How do i know if a debt management plan is right for me?*Debt Free Diary Begins*

Emz1987

Good evening all

I am not too sure where to start with this but i will try and keep is simple for now. Basically, i got loans and credit cards when i lived at home with my parents. Back then, i had nothing to worry about and could pay them easily. For the past 2 and a half years, i have been renting a house with my partner and paying my debts as well as living has spiralled out of control. Im in a mess! I started using credit to live on (which i dont anymore) and i have been contacting my creditors to arrange lower payments. They have been helpful, but now i find i am struggling to meet the lower payments. I work full time but i never get any of my earnings to myself. They go straight to my debts (when i can afford to pay them) and living costs.

I spend most of my time in tears worrying about the way things are going. I have, this evening, made first contact with CCCS via PM on so im hoping they can help and thought id make a post in the mean time. I am also 6 months pregnant and this stress and depression cant be good for my baby. I panic about how im going to afford to support her when she arrives!!

I dont feel my situation is bad enough to go bankrupt or similar. How do i arrange a DMP? Do you think it is the right option for me?

Thanks for all your help

Numpty_Monkey

I think you've done the right thing:T
contacting CCCS is a very brave but probably one of the best things you could have done:A

If you need a DMP CCCS will sort most of it for you but they are on your side so don't be frightened or worried about them

If you want a look at CCCS try their website, and have a look at the Debt remedy
CCCS

the best thing you could have done was join here:A

Emz1987

thank you

what do i do in the meantime while im sorting things out with CCCS?
I still have a few creditors to pay this month but no money to pay them not sure what to do

Numpty_Monkey

If you've no money to pay them then you can't, it sounds simple but it is the truth

Make sure you cancel any direct debits to them

If they call tell them that you have no money to pay them and you are awatng an appointment with CCCS

reaver

Emz1987 wrote: »

thank you

what do i do in the meantime while im sorting things out with CCCS?
I still have a few creditors to pay this month but no money to pay them not sure what to do

Emz, I have my first payment going to CCCS on 1st March and have sent token payments to my creditors for February as I had Council Tax arrears to pay this month. I sent off Postal Orders for £1 with a covering letter explaining that it was all I could afford this month while the DMP was being set up with CCCS.

boredofbeingathome

Emz1987 wrote: »

thank you

what do i do in the meantime while im sorting things out with CCCS?
I still have a few creditors to pay this month but no money to pay them not sure what to do

Aww hun, please don't worry about it. Six months pregnant is stressful enough as it is.
Send a letter to them offering a token payment for this month of a £1 if you can't afford that, then just fill in the online debt remedy plan and it will give you a cccs number. Contact your creditors with that number and say you are setting up a DMP with cccs.

Welcome to the boards and keep posting we can offer you lots of tips and advice. There are also other boards which will help you make the most of your situation and that you are claiming everything you are entitled to. Things will get better and if you pop on the daily thread you will see there are a few ladies who are also due to produce DFW babies..you will be in good company.:D

BOB x

MrsTinks

Firstly - I'm 6 months pregnant too so welcome to hormone city!
Right - personally I'd let them know that you have hit financial troubles and you are going to be going with CCCS - a lot of creditors will work with you a lot easier if you tell them upfront that you are in trouble and you have already sought help with someone as industry recognised as CCCS (or payplan and CAB ). They may hassle you because you can't pay them, if they do let us know and we can give you the letter templates for requesting they only contact you by letter and not phone and what action to take if they don't
Every time you have a question come and post it on your thread and I'm sure someone will be along soon to help you and offer support

MrsTinks

Ah the lovely BOB has already posted Hey BOB :wave:

boredofbeingathome

MrsTine wrote: »

Ah the lovely BOB has already posted Hey BOB :wave:

Woohoo Mrs.T:D

Emz1987

Hi Everyone!
Thanks for your helpful replies. I contacted CCCS on here, how long does it normally take to respond?

In the meantime, i want to do what you suggested and offer token payments to the creditors ive not paid yet. Can i do this in letter form? If so, what should i say in my letter?

If CCCS decide that a DMP is for me, how long does it take to set up? Could really do with getting it all sorted before the baby arrives. Fed up of having no money to spend on the baby!

lxpeanut

It can take a couple of days for them to get back to you on here. Phone them or go to their website and fill out their debt remedy form you'll get advice much quicker.