CCCS or Payplan which is better and why?

GhostHunter_3

Hi

I have seen many references to people using CCCS but not many for Payplan. Maybe its just me not noticing but is there a reason?

I would like to know which is the better of the 2 DMP and why as I am about start looking into arranging a DMP.

I have completed the online questionaire with both CCCS and Payplan but I cannot contact CCCS until Monday (as lines are closed over weekend), but I have had a call within the hour of submitting the details from Payplan who have arranged a financial meeting by phone with me tomorrow morning (Sunday).

I have seen much praise of CCCS but very little to Payplan and wondered what the differences were and what other's views were, from a user point or not?

Many thanks

Broken_hearted

Neither going it alone is much quicker and easier.

skylight

Any option is a personal preference - whether you want to go it alone on a DMP or get help.

I prefered Payplan to CCCS.

Deep_In_Debt

I actually prefer CCCS simply because Payplan tried to sell me an IVA which was not suitable for me. CCCS are a charity so will not try and sell you anything. On the downside for CCCS, you do have to wait a while for an appointment and they are not open at the weekends but I guess when you get used to dealing with creditors, it's not a major problem.

Good luck with whoever you choose.

GhostHunter_3

Broken_hearted wrote: »

Neither going it alone is much quicker and easier.

Hi and thanks for the replies so far.

I have tried to deal with it all myself but its taken so long I dont seem to have the confidence to get the paperwork sorted. I did start off with CCCS doing their online starter but that was quite a few months ago then decided not to continue and to do it myself after looking at my SOA and seeing where I could cut back.

However I am now getting knowhere and need some mutual support and guidance from either CCCS or Payplan. It seems easier when I have someone to talk me through it!

GhostHunter_3

Deep_In_Debt wrote: »

I actually prefer CCCS simply because Payplan tried to sell me an IVA which was not suitable for me. CCCS are a charity so will not try and sell you anything. On the downside for CCCS, you do have to wait a while for an appointment and they are not open at the weekends but I guess when you get used to dealing with creditors, it's not a major problem.

Good luck with whoever you choose.

What's an IVA and how will I know if they try to 'sell' me one? I thought they were a fee-FREE company?

Thanks

Deep_In_Debt

Payplan are free with their DMP's but an IVA is an alternative to bankruptcy. There's a lot of money to be had for the IVA providers. Have a look at Martin's guide on IVA's which is at the top of this forum which will help you further. I'm not good at explaining things and am not a big fan on IVA's so you'll only get me started on a rant! Payplan are not a charity but CCCS are so CCCS will only advise on what is best for you.

It is frustrating that they are not contactable all the time but this forum helps when you have a query when CCCS are not about. I work in an open plan office an don't like to discuss my financial situation in front of my colleagues and I get home after the CCCS helpline has closed but as I say, this site is to help during those times.

skylight

Not neccessarily!. The advice that these "charities" give is free. CCCS I believe are a registered charity (could be wrong!) and Payplan are funded by chartiable contributions by the credit industry. Citizens advice is also a good one. All of these are reputable people and have our interests at heart - the advice is free, the DMPs are free but IVA's are not free from anyone. These two will be CONSIDERABLY cheaper for an IVA than a fee paying one IVA company like Debt Direct as advertised on the telly (stay away from people like this!). Fees are payable as an IVA - Individual Voluntary Arangement - as its a legal binding contract where an IP (insolvency practitioner, who charges!) orgainses your debts with your creditors that you pay a % of the debt over 5 years rather than the full amount - the remainder is written off. It still screws your credit rating like bankruptcy does and lasts longer (believe it or not)

There are a lot of IVA cowboys out there - who's sole intention is to make a lot of money from you - fees are always payable before the creditors get anything, so they don't care if your IVA fails or not. There is a lot of IVA information out there. The above stuff is basic, in a nutshell sort of thing - there is an awful lot of info, good and bad about IVA's and they are only suitable for a small minority of debtors.

Deep_In_Debt

Skylight is right. I just have an issue with Payplan (a personal thing!) as they tried to "hard sell" me an IVA which was not suitable for me. I sought advice from both CAB and CCCS who both agreed a DMP was suitable and not an IVA. I've also seen cases on here where posters have been in an IVA with Payplan which was clearly not suitable and appeared to be "mis-sold" so I feel sometimes they are in it for the money and not best interests.

That is just my opinion though.

papito

I have 2 years with CCCS and they have been great!!
Sorry but can't said anything about Payplan....
initially some creditors were still demanding payments but I only told them even over the phone I am with CCCS and my customer number (which I had it always with me) in a few weeks calls and letters stopped.
Any debt transferred to a new debt agency was deal with smoothly by CCCS, I only have to let them know by email or post or even over the phone.... although recently I have a Moorcroft agency demanding payment and I hope CCCS will deal with them too. I just have heard bad experiences in other forums from Moorcroft....

I Wish you good luck wichever you choose.

tigerfeet2006

Link to Martins article on IVA's

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/pdf-iva-guide.pdf

I have heard quite a few tales of Payplan trying to sell ancillary products to those on DMP's