Bankrupt 130 of 2006
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
PREFACE
WALKING THE BANKRUPTCY TIGHTROPE
Preface – Walking The Bankruptcy Tightrope
17 FEBRUARY 2006
‘Bankrupt!’ bellowed the judge. Thirty seconds was all it had taken since I had entered the courtroom until the gavel smashed onto the table.
Beads of sweat trickled down the nape of my neck, pausing only slightly before continuing their journey the full length of my spine and settling in the crack at the top of my buttocks.
I felt sweaty and uncomfortable as I squeezed the icy hand of the tall, dark, and handsome man standing next to me. I had been expecting a five-minute lecture on how irresponsible I had been – but I received nothing. Quickly, we were ushered from the courtroom by a stern woman in her fifties. She disapproved. She had no time for the frivolous with a penchant for extravagance.
My husband and I were led up the backstairs to a small room at the top of the building. The firmly fixed bars on the window seemed to rule out a last-minute attempt at suicide for the bankrupts. Acid now rose from the very pit of my stomach. I felt nauseous – I wanted to vomit. How undignified this was.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Bankrupt 130 of 2006
In a record year of insolvencies, debtor 130 of 2006, Joanne Wood, gives a unique personal insight into the modern day plague sweeping Britain – Bankruptcy.
As her world crumbled around her, Joanne wrote a detailed account of the emotional rollercoaster endured after she and her husband Tim were declared bankrupt on February 17 2006.
Bankrupt 130 of 2006 is a remarkably candid account of what happened to a family when the husband and wife team went bust together.
It is a tale of our times, quirky, sometimes angry, often hilarious as Joanne battles to keep her sanity while she tries to hold down her job, keep up the pretence of a normal family life and save her marriage.
The diary is also an invaluable guide for those, who are facing up to walking the bankruptcy tightrope. Insolvency has hit record levels in the UK. Britain’s credit card debt is greater than the whole of Europe put together and juggling debts has become an everyday part of life.
Tens of thousands have gone bust, and tens of thousands more are having to face up to a meeting with the Official Receiver, as the plastic begins to bite back.
It is a much-needed “rough guide” to bankruptcy. Joanne’s tips, the shortcuts she reveals, the do and don’ts and how to survive life as a bankrupt make it an invaluable and easy to read resource.
Joanne takes the reader on a journey through the hardest year of her life. But it is much more than a simple guide. It is a modern day fable of a family in crisis – a fascinating snapshot of life in 21st century Britain.
About the Author
Joanne Wood, is a 44 year-old mother of two. From the age of 17 Joanne worked as a court reporter at the Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey) in London covering some of the most infamous trials in recent times.
After declaring herself bankrupt in February 2006 she decided to write an account of her life, living as a bankrupt. With no real information available on bankruptcy she made the decision to go public, giving a real account of what to expect after making this life changing decision.
Website www.bankrupt130of2006.co.uk was also set up in the hope that other debtors would come forward and offer their support and advice on debt. Click onto the money chat forum and share your experiences with others.