Ask a CCCS counsellor a question

G2M

Hi,

If I have equity in my house, I don't live there, I am separated from my wife, will this disqualify me from an IVA?

Thanks

shazzadc57

Hi

I've been in debt for many years now, I've generally buried my head in the sand, but things are finally catching up with me and it's now affecting my health.

I have approximately £20,000 of credit card debt. I've tried moving things around over the years, but even that door seems to be closing now!

I would really appreciate nsome help and advise?

Many thanks
Sharon

kaths101

Hi, I am working with the CCCs to arrange a DMP - do i send a SOA with my token payment or let CCCS sort that side of things out?? Im just sending a cheque with each letter - or is there another way to send a token payment?
Thanks

CCCS_Sue

kpp2002 wrote: »

Hi CCCS

Ive manged to sort out most of my debt and most ppl are accepting vastly reducued payments. However I was stupid enough to default on a Payday loan over xmas and pounds till payday wont accept a redcuced figure or installments. They say they will pass me onto to a debt collection agency who operate doorstep collections

is there anything I can do legally to stop them sending a doorstep collector. It really would be the last thing my elderley parents need

many thanks

KPP

Hi KPP and thank you for your message

As long as they act within the debt collection guidelines, you cannot prevent them from calling.

I have attached a link to our CCCS website which gives you more details about collection agencies and collectors.

http://www.cccs.co.uk/InfoCentre/EnglandandWales/Creditoraction/Debtcollectionagencies.aspx

It is rare that they will send collectors because of the costs involved.
If they do, they have no special powers and are not bailiffs.
You do not have to let them into your property if they do call.
Explain that you are paying as much as you can and you cannot afford anymore. Do not be pressured into making unrealistic payments.
Just make sure you continue to pay what you can afford even if they do not accept your offer.
You cannot pay money you do not have.

Regards
Sue

CCCS_Sue

Learning2Budget wrote: »

Hello, it's the first time I have posted on here, so hope I'm doing it right.
I have 2 questions, firstly, I would like a copy of my debt management figures, cos I think it would be easier for me to budget if I could see what my figures are meant to be. Can't remember what I've done with our paperwork! How do I obtain a copy?
Secondly, I am currently 6 months pregnant with our 2nd child and will be going on maternity leave, meaning my income will drop. What do I do about this so we can still budget and pay our dmp (which has been running since aug 08).
We are hoping to take a 6 month mortgage break, but am worrying myself sick about our budget.
Please help.x

Hi Learning2Budget and thank you for your message

If you are on DMP with CCCS, then you will need to call our client support team for an appointment to review your income and expenditure.
The counsellor will adjust your payment according to how much you can afford, as long as you have enough surplus left after paying all your priorities.
If you do not have anything spare, then they will discuss other options with you.
You will then get a copy of your new up to date budget .

Regards
Sue

CCCS_Sue

Learning2Budget wrote: »

Sorry have just thought of another question, we currently have a joint bank account with the coop that all our bills go out of, and I have my own account with them, but my husband is really struggling to get his own account, his wages currently go into the joint one. Can you recommend any banks/building socs that may give him a basic account?

Hi again!
I have attached a link to a booklet which has a list of basic bank accounts and also gives you more information on how to get one.


http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf

Regards
Sue

CCCS_Sue

Dugsy wrote: »

Hi there i'm new to this so am lacking a bit of knowledge. I have 2 questions & any advice would be much appreciated.

i'm doing to debt remedy online questionnaire - I have 2 loans what would be the easiest way to find out if they're secured on my house or not?

plus i'm not sure what to put down as earnings. i have started my own company which is LTD so i'm technically working for the company and not self employed. there is currently not enough going thru the business for me to take a wage. i have taken some money out over the last few months but dont feel this is actual wage income as i have only taken money out that i originally put into the business i.e. i have receipts for the money i took such as buying a van and pc etc. i dont have any wage slips as i've not yet taken any money that i did not put in first. what shall i put down as income? zero?

any help would be much appreciated.

Hi dugsy and thank you for your message

To do a budget, you do need to show all income and expenditure.
If you have no income at all, then you have no money to pay any priority bills such as rent/mortgage/council tax/ food etc.
If you cannot see your present situation improving, is it viable to keep the business?
Do you have a partner who is working who is paying the bills? Have you had any advice to see if you are eligible for any benefit help?
I would recommend that you call our Debt Remedy Team for further help with this.
Their number should be on the website.
They will be able to look at your full financial situation and be able to advise you further.

Regards
Sue

Dugsy_2

CCCS_Sue wrote: »

Hi dugsy and thank you for your message

To do a budget, you do need to show all income and expenditure.
If you have no income at all, then you have no money to pay any priority bills such as rent/mortgage/council tax/ food etc.
If you cannot see your present situation improving, is it viable to keep the business?
Do you have a partner who is working who is paying the bills? Have you had any advice to see if you are eligible for any benefit help?
I would recommend that you call our Debt Remedy Team for further help with this.
Their number should be on the website.
They will be able to look at your full financial situation and be able to advise you further.

Regards
Sue

thanks for the response sue i appreciate it. But before i ring i wanted to know the consequences of doing something like a DMP.? ie
1. What will happen to my credit rating?
2. I am currently renting a house and i also own a house which i rent out and is up for sale (6 months now i have dropped the price drastically). selling this would enable me to pay off most of my debt. will they put some kind of order/claim on the house?
3. What happens if I do a DMP and my circumstances change i.e. business picks up and i get a wage again?
4. I'm moving out of the house that i am renting so that my expenditure drops significantly. do you think this is a good idea? i can't pay the rent at the moment.
5. i can't move into the house i own as i still cant pay the mortgage. the rent currently takes care of this.

if we move into my wifes parents house (not ideal) we can just about pay the bills and will scrape about for shopping money etc. ( parents will pay the small backlog we owe) would this be a better idea than doing a DMP? i'm fed up with being totally skint but do not want to shy away from my responsibility to pay.

the business(shop) is managing to hold its own at the moment and if i let it go i have no job prospects. the business has the potential to earn me enough money just not at the moment.

could you or someone else please clarify exactly what i might be letting myself in for if i do a DMP?

any response would be very much appreciated
D.:o

Dugsy_2

sorry didn't answer some of your questions above....

My wife is on incapacity benefit and she also gets WCTC and CHB. thats what is on the bank statement.
we may be able to get housing benefit but i dont know how long that would take and we can't pay this months rent.
the business is self sufficient and we are not putting any money into it. ther're just none to take out.

PeeBee1

Hi there,

My wife and I are currently embarking on a DMP, with paper work being gathered and due for a prompt return to CCCS. One fear gnawing away at me is about creditors contacting me at work, or indeed my boss - has anyone any experience of this sort of approach? I think (I hope) I'm ready to deal with the letter and calls at home, but if anything came to the workplace I'm not sure how I'd deal with it. Our creditors are:
Loans - A&L, RBS
CC - B'card, Egg, Cap1, MBNA, AMEX
OD - RBS

Thoughts/experience appreciated.
Paul