"This does not take into account buying clothes that we need or any holidays or any leisure activities. We can't afford any luxury whatsoever. "

I'm really sorry to sound harsh when I say this, but the debt that you accrued was of your own doing, therefore it is now your responsibility to repay, to which I know you are not shying away from, but appear to be complaining that your finances are now stretched to the point of just about being able to live. You were responsible enough to take out the debt, therefore now times are hard you pretty much have to bite the bullet and deal with it.

Everyone deserves a break, that’s a fact of life, but when it comes down to keeping a roof over your head or food on the table, then why complain about having to sacrifice a holiday.

You don’t need to buy new clothes each month, I’m sure if you really reviewed you complete financial affairs, there will be areas where you will be able to reduce outgoings. People have to make sacrifices, tough decisions. If it was me, I would rather be happier clearing the debt and cutting out a luxury lifestyle, as to be honest, I couldn’t sleep at night with that sort of commitment.

£300 per month for food for 2, would quite easily be achievable. Me and my partner are on low incomes, we can survive, healthily, on £250 per month, that includes feeding a 2 year old. So how you can struggle with £300, I really don’t know.

I would assume you’ve got a big car, which drinks fuel, if so, change it. Save money on fuel costs. Do you have 2 cars, if so, do you really need 2 cars, 2 cars is a luxury. Do you shop at pricy supermarkets? Why not look at the cheaper supermarkets ie… A*da. Fruit, veg, in today’s costs higher, but still “reasonably” priced.

Heating and electricity, are you really taking all the options available to reduce your electricity and heating costs? Have you got Gym memberships? Do you really need them or can you go for a run in a park? People with no money do these things to survive, so why should you be different as you’ve got a higher income.

Like I said to start, you were responsible enough to take out the debts, now it’s time to really tighten up, make savings and be responsible enough to clear the debt, once it’s cleared, don’t get back into the same situation and manage your money better, then you will be able to have the lifestyle you crave.

Some of the comments on here are very harsh.