Without a paddle... support for anyone starting a DMP in 2010 (part2)

mikon

newbegginning

Your post fills me with hope because I thought Barclay Card would be the worst. I guess thats my next worry all the phone calls but i am reassured that my thoughts are probably worse than reality.

Mikon

newbeginning_2

Half the phone calls where from the stupid machine man anyway, and I refuse to speak to a robot!!

pure_dead_dopey

thanks newbeginning

could find the templates, Ted is out template queen and isn't on tonight.

newbeginning_2

Think it was probably Ted sent me there in the 1st place

Hopelessly_Hopeful

mikon wrote: »

Hopelessly Hopeful

Thank you for responding.

Are you telling me not to send the token payment until I have my DMP plan in place?

Best wishes Mikon

Hi Mikon. The token payment is to put them on until you have started your DMP, some people go straight to DMP, others send several months of token payments first. I have chosen to send token payments for May (already sent) as I am starting my DMP in June, I just want to get on with it. Comes down to a personal judgement call. You need a little something behind you so this may depend on what you think is a reasonable amount. I chose to just send one month of token payment as although my dmp is a large amount I have a car bill to pay balanced against the sooner you start it the sooner it will be paid off.


Here's a template for you. I think most of us send token payments even if just for a very small amount, it's important that you show you are trying to pay a contribution. You and your family need to live too though, this means being able to food shop without further credit so try not to worry about paying the full amount. It will feel uncomfortable but TODAY is the start of your new chapter to become debt free, be polite, firm, send token payment and tomorrow you will be another step closer to your DFD not a step further away.

Dear Sir/Madam

Re:- Account/Reference Number XXXX

I’m are writing to inform you that I’m seeking advice and assistance from Payplan/CCCS regarding my current financial difficulties.

I’m finding it increasingly difficult to meet your monthly payment request so please accept the enclosed postal order for £1 as a token gesture of goodwill.

I would appreciate if you could hold any action on the above account for a period of at least 28 days.

Also, during this period, could you please freeze interest and/or any other charges accruing on the above account.

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully

HHx

Professor_Pat_Pending

Mikon, here's the letter I sent with my token payments, it seemed to work very well on the whole, although I did call all of them as well and told them about Payplan, quoted my ref number and wasn't drawn on any silly questions, ie can we have a payment now, etc. To be honest they often appreciate you calling them.
I also found the best thing is not to answer the phone, but to be frank I was maybe a bit lucky and didn't get too much hassle. Hope it helps. PP

Dear Sir/Madam

Account number: *******************

Since making the above mentioned agreement with you my circumstances have changed.

I do want to repay my debts but at the present time I am not in the position to pay the minimum monthly payments. I have recently joined Payplan who offer a non fee-charging debt management plan, which I hope to start on May 1st. (ID no: ********)

In the interim month or so I shall make a token monthly payment(s) of __ as a sign of good faith. As soon as I have updated my situation and the Debt management plan is fully set up I / Payplan will contact you again.

As other people answer the telephone who are not aware of my situation, ie, my children. I would ask that all correspondence between us should be in writing.

I hope this is acceptable on a temporary basis.

Yours faithfully

mikon

Professor Pat Pending

Thank you for the template I have saved and am going to send it off tomorrow. It is very good and clear.

Thank you once again.

Mikon

Professor_Pat_Pending

No worries, I can't stress enough the importance of phoning them all as well and telling them about the DMP and quoting your reference number. It is a bit scary at first but really helps get them off your back.

mikon

It sounds scary but will take your advice and contact them by phone, it the least they deserve. I do not have a DMP ref no. yet so will not be able to include it in the letter. I have added a sentence asking them to freeze interest and charges.

I cannot thank you enough for your help.

Mikon

Hopelessly_Hopeful

I like that one PPP

HHx