A few questions re: CCCS

madduck

Hi Zippee

My debts were at a similar level when I contacted CCCS over 2 years ago. I was at the stage where I couldn't sleep, dreaded the phone ringing because I knew it would be someone looking for money and threatening me with all sorts and then there was the diving to the letterbox in the morning to get the post before anyone else (then hiding the letters because I was too scared to open them!).

I eventually found out about CCCS and called them. Best thing I've ever done. Don't get me wrong, things don't get better over night. What does happen is that you work out a decent budget and whilst it is reasonable, it doesn't mean that you have money to throw about. You can however live on it and get away from the cycle of having no money to spend the day after pay day.

The one thing that you do have to steel yourself up for is the fact that some of your creditors may want to put you through a bit more hell before they accept the reality that you don't have any money. I'm sure that some of them work on the basis that they think we have masses of money hidden under the bed and just don't want to pay them. They will continue to call for a while, threaten you with allsorts, but at the end of the day you just have to stay strong and tell them that this is all that you can afford to pay them. Don't worry either about debts being passed on to DCAs - CCCS advise that they are often easier to deal with and actually more likely to accept your DMP.

What is the worst that they can do? If they do take you to court, your income and expenditure figures will show that you are paying all that you can afford to. As one of the other posters has already said, whilst you can be made bankrupt for a debt of £750 or more, the likelihood of that happening is remote. My highest individual debt is £17000 and they haven't taken me to court so far.

You've taken the hardest step by admitting that you've got a problem and getting help. Stay strong and remember that if you have any problems the people on this board or CCCS are there to help. It might take some time to work your way through your debts - I know I've probably got at least another 5 years to go - but you'll get there and just think about what you'll do with the extra money when you're debt free!!!

zippee

Thanks madduck for replying, I think my worst fear is having the house taken from us, or them trying to. I roughly know it will be 7 yrs to debt free with the CCCS but I'm scared what other stuff will be thrown at me in the meantime.
Thanks again