Schuldpraat, Before I knew it, I was with a $ 20,000 debt

in A divorce, a bankruptcy, an addiction: it is all debt and lead. In the Netherlands, some 32% of the households with payment arrears and one in seven Dutch people is ashamed of his or her financial situation. This week, Schuldpraat: Martijn Wijnands (33) was in debt after the death of his sister.

"I was 26 and would have to start with a course at a German educational institution," says Wijnands. "Due to circumstances, I was never in the school, but I had to be signed for. This meant that I was up to 6.000 euros, had to pay for it. A settlement was not possible.

to run Away from the situation and

and Then, things went from bad to worse. "I wasn't trying to blame you to think about. In the meantime, I conducted a rough life, and I had very little income. I have worked in the hospitality industry. Next thing I knew, I was sitting with $ 20,000 in debt." He was living at the time, along with a member of the household. "All the bills that are to come in, remain unopened on the mat, lying down. We were both good at looking around", he explains.

you can run Away from the situation, it is something that occurs more frequently under a day. "It feels like one of the safest, explains:" With the Long SchuldHulpMaatje out. "What, you don't see it, there doesn't seem to be. You have avoided this confrontation."

in The Long-recommend to just get in touch with on the internet. "If you are in the situation of the creditors, you know, that can be of help. Generally, to prove that creditors are willing to consider."

" We opened up the mail is no longer
The turning point for Wijnands came back to his home, was disabled. "My roommate and I received a notice in writing that there is a lawsuit against us was filed. However, since we are in a pattern, it had been the post office is not open, then we have the letter, miss." He decided to take action and report it to their parents.

"It's a shame that shame is sometimes so great, that the people on the call as they are in the water up to your lips," said Long. "During the first financial arrears to seek help, they can often be a couple of months, ever since he was. This will prevent a build up of problems."

“In a year and a half at my parents ' place, I had a weekly 30 euros to pay for it myself.”

Martijn Wijnands go Back to mom and dad

The parents of Wijnands provided relief in regards to housing. "Well, my friend, if I could be with them right to revoke, which was in debt." Wijnands is a year and a half left. Step-by-step, I have my finances are going to address it. I just don't have the administration to be able to go on, but I found it to be very capable of it," he said.

"Help from family, it can be wise to" think Long. "It is true, of course, is not for everyone. However, we advise you on debt is always in order to ask for help from someone you can trust. If you'd rather not have people with whom you have an emotional connection to have place then call for a volunteer organisation in. The community, which you can also express yourself", tap the schuldenexpert.

'Talk about debt, it is still a taboo subject' < / p> "In a year and a half at my parents' place, I had a weekly 30 euro to spend to myself," this, " Wijnands and of itself. Now life is a lot better off. "I'm out of debt, have a decent job, and am in the process of buying a home with my boyfriend. I'm frugal, and keep track of all my finances are in a bankierapp."

Wijnands ashamed of themselves for their story. "My experience has been that talking about debt is still a taboo it is. When we talk about foot work. "

do you Have to been in debt, and do you think that it is important for you to share your story? We will be happy to put you in contact with the section Schuldpraat. Please send an e-mail to economie@nu.nl.