Help Please....Have I Ruined My Credit Rating?

MissLaw

Help
I got a new look card last october and didnt quite understand it to begin with (i know that was stupid) and now im in £78.34 + £14.60 debt with them as they failed to send out my first 2 statements so i didnt no i had to pay anything from then ive been totally skint due to less and less shifts at work due to it being quiet, i know its stupid but ive been to scared to tell anyone or answer the phone to them to see if i can pay it back in small payments. but as its my birthday this week my birthday money shall be clearing this debt but should i really have to pay all off this debt? As it was partly there fault, and has this ruined my credit rating? thanks for anyone who can help and please dont judge me

BigCraigJohn

Worst case you'll have a late payment marker which really is very minor. Just pay it asap. Not worth worrying about

fatbelly

You might consider asking the credit card provider to set up a direct debit for the minimum payment. That way, you are covered in case you forget/statement lost in post.

If you're not used to credit cards, it takes an incident like this to get into the swing of things.

It would be helpful if people could remember Martin's advice

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Dear MoneySavers.... Debt Free Wannabee is one of my favourite boards on this site. It's also one which runs a delicate balance. Many people who have serious debts have hidden them for a time, been scared to confront them, suffered depression or have even had suicidal thoughts because of them. While elsewhere on the site robust discussion is welcomed, in Debt Free Wannabee may I politely ask MoneySavers to err on the side of kindness. Of course many are in debt due to over-spending, financial illiteracy, or mismanagement of money (and some through no fault, only due to change of circumstance). Yet the fact they are here means they're looking for help, guidance and to take charge of their finances - and that in itself is admirable Please use your knowledge and kindness to help rather than to berate. This board often has the power to move me to tears with the sheer power of the community that's grown and I hope it will continue. If you feel it’s important to point something out that the poster may find negative but needs to understand, then it's not a problem, but do think carefully about your phrasing - people can be very sensitive and nuances may mislead when it’s in an online Forum. I love this forum. Many have been and seen through their debts. Yet as it gets larger it's easy for the 'anonymity' of posting to mean as well as protecting users, it's easy to 'post and leave'. I hope this note may act as a wee reminder what it's all about. Martin

Clarie_2

Hi Miss Law,
You sound like you've been really worried - well done you for finally getting up the nerve to deal with this, and realising you need to sacrifce your birthday money on the debt!
I'm afraid you will have to pay all the money you owe to them, even though they didn't send out statements to you. Best just to do it asap, and like fatbelly suggests, setting up a direct debit with them will help you to avoid this in future.

Good luck!

Clarie