fed up ***happy update***

I bet you are fed up- I would be too! Is there anyone that could lend you the money at all? A family member? Or what about getting an interest free credit card, you could pay that off after the wedding and you wont end up out of pocket.

Put it on a credit card which would give you time to pay it off x

Would £283 make a massive difference to your wedding budget? Have you discussed it with OH or family? Can you plan your budget to be able to save it? Have you spoken to the OU explaining the situation and requesting extra time to pay it? I think they would rather ahve the money eventually than risk losing a customer (sorry student?)

Unfortunately, due to debt problems I was left with after I threw my ex out, I can't get an interest free credit card. OH's card is what we've been using for the wedding so we can't really put more on there. I could ask my parents, but they've done so much for us already and they are pensioners, so I don't feel its right to ask for more.

No, it really is a matter of just taking a year out and I'll get over it but I'm going to be a bit grumpy and fed up for a week or so.

ETA: pittabre, I will phone the OU tomorrow and plead.

Aww, that is a shame

Were you expecting to pay a contribution? if not, have you double checked your student loan entitlement? They got mine seriously wrong a couple of years ago but a few lengthy phone calls sorted it!

If borrowing isn't an option, do the OU have any hardship loans you might be eligible for?

There's been some changes in the way they calculate it. I've never had to pay before as the OU themselves have always funded me. I can apply for a grant from student loans apparently but the application had to be done by the end of june and at that point I had no way of knowing I might need it! I don't think the OU have hardship loans but I can add that to the list of questions to ask them tomorrow. this could be a very long phone call!

Ask your parents I know it's hard to keep asking for help but I'm sure for something like this they wouldn't bat an eye lid. Could anybody else pop it on their card for a couple of months? And I know it's a tough thing but have you considered (I haven't looked at the maths so I might be completely off here) one of those vanquish cards a higher interest but more people accepted onto it and get it paid off asap to reduce the costs of it but you would also benefit from a help with your credit rating from it X

It seems such a waste to have to put it off for a year. Is there any way you could find some of it then ask if they can set up a direct debit/payment plan type thing?

Or work out how long you will need to pay it off and ask your parents. As others have said I'm sure they will be more than willing to help you. It's an important step in your future.

Thank you all! My parents are amazing but they are paying out a large amount to provide us with a daytime reception at their home. They helped us buy a new car which we are repaying in installments already, and they are helping to fund my daughter through her next two years of education.

After the end of my previous marriage, I was left in thousands of pounds worth of debt, with no home and in danger of losing my children. Without my parents, I wouldn't be in a position to get married again and I would probably be in even worse debt instead of having no debts at all.

I swore that I would only ask them for more help if I was in desperate need. As annoying and frustrating as this is, it isn't desperate need so I won't ask them.

I have been on the phone to the OU this morning and it seems I may be eligible for a low interest loan to pay for the remainder which I can then pay off in full after the wedding costs are all paid.

The application is in so all I need now are good vibes from all the lovely otters please!

Lots of vibes heading your way bekki - I really hope it works out for you to not have to delay it.

Have some vibes, i'm glad you've found a possible solution.

Lots of vibes heading your way!

Loads of vibes you can get that loan!

Many many many vibes!!!

Fingers crossed and vibes xx

Lots of vibes heading your way Bekki!

Which module have you applied for? I did the same course as you a few years ago and I might still have the revision books that I bought for the exam. I know that it's a while off yet but if I have them, I will happily send them to you.

Good luck!

Thank you Teabag, that would be fantastic! I'm (hopefully) starting cognitive psychology.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! !!

Otter vibes are the best thing ever.

I can start my next module in january ???

Good news bekki!

Good going Bekki! I'm glad you can get on with your next module, something to look forward to after the planning is finished!

Awesome news. So pleased for you. Hurrah!!!!

Missed this, really pleased you got it sorted.

Great news. Glad that it is all sorted! Really pleased for you

Bekki I'm so glad to see there's hope! Everything is crossed for you!

Oh I missed page two, stupid phone. Horraaaaaay for you getting to start your course!!!! Woop!