Help - Halifax Turned Up Last Night

climbgirl

Rachman wrote:

Despite half of this lot thinking I am here to simply dance on their graves, I am not. They just see one side of a story. I am sure you can sort it out.

Perhaps not, but I've read other threads where you automatically jump to the conclusion that people are lying about their debts and are out to rip off the system for everything they can get.

Perhaps be a bit more careful when you post - some people lie, yes. But you can't assume that everyone here is.

moonlightpjs

climbgirl wrote:

Perhaps not, but I've read other threads where you automatically jump to the conclusion that people are lying about their debts and are out to rip off the system for everything they can get.

Perhaps be a bit more careful when you post - some people lie, yes. But you can't assume that everyone here is.

Thank you - I have no intention of lying - the whole idea of coming here was to get help and advice, why would I lie? It's not going to help is it? If you read the original question, nothing was mentioned about not disclosing a debt to the DMP, it was just a question of whether the Halifax would come to my house collecting money. Thank you again for your support. I don't know why that person made those comments, I just would like, if at all possible, advice and guidance.

moonlightpjs

I opened a new basic bank last week and have arranged for all wages/benefits etc to be paid into this one. At least I know now exactly what money we have got and what we don't have - its a lot nicer knowing its your own money you are using - not relying on an OD (and the interest). Approx £1000 of the amount that is over the OD limit is made up of charges - have sent a SAR (from Consumer Action Group) to try and get these charges refunded so that will reduce the OD a bit. Have spoken to the CCCS again and whilst they can not reinstate the DMP, they will send us letters along with an income and expenditure form for us to send to all our creditors - it will be just that we will be paying them instead of through the CCCS. Am tempted to go through a fee paying DMP though just to lessen the stress but I know its not really the way to go.

I'm sure we will come along problems along the way though its a lovely feeling knowing that there are people who are willing to give constructive advice so thank you all very much.

The next problem I have is the Halifax, who aren't aware that we were on a DMP so its going to take some doing - getting them to agree to the payments we offer. We are approx £45k in debt and have looked at doing an IVA but have been advised by Payplan that as most of the debts are in my name and I am on benefits that its not really a feasible option. (They did explain why but to be honest it all went a bit over my head though it did make sense at the time).

I would like to do this SOA thingy for you all to look at but am not sure what exactly to do so any advice would be very welcome.

I dion't know how we got into such a mess - living beyound our means I guess (does that sound awful) and my husband been so ill was not something we were expecting but now its time to take the bull by the horns, my husband is back at work and sort it out. Thats it so please feel free to shower me with advice xxxx

Oh, by the way I haven't spent a penny since Saturday, I think thats pretty good and am well chuffed with myself.

climbgirl

weller711 wrote:

Am tempted to go through a fee paying DMP though just to lessen the stress but I know its not really the way to go.

Don't do this! I know it's tempting, but the money you pay them will be better off going straight to your creditors. Any problems you run into when working out the repayment plans, post on this site and people will help you.

In terms of a full SOA, SouthernScouser has written a post all about this - it's a "sticky" at the top of the forum. Have a read of that for some guidance.

melaniec_2

Glad you've come back. Its not realy important as to why you've got into trouble but the fact your husband has been ill is going to have put a huge strain on you. The important thing is you are trying to do something about it.

if you are at all confused about what to do next in terms of a DMP done on your own you should speak to CAB, don't risk going to a firm as you will be paying them so much money without any of your debts being reduced, i've also heard that after agreeing plans they want you to up payments the following year regardless of if you have any more money to give.

AGB863

HAve a look at this web site - CAP they give free support and have a number of places around the country.

http://www.capuk.org/help/contact-a-cap-centre-for-help

duncans-mum_2

Hi weller711. I am unable to add to what has been posted above, but I just wanted to offer my support. Don't beat yourself up about how/why you got into debt, what ifs are not going to help. Please don't go to a Debt Management Company that will charge you, you need every penny to count towards what you owe.

All the best, I hope you can get this sorted soon.

Bargain_Rzl

Hi weller711. For pointers on how to post an SOA, look at southernscouser's guide for newbies, which you can find here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=107280

Bestthingsinlifearefree

weller711 wrote:

I

I would like to do this SOA thingy for you all to look at but am not sure what exactly to do so any advice would be very welcome.

I dion't know how we got into such a mess - living beyound our means I guess (does that sound awful) and my husband been so ill was not something we were expecting but now its time to take the bull by the horns, my husband is back at work and sort it out. Thats it so please feel free to shower me with advice xxxx

Oh, by the way I haven't spent a penny since Saturday, I think thats pretty good and am well chuffed with myself.

Hi weller,

click on this link and this will help you with your statement of affairs (SOA).

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=107280

Post as much detail of all your incomings out goings etc and then other MSE ers will try to give you advice about the best way forward for your finances.

It sounds like you have had a tough year and gone through some turbulent times. But be as positive as you can and the grey skies will pass and the blue skies WILL return.

Take lots of small steps, look after yourself and try to enjoy your family / friends as much as possible:beer: smile and laugh when you can.;)

You CAN turn your finances around !

Let's hope and make 2007 a good year for you :j :T

Keep posting and I wish you well.

Best,

rog2

Well done Weller - you're getting there. :beer:
An SOA is basically a Statement of Income, Expenditure and Debt and is better explained on the 'Southern Scouser' Stickky thread at the top of the page.
Don't worry too much about the Halifax debt as this will be included in your overall debt situation and they will not get any preferential treatment, no matter how much they harrass you.
For what it's worth, I think they treted you abominably by turning up, uninvited, to demand the return of their card and cheque book. However that is now in the past and let's look to the future now.
It may, and we all understand, be difficult to list your debts, but try and approach it in the same way as if you were doing a shopping list - don't let your emotions take over.
Have a good look around the forum - there are people with 6 figure debts who, once they have acknowledged their situation, are coping extremely well.
There are MANY alternative ways to deal with your debts, and most are available without additional cost to you - so let's go down that route before contemplating a fee-paying DMP.