particularly in relation to the bank.

Firstly, talk to them. Not on the phone, go in to them. Take minutes of the meetings (time, date, who you spoke to, what was said).

Respond to everything. Do not be afraid to open those letters. Find the name of the sender and respond.

Be consistent in every response.

Pay them what you can afford. Do not overstretch yourself financially, use Mabs as a budgeting service, and pay what you can.

I know you have asked for a moratorium, ask again. I don't believe that "some" banks don't give them, they all do. If you are knocked back, go to their boss.

Ask to go onto interest only for a short period (12 months).

Be a nuisance. I don't mean that you should picket them, but they can in a lot of cases be faceless institutions, find out the names behind the faces, and make your case. Do not be put off by automatons on the phone, no does not mean no in most cases. They are not interested in your home, they are interested in getting their money.

Finally, be positive (as much as you can). This is my 3rd recession (I emigrated in the 80's) and it will end, there is no doubt about that. From a purely practical perspective, sleeplessness and stress are self-perpetuating, in other words, the less sleep you get the more you feel stress which leads to less sleep etc...and you also tend to look sh!te, which does not give any prospective employer the best impression .

I can't stress how important it is to keep good, clear records of how hard you are trying to make this work, make sure you do. Best of luck.

tried to "multi quote" your post - didn't work - sorry new to boards .. have added comments to your suggestions. thanks for your help

sinking fast

DublinWriter wrote: »

OP - I can't stress enough how important it is to a) keep all contact with the bank and MABS in writing and b) keep a log of your contacts with them.

The reason is because should the bank try to repossess, you will be able to demonstrate to the judge your willingness to negotiate, which will be a huge plus for you.

will definately do that - but i pray it will not go that far

LegacyUser

MagicMarker wrote: »

But I will say this, applying for 24 jobs since xmas is not a lot. That works out to about one job application every two days!! The more jobs you apply for, the better chance there is of getting a response!! Apply to absolutely EVERYTHING, you should try and apply to at least 5+ jobs a DAY.



?

that would be grand if there as 5 jobs a day that were other then min wage to apply for. taking a min wage job would not resolve her financial problem

Hobart

just a note on this - i went tru a broker for mortgage - which went tru their office in Dublin - about 100miles from me - do i need to go in there or can i just go to local branch EBS?

Your finance is with EBS, the broker has done his bit, start off at the local EBS.

I'm meeting with MABS next week - but don't know what i can offer bank with only €242pw + 249€ childrens allowance for two kids, debts of: €1029 mortgage pm. and €200 home improvement loan pm to pay back?

You can only afford, what you can afford. You may also be due some tax back. Mabs will definitely help you in this regard, I would also make an appointment with your local Citizens Information Centre and find out if you are due any other income support.

sinking fast

Hobart wrote: »

Your finance is with EBS, the broker has done his bit, start off at the local EBS.

You can only afford, what you can afford. You may also be due some tax back. Mabs will definitely help you in this regard, I would also make an appointment with your local Citizens Information Centre and find out if you are due any other income support.

ok will go to them this morning. - thank you for taking the time to advice here

kmick

Your mortgage is your most pressing but in fact your least troublesome to put right in my book. Here is what you do.

1) Bring someone with you to the bank who has some financial savvy. Preferably male, in a suit and introduce him as Mr X - your financial advisor. This immediately cuts out any bullying tactics they will try.
2) Tell them about your situation and have it all written down on paper so you show them your income and outgoings. Make sure this is accurate to the cent.
3) Make them an offer. I would suggest 50 euro a month against your mortgage and 10 euro a month against your loan on the caveat it is just until you can find a job.
4) Try not to laugh when they fall off their chairs.
5) Explain that when the meeting is over you will be sending in your offer of €50 and €10 via registered post. You will be repeating the offer by normal post each month after that and it is up to them whether or not they accept.

