DMP Mutual Support Thread - Part 7

cupc4kes

Thanks for the reply unsuremom. What bank do you work for if you dont want to disclose thats fine or PM me. Whats difficult working for the bank is wages cos where I work when I 1st started they had to be into their account but as far as Im aware this has changed but just need to double-check I have spoken to others on DMP's and they have said there isnt a problem but Ill just double check to be on the safe side.

cupc4kes

We would have to pay as when we 1st moved in we kept getting nusiance calls for the other occupiers so we changed it then but then working for the bank they would proberly find it from somewhere,lol.

unsuremom

i work for santander and I have already changed my bank details with them to go to a smile account and they were fine. I have a loan which was set to be debitted from my salary before I got it however they have cancelled this and I am supposed to be setting up a dd although payplan have advised that they will not contact santander until both mine and dh salary is being fully credited to our new account. dont think that they can insist on changin this back although not 100% sure so we will see lol.

shame about the telephone numbers, but if u cant do this then the other option is unplug your landline. i know someone who does this as she has the same problem, and she just uses her mobile xx

Sun-Dance

Good idea re changing phone number, will try this tomorrow. Can see this is going to be a rollercoaster, some days worse than others. Today I got another bank account and a debit card. Am going for the DMP but through CAB so I can manage it a bit more. I figured my credit was stumped for 6 years anyway and like above I don't want credit anymore anyway. I need to put kids first and at least this way they get a life growing up better off without (hopefully) a very stressed out mother as she takes control!

ianmak

As I've told anyone who'll listen, I've always been open with my debts, and talk to all my creditors. As long as you're firm, you'll be ok, though I understand some others have had issues. So if you can't turn off the phone, just answer it and explain your position (and refer them to PP/CCCS).

With regards to loans and CC DDs, as long as it's not with the same company as your A/C, they can't 'offset' or reinstate payments.

Hope this helps the newbies, and welcome one and all!

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Most people find the phone calls only last for the first few weeks and have usually stopped after 2 months. Make sure you take a name, time and date and tell and send the template letter asking them not to phone but to communicate in writting only. If they call again reexplain the situation and inform them that you are reporting their conduct to the OFT. 3rd call report them - this time it's your call!

Good luck

HHx

dmb_2

I agree with ianmak and hopelessly hopeful. I didn't get that many phonecalls once I'd started DMP and those who did phone were fine once I explained I was on DMP with CCCS. I find it's much easier to be upfront with them and explain situation rather than avoiding answering phone etc. I don't have any calls at all now. (almost a year on) - just the occasional letter. I know its so worrying when you're first thinking of going on DMP but believe me the worry is nothing compared to the stress that you're under pre - DMP. Good luck to all newbies. You won't regret it but I do remember just how hard it was to face up to my debts and actually press the submit button on the CCCS online DMP application. So much happier now even on a restricted budget.

cupc4kes

Morning All,

Concerning the phonecalls I dont mind but its when other members of the family are here such as my mom but again I imagine they wouldnt disclose anyway. I think this month Ill have to pay another payment anyway so at least that gives time for everything to be switched over still trying to get confirmation at min about wages being paid into a non company account if I cant switch Ill have to go back to CCCS and see what they say.

Twit_Head

Hi All
Re: recent posts and phone calls. If you're strong enough to stay in control, then answering and dealing with it can work. I'm paranoid about giving out my number, so luckily no creditors could contact me. I have phoned them in the past but prefer to deal with things in writing.
That way you can keep copies, written replies, etc.
Whichever way you do it, it's best to be up front with creditors and not try to hide your head in the sand.
So scary when you're just starting out but after a short while, on the whole you won't be troubled with calls or letters
All I get is just the occasional statement now. (But also sometimes an offer for a credit card -thankyou but NO!!!)
Don't fret too much - it will all work it's own way out soon.

'Twitty'

Twit_Head

movingonup wrote: »

Hi All

have been on my DMP with CCCS for about 10 months and wondered if anyone had any experience with HSBC, Halifax and LLoyds?

With Lloyds, I have a graduate account and a credit card. They immediately reduced the interest on the credit card to 6.9% and have stuck at that throughout. I think though that the graudate account has been changed into a normal bank account (few years since graduating), meaning the interest on the overdraft has now increased to 19.9% (since August). Is there anything I can do about this?

A similar thing has happened with HSBC. Credit card frozen at 6.9%, but graduate account has become normal bank account and interest increased to 19.9%.

It means that for both accounts, interest represents >50% of the amount I'm repaying.

Also, I have an HSBC loan. The DMP has meant that I have been repaying less than the agreed monthly amount. Yet after 10months, I have only just received a default for this account. Is this correct?

For Halifax, I have a credit card. They froze interest for the first 5 months, but since then, have been charging 1% / months in interest. Since means that interest represents >50% of my total payment.

Is there anything I can do about the large amount of interests I'm being charged on the Lloyds and HSBC ex graduate accounts and the Halifax credit card?

Thanks

Hi movingonup
Re:your default - this can be slapped on at any time. It will last for six years from the intial date.
As to your added interest, can only suggest writing letters setting out your position, your willingness to repay and requesting a stop to interest charges. Others here have had awful trouble with Lloyds and Halifax. Might be worth reading back a few pages to get a feel for general help and future action with them if they still prove difficult.
I feel for you - I have a child who went through Uni. The big banks suck you in on the premise you're going to be earning big bucks, but often leave you floundering when no suitable employment appears.

'Twitty'