Thanks to Martin!

nestadren

Hi all

I just want to pitch in with some good news. About 2 1/2 years ago I had just under £25k of unsecured debt on loans and credit cards, I couldn't afford the payments and was getting crushed under interest charges and court threats.

Then I read Martin's Money Saving Diet book...

I took his advice to heart and trimmed down where I could, I also contacted the CCCS and started a DMP to make a dent in what I owed.

Most importantly for me though, I read his articles on reclaiming and started firing off letters!

Thanks to Martin, his articles and all of you forumites, I'm now down to just shy of £3k!! Over £17k of the reduction has been from refunds and settlements with my creditors.

My debt is now at a manageable level and, thanks to a new job, will be paid off this year :j

Thanks Martin! xxx

Nesta

roberts516

Hi Nestadren
Well done and being nearly debt free.I have about the same amount of debt unfortunatly its going to take alot longer. You must be on top of the world right now and thank you for sharing your story inspires us all to keep going

sickasachip13

Wow, well done nestadren - you should be proud of your amazing efforts.

I've just started on a DMP with a significant debt.

What do you mean when you mention reclaiming btw?

nestadren

hi sickasachip,

apols for the delay in replying.

I read Martin's articles on reclaiming credit card charges, and loan and credit card PPI, they're in the 3rd tab in at the top, under "Reclaim £1,000s".

I couldn't get any bank account charges back (due to the court case), but the others went pretty smoothly, for two of them I didn't even need to go to the Ombudsman!

For two accounts, after getting money back I sent a letter offering 55% in full and final settlement, they negotiated up a short way but accepted. For my loan especially, I paid off £7.5k with the £4.2k they'd refunded to me in PPI payments - happy days! It's always worth a letter to settle for less if you can manage it.

Good luck to you and roberts with working through your debts, stick with it :T.

regards

Nesta