This approach WILL work. You just have to adopt a brass neck attitude. Essentially if you make every attempt to make some form of repayment no court in the country will allow them to repossess your home. If they reject your offers you are in an even stronger position. My advice will be they will have to accept it. If you need any other help with this please fell free to PM me as I have some experience in this area. I can help you draft the letter if you like.

sinking fast

kmick wrote: »

Your mortgage is your most pressing but in fact your least troublesome to put right in my book. Here is what you do.

1) Bring someone with you to the bank who has some financial savvy. Preferably male, in a suit and introduce him as Mr X - your financial advisor. This immediately cuts out any bullying tactics they will try.
2) Tell them about your situation and have it all written down on paper so you show them your income and outgoings. Make sure this is accurate to the cent.
3) Make them an offer. I would suggest 50 euro a month against your mortgage and 10 euro a month against your loan on the caveat it is just until you can find a job.
4) Try not to laugh when they fall off their chairs.
5) Explain that when the meeting is over you will be sending in your offer of €50 and €10 via registered post. You will be repeating the offer by normal post each month after that and it is up to them whether or not they accept.

This approach WILL work. You just have to adopt a brass neck attitude. Essentially if you make every attempt to make some form of repayment no court in the country will allow them to repossess your home. If they reject your offers you are in an even stronger position. My advice will be they will have to accept it. If you need any other help with this please fell free to PM me as I have some experience in this area. I can help you draft the letter if you like.

Jeez - that sounds too good to be true?? could this really work? has it worked? - it woud be a fantastic help and a HUGE weight off my shoulders till i get myself sorted. Are you sure?

tbh

I know in PI it's kinda frowned on to ask the OP to update the thread, but, please, could you post back here and let people know how you get on? I'm sure there are a heap of frightened lurkers in the same position as you reading this thread and anything you can do to help throw some light on what happens will, I'm sure, come back to you in karma. I'm thinking about you OP, I really wish you the best.

Raskolnikov

You could try going to the St. Vincent de Paul. I've heard that they'll provide supplies to make sure that you don't go hungry and that your utilities bills are paid.

Raskolnikov

skooterblue wrote: »

Hi OP,
Just to agree with whats gone before but I dont think the bank will reposses your house. The government told the banks to go easy on the mortgage payers after the cash injection.

That only applies to banks that accepted recapitalisation cash.

I think the original poster has said she's with EBS, therefore they won't be covered by this guarantee.

sinking fast

tbh wrote: »

I know in PI it's kinda frowned on to ask the OP to update the thread, but, please, could you post back here and let people know how you get on? I'm sure there are a heap of frightened lurkers in the same position as you reading this thread and anything you can do to help throw some light on what happens will, I'm sure, come back to you in karma. I'm thinking about you OP, I really wish you the best.

no problem, I am going to follow All the advice given here and will definately update u all on progress if any made.

As for the Karma thing - i used to be a strong believer in it - was losing faith in it until i posted here and got huge support and best wishes - its been a real lifeline and given me hope for the first time in ages - for which i am very greatful - Thank you all

sinking fast

Raskolnikov wrote: »

You could try going to the St. Vincent de Paul. I've heard that they'll provide supplies to make sure that you don't go hungry and that your utilities bills are paid.

i have contacted SVP - can't get a response - would you believe this - SVP operate in their local catchment areas/towns. I happen to know the person that looks after this area and she won't return my calls (she's not exactly a very nice person tbh) she's a real busybody, and i have no clue how she came to be incharge here. ... I contacted the person in next town and they won't get involved in other towns... what do i do here? Could i complain her to someone? (without bringing more trouble to my door?)

sinking fast

Raskolnikov wrote: »

That only applies to banks that accepted recapitalisation cash.

I think the original poster has said she's with EBS, therefore they won't be covered by this guarantee.

Yes, I'm with EBS - does that mean they can do as they please, and go ahead and commence legal proceedings sooner rather than later if & when i default?