u/ClearCompetition4612

I have a growing umbilical hernia which I've had for a few years. I've been to see a Surgeon who said he will only operate if I can lose weight. I'm in the process of losing it but it's taking time.

Anyone have any advice on how to deal with the uncomfortable feeling of it? It's protruding, sore and is noticeable under my t-shirts.

The weight loss is taking a while because exercise is painful because of the hernia.

Thanks

Myself and my partner have viewed a property in Churchill Park today and we like the house. We aren't from the area so can anyone advise on the reputation of the area please?

My partner and I have been saving for a house for several years. It's been slow going, but we've finally decided to start viewing properties.

We recently spoke to a mortgage broker who assessed our situation, and the outcome surprised us.

Around 7–8 years ago, my partner defaulted on several credit cards. A few years later his financial situation improved, and he started repaying the debts through a debt management plan. He's still paying into the plan now.

We'd always understood (and a family friend who previously worked in housing told us the same) that because the defaults are now over six years old and have dropped off his credit report, they wouldn't affect a mortgage application.

We downloaded his credit report, and not only have the defaults disappeared, but the accounts also show as settled, even though he's still making monthly payments through the debt management plan.

However, our mortgage broker has told us that because he's still in a debt management plan, it will negatively affect our application and we'll likely need to use an adverse credit lender.

What confuses us is that earlier this year we applied for an Agreement in Principle and were offered one. Does an AIP not take a debt management plan into account, or was it simply a less detailed check?

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Were you able to get a mortgage with a mainstream lender while still paying into a debt management plan, or did you have to use an adverse lender?