state of panic

lalibeila

Hi, this is my first post here.
Two weeks ago I realised that my debt was out of control and that the continued offer from my bank of 30 years to 're-loan' to accommodate my credit card and overdraft balances would only get me in deeper. I refused the bank and said I wanted to do it on my own. I can't, I didn't know where to start.
I found a debt management company on a web search who sounded free and helpful. I filled in a web form and received an email saying I had been good in making this first step. After the name on the email the title was 'new sales'. This put me off because the company sold itself as a sponsored/free service. I then got a call and asked 'Lindsay' about the 'sales' title. I told her that I thought the company were government sponsored, she said they were they just hadn't changed their email yet. To cut a long story short she gave me lots of help and info and praise - I said I would like to go ahead with help and went off to open a new bank account. I got the forms two days later and the £600 per month I agreed to pay off the creditors with included £94 per month payment to them!!! I was really sad and realised I had been sucked in because I so needed someone to help. I then came on here, filled in the DR on CCCS and am currently waiting for their forms. Although I am taking steps to clear my £25000 debt I feel sick, panicked and can't concentrate on anything. I am sure I will feel better when I know I am sorted properly and paying my monthly plan. Right now I have money and figures going around and around in my brain with no clear idea of what is ahead. Just needed to say all that.

jude47

Hi and Welcome

Sometimes you do just need to get it all out and it's good to do that. Has CCCS recommended a DMP for you? If you're still not sure about it or are worried at all, I'd give them a ring, 'cos they're really helpful and don't judge you, they just want to give you the best advice for your situation.

Keep your chin up, you WILL get there and keep posting, 'cos everyone here is lovely and will support you all the way.


Jude x

Miss_Piggy_2

Hello and welcome to the site

You have come to the best place. Now sit back, take a deep breath and relax. If you have contacted the CCCS then you are already halfway there. It sounds like you have some disposable income there so the CCCS have probably suggested a DMP. I'm on one with them and its great, best thing I ever did.

Let us know how you are getting on and don't be afraid to ask questions - theres loads of knowledgeable people on here.

Miss P
xx

Little_Miss_Uni-Debt

Hi,

Well done on your first post and for not taking up the expensive debt management plan. Unfortunately companies know how scary debt can be and try and get people to think they need to pay it and you're quite right not to proceed.

Have you considered posting your Statement of Affairs up here before you agree to the DMP with the CCCS? Maybe a few tips and hints here and there from the wonderful people on these boards may help you to get a really good budget sorted and you can then fill in the CCCS paperwork with ease.

lalibeila

thank you, you made me cry!
I did get offered a DMP which, at the moment, I can afford, so yes I am just waiting for the forms to get things moving. I feel insecure because I have opened the new account I suppose, after being with my bank for so long and I guess I feel a bit bad about leaving owing so much money (stupid I know). I know I'm on the right track and that I now have to change my mindset about money and borrowing. The children are older so I actually don't have to pay out what I used to for them.
My debt built up over ten years, since I bought my first car (old banger) since then its extras like holidays, presents, going out for meals, fixing the car and any other 'big' thing that I didn't have the money for, all the luxuries for the family that we just wouldn't have had otherwise. Nothing too excessive either.

Thanks anyway for welcoming me, I will keep coming here for the support and I'll have a look at the statement of affairs you mention.