My DMP Diary

skintandscared_2

I thought it would be useful to me, and maybe helpful to others, to keep a diary of my whole DMP process from the start. I guess I'm hoping that I'll look back on it in 7 years time, debt free, and will smile at how far I've come...

So, it all started 3 weeks ago when I realised I just couldn't manage any more. Half my salary went on bills and the other half went on debt repayments. There was nothing left even for food. So that all went on credit cards... My partner's income has dwindled to practically nothing these days (combination of lack of work for a self-employed painter & decorator at the moment) plus the financial pressures worsening his mental health condition. Anyway, enough was enough.

A flippant comment on another forum resulted in a PM from a lovely lady who just happened to be a debt counsellor for the CAB. Her message, and suggestion of a DMP horrified me. I wasn't the sort to admit defeat!!! But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. On her advice I went on the CCCS website and filled in their online form (I still couldn't actually say it out loud - I was just seeing what it was all about really). I filled in all the sections and it came back with a recommendation of a DMP at £515 a month. I suddenly thought of how much salary I would actually have left to buy essentials like food with, if my debt repayments were £515 a month....

So I clicked the button to accept their plan and 2 days later all the paperwork arrived.

I started this at the beginning of October but knew I would need some time to get everything in place, so decided on a 1st December 2008 start date.

Knowing that my overdraft would soon become a "creditor", and while my credit rating was still very good, I opened a current account (not connected to any of my creditors, no overdraft facility, but with a debit card I could use online for my grocery shopping). I also opened a savings account with Nationwide next door, just in case there WAS anything left at the end of the month which I could put aside for those inevitable emergencies that crop up with the car, etc (i.e. all those things I justified keeping an "emergency" credit card for!!)

I contacted HR and they moved my salary payments to my new account. I spent 2 evenings on the phone, changing all my utility and essential direct debits.

Within days my internet banking passcodes arrived and I went into my new account. Okay, the balance was nil (until payday) but all the direct debits were there, ready and waiting.

So today is payday .... I couldn't believe how nervous I was logging on this morning to check my pay was in my new account. It's there!!! For the first time in years there isn't a minus sign or OD next to the figure...! :j

I will be logging in every day to check the balance against my spreadsheet, so I will know to the penny what I have in there.

Today I also returned to my old bank the form requesting 6 years worth of statements, together with a postal order for £10, so I can start the process of reclaiming my bank charges. I know if I get it back I won't see that money, but it will at least reduce the overdraft...

Tomorrow all my CCCS letters, with £1 postal orders, will go to my creditors. I will post about the phone calls and reactions I get from my creditors. I want this diary to be a true reflection of the good, bad and downright ugly. I'll post what the responses are from each creditor and about the good days and bad days.

But today is definitely a good day. Yes, I am nearly £44k in unsecured debt, but I am so excited about our new start and determined to ditch the debt before I'm 50 (just turned 41, so fingers crossed I can do it!!!)

skint&scared... xx

MissKJ

Skint&scared, you and I are in very simialr situations, I am due to start a DMP on 1st december, and have more debt than you. Although my debt free date will take a lot longer, I am hoping to bring this down to a more reasonable 7 years or less. I won't hijack your diary, I may start my own once I get confirmation of my new account and DD's, (I can feel you all yawning), but I will follow your progress with interest. If you want to PM me anytime to have a right old moan,feel free! And GOOD LUCK.

skintandscared_2

Thanks hun. I know it's quite self-indulgent having a diary, but even if nobody else reads it I can use it to keep track of what's going on... And 3 weeks ago even the thought of this whole DMP thing terrified me. But today it is all worth it. Tomorrow and the day after may be different, but today I'm happy with my decision! Best of luck to you too chick and ditto - PM any time you like.

S&S

MissKJ

Yeah, I think my first thoughts about a DMP were embarassment if anyone finds out, I mean, how could this happen to me? But you know, life does happen;) I do look back with regret at my decisions, but it is all too late for that now, I cant spend the next decade with regrets, we have to accept and move on. Onwards and upwards!

You know my OH keeps worrying that I am going to get depressed about having to budget in the supermarket, How wrong he is, I can live frugally and happily, I just get depressed when I have to deal with all the worry on my own, and we dont talk about it because it is doom and gloom, 'cos he doesnt seem able to cope, so I take it all on myself. But no more.

Gemmzie

Best of luck OP and don't forget the DMP Support Thread, there's normally someone about regularly to answer questions, give support or just chat with

skintandscared_2

Thanks Gemmzie, I check out that post regularly (and the "ask CCCS a question" one) 'cos there are so many helpful people on there. One massive help has just been knowing I'm not the only one in this situation!!

savingholmes

Hi skintandscared - good luck with your journey - hope the dmp set up goes as smoothly as possible for you!

andreweduk

Good luck I'm starting my DMP on 1st December too, so best of luck!!

skintandscared_2

Well today was "D" Day and all my CCCS forms, with £1 postal orders, were posted. I felt a little surge of relief and nerves when I dropped them in the box. Wonder how long it'll take for the phone calls to start....

I'm waiting for one last credit card statement so I can send my pack off to CCCS. I'll post the pack off on 1 November even if this statement doesn't arrive in time - I've sent a list of all my creditors with the account numbers and balances so hopefully they'll have all the info they need.

Glittermonkey

Good luck!

I know I felt like a weight was off my shoulders when I started my DMP (DIY not with CCCS)

As for the phone calls..I got very good at learning to ignore the ringing!

archers_addict_2

Hi, I started my dmp with cccs in June. I have £30k+ debt and it was the best thing I have ever done. I had 3 nice phone calls from M&S, John Lewis and Littlewoods.When I explained that I was with cccs and quoted my ref number they were fine and I haven't heard from them again. Others never got in touch apart from sending monthly statements. Natwest whom I owe the biggest amount to have never been in touch and just accepted the money. I hope you have a similar experience, and can start to enjoy life again
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