DMP Mutual Support Thread - Part 7

smileypirate

I just want to introduce myself and say hi!
I've been lurking on the boards for a while, and today I'm feeling alot of mixed emotions as i have just got back from the post office, sending off all the paperwork to set up my DMP.
I'm excited, nervous, and have a sense of reliefe all at once!! but I have a good feeling about this having read everyones stories.
Hopefully this is the beginning of my debt-free journey!
:beer:

sn603

Just had a 'statement of arrears' through from Barclays and my actual balance outstanding is almost £1000 less than the estimated amount showing with Payplan.

Always nice to find these things out!

For everyone struggling - stick with it - good days will come. :beer:

Twit_Head

To Mr B.Obama (Great user name by the way )
Can see you're having difficulties, so thought it best to send you a bit of advice from a seasoned DMPer.
1st; Do not look to borrow more to get you out of trouble. This is a false hope and will only lead to an ever-downward debt spiral till you're spinning totally out of control.
2nd; Your'e going to have to tighten your belt and rein in the spending. Do you really need Airforce One? If you sold it on E-Bay you'd have a few dollars to squirrel away in the 'emergency fund.' When you and Michelle host a banquet would suggest you shop from the 'value' range in Wal-Mart in future. or better still, get yourself invited on some state visit, so you get a free dinner or two
3rd; Defaults are upsetting, even more so if you are the richest nation in the world. But life goes on, and friends and family mean so much more than a bit of paper
4th; Check this thread for good advice, support and a friendly ear.
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
(A message in jest obviously but I think the underlining advice is sound for anyone with money troubles-hope all goes well for everybody)

'Twitty'

Twit_Head

each_peach_pear_plum wrote: »

How regularly should I ask for updates from all my creditors? My review isn't until Jan next year, but I decided to send out letters to get updates (I think I may be paying twice for one debt, one to the DC and one to the actual bank!) and see what charges etc there are.

Also, should I still receive any statements from any of my creditors? The only statement I am getting at the minute is the CCCS one, and all of the online banking facilities I had have been disabled!

eppp

Hi
I can never pin down a definative answer for the legal requirement. I am fairly sure in saying though 'at least annually' is correct.
Would certainly chase your creditors - especially if you think you may be paying twice.
It's you're hard-earned cash - be brave, and get it sorted with them. You have a right to know the balance of your account, interest added etc.

'Twitty'

Twit_Head

smileypirate wrote: »

I just want to introduce myself and say hi!
I've been lurking on the boards for a while, and today I'm feeling alot of mixed emotions as i have just got back from the post office, sending off all the paperwork to set up my DMP.
I'm excited, nervous, and have a sense of reliefe all at once!! but I have a good feeling about this having read everyones stories.
Hopefully this is the beginning of my debt-free journey!
:beer:

Avast me hearty
Don't just lurk but throw yourself off the gangplank and join us here!
Be prepared for some rough seas till you reach the calmer waters, with your home port in sight!

'Twitty'
(I really, really should get out more )

DMP_newbie_2

Hi I am in the 1st stages of setting up a DMP plan via CCCS, I'm just about to send the initial letters to my debtors with the token payment until the plan is fully in place. Was just wondering if anyone had any advice as to what I can expect over the next few weeks / months as until now i have managed to pay minimum payments (paying debt with debt) so haven't really had companies chaising me??

ianmak

Hello DMP Newbie!

Have a look through the thread, there are lots of people just starting their DMP too.

Expect lots of phonecalls and letters at the start, is all I can say. It will settle down however.

Lots of people deal with their creditors in writing only, ignoring the phone. Others pick up the phone and explain the fact that they're starting a DMP and provide their reference number. They can be nasty (or lovely and understanding) on the phone, but be firm if you choose the latter, and under no circumstance give them any extra money!

As I say, take a look through the last few pages, ask any further questions, and contribute when you can.

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Morning All

Sorry not been around much. Works has been tough!

Welcome to all the newbies. Think all questions have been addressed but if not shout up.

You may know I had to do a token payment last month to get my car fixed. Fingers crossed that is all sorted, no noise except the standard call us at Hellifax, phew. I've just made my 15th DMP payment to CCCS, this is with my new budget (3rd one). After this month I make the last payment to one of the preditors. This will mean that although my overall DMP payment will stay the same the amount to the reminaing ones will go up. I'm hoping that will help, particularily with one certain XXXXXXXX who are charging me 26% interest still and never reply to letters.

