Holiday and DMP?

uphill-struggle

does anyone know if it is illegal in some way to have a holiday if you are on a DMP? I have read that it can be seen as fraudulant to get more credit etc if on a DMP. we have been struggling with debt (seriously affecting my health and our relationship) and we have finally gone for help in the form of a dmp.

However, with a family (children) we wanted to go away just for a few days in the summer. A relative is going to help pay (I think they felt sorry for us as everyone could see we were struggling) but it would have to be booked in our name (this relative not planning to come away) and payment from our bank! I am so worried of doing something wrong - but I am only talking a few days on a holiday camp in this country - nothing exotic. Can you advise PLEASE....

i know in a ideal world I would use this money to pay off more debts, but it is a gift for all the family - and the kids deserve a break after putting up with miserable worried, stressed out parents...and the endless "NO you cant have that...we dont have the money" as things had been while we have struggled to cope!

thanks everyone ....

panicsetin

I personally would say go on your break and have a great time! I know that for me it is important to do a few things (such as a couple of days away now and again) that I consider treats and they help me stick to my DF goal.... I put the spare council tax money for the two months I dont pay towards being able to do something. Like you I am very conscious that all my children hear is that we cant do this, you can't have that.... and it's important to me that they dont feel like they have to go without all the time.

Just my opinion.....

Nargleblast

I can't see any problem with you having a few days holiday, I am sure the firm managing your DMP would understand, particularly as a relative is helping out with the cost. Now, if you were on a cruise, or going to your villa in the South of France, then questions would be asked! Just make sure you stick to your budget and don't allow the holiday cost to cause problems meeting your priority debts and your DMP payment.

uphill-struggle

no cruise or villa in south of France! lol

I just feel that it is important to start trying to live our life again...without this terrible grey loud (called debt) that has hung over us for months (years..if im honest) Nothing extravagent...the kids are growing up fast etc. i do feel our home has been a "sad" place at times what with all the worry and stress due to the debt (and the inevitable arguements about money etc)

thanks for advice

lozzam

I agree, you should definitely have your holiday. Make sure you know how much it is going to cost you so there are no major surprises, then you can relax.

Enjoy!

Deep_In_Debt

It's not illegal. as others have said, as long as you can still pay your dmp then there's no problem.

enjoy it!

niccatw

Definitely go - you need to get away, not just for the kids, but so you and your OH can just be in a different environment and forget the stress for a few days. As has been said, it's important to factor in "treats" to help keep us sane and motivated to continue our DFW journeys.

But make sure there are no hidden costs so it can be a holiday for all of you and you're not worrying about money while you are away.

Oneday77

Most DMP plans actually have provision for money towards holidays. So go for it. Plan ahead and do it the MSE way, see what's free to do while your away and most of all have fun.

As mentioned just don't let it affect your DMP payments or your prioity expenditure. There would be nothing worse than going on holiday, having fun for a week, to regret it for the next year. Now your on your way just hunt the forums for tips to keep it all cheap

uphill-struggle

Thank you everyone - i am so grateful to have found this site and forum - and not that you would wish debt on anyone - but it is good to know that we are not alone...and other people are working hard too to try and be debt free!
Thanks

Deep_In_Debt

tedsd wrote: »

Encouraged to read these posts as when I tried to include an amount for a holiday and for Xmas on a DMP I was told I couldn't...so got a bit upset as I felt it was the kids who were paying the price and not me... bit confused now about what to do...had decided that yes I can see the creditors point of view when I owe so much and that the kids all get Xmas presents from other people and that was the way it would have to be from now on... I agree with you and the time with children goes so quickly it's time you don't get back... Enjoy!

For a start, the creditors don't need to know. In fact, telling them will probably open a can of worms.

Some dmp providers may "tweak" your dmp - i.e. factoring it into your groceries or medical expenses for example, if you see what I mean.

Deep_In_Debt

You may find that you come below recommended budget on certain things in which case your dmp provider may put you up to the minimum to allow for it or that they may include a certain amount in something that you've not put anything for.

Sorry, I'm not good at explaining things!

How about saving your change for example? I've done it and over the last year have banked nearly £200 - it's surprising how it all mounts up.