Discovered you can do groupon and ebay through topcashback recently so feeling pleased about that. Topcash offer to pay you in amazon vouchers with a wee little added on top so been using that for the odd treat. Handblender next on the list and then thinking of potato ricer. Ooohh the excitement.

Hoping to get some time to pop over to the orange side next week to see how the chums are getting on. Seems a lot of work and nerves of steel but they seem to be doing really well, hats off to them.

Big hello to everyone not posting just now, hope that's all good news.

HHx

MasterOfPuppets

Hi all, newbie so be gentle
Firstly thanks to all for being involved in this thread, reading some of the support and positivity really helped me to feel better about my own debt situation.

I have been in a DMP with CCCS for the past 15 or so months, which has been going fine. Having a rough trot of luck lately, blew my knee out at work so am Long Term Sick unfortunately and whilst at home hobbling around on crutches, my landlady gave me a months notice to find somewhere else to live. This is because she is off on a career break and rather than privately renting out individual rooms in her house, she wants to rent it out as a whole with a Letting Agency whilst she is off on her travels.

Unfortunately I was unsuccessful in finding another house share in the local area (cant drive so need to stay local for work) however in an area where the average house/flat rental is £450 - 550 I have managed to find a 2 bedroom terrace for only £360 and will move in on 17th August.

My girlfriend is going to move in with me which (If I have my sums right) means my payment amount to my DMP will either be unaffected or only slightly less than my current payment.

Having been stung once (largely why I ended up on the DMP in the first place) my girlfriend and I have agreed we will pay the bills & rent 50-50.

I think the easiest way to do this would be to have a joint account with money transferred in and all the bills could come out from there.

However am I ok opening a joint bank account with her whilst under my DMP. My girlfriend is aware of the DMP, I just dont want her to be affected by it if at all possible and I dont want to open an account if that would cause issues with my DMP.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Off topic: Oh and whilst I am here, as many of you will probably groan at this being a silly question but how soon should I start shopping around for utility suppliers and deals so that its all sorted as we move in. Haven't moved anywhere for years and years where I have been responsible for that as I have been in shared accom due to my debt situation.

Thanks in advance

Hopelessly_Hopeful

MasterOfPuppets wrote: »

Hi all, newbie so be gentle
Firstly thanks to all for being involved in this thread, reading some of the support and positivity really helped me to feel better about my own debt situation.

I have been in a DMP with CCCS for the past 15 or so months, which has been going fine. Having a rough trot of luck lately, blew my knee out at work so am Long Term Sick unfortunately and whilst at home hobbling around on crutches, my landlady gave me a months notice to find somewhere else to live. This is because she is off on a career break and rather than privately renting out individual rooms in her house, she wants to rent it out as a whole with a Letting Agency whilst she is off on her travels.

Unfortunately I was unsuccessful in finding another house share in the local area (cant drive so need to stay local for work) however in an area where the average house/flat rental is £450 - 550 I have managed to find a 2 bedroom terrace for only £360 and will move in on 17th August.

My girlfriend is going to move in with me which (If I have my sums right) means my payment amount to my DMP will either be unaffected or only slightly less than my current payment.

Having been stung once (largely why I ended up on the DMP in the first place) my girlfriend and I have agreed we will pay the bills & rent 50-50.

I think the easiest way to do this would be to have a joint account with money transferred in and all the bills could come out from there.

However am I ok opening a joint bank account with her whilst under my DMP. My girlfriend is aware of the DMP, I just dont want her to be affected by it if at all possible and I dont want to open an account if that would cause issues with my DMP.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Off topic: Oh and whilst I am here, as many of you will probably groan at this being a silly question but how soon should I start shopping around for utility suppliers and deals so that its all sorted as we move in. Haven't moved anywhere for years and years where I have been responsible for that as I have been in shared accom due to my debt situation.

Thanks in advance

Hi and welcome

We must have started around the same time.

Sorry to hear about your health. Hope you feel better soon.

Your GF maywell become a linked financial associate and so I suggest you get professional advice. I'd call the debtline and also ask the CCCS advisor thread.

Personally I'd say if thats in order best to have 2 sep sole accounts and 1 joint. Don't forget about the off setting stuff so make sure the banks not linked with your debts.

You can usually look at suppliers before you move in. Is there anything that ties you into a contract via the letting for this?

Let us know how you get on.

HHx