Don't know what to do...

Deeply_Desperate

Hi, I am new to this but after reading the posts currently on here, I am sure someone will be able to help.

I have got myself into an awful mess and currently owe around 60k (exc mortgage). Up until summer last year I was managing quite well, or at least I thought I was until I finally decided to stop burying my head in the sand! I was constantly living on credit and overdrafts and although it seemed great at the time, I now realise it was a terrbile thing to do. I must add at this point that some of the debt (probably half) was when I was with my husband, it was joint debt although me being stupid took everything out in my name and now I am separated, am left with all the debt and more through my own stupidty.

Anyway, I finally decided to do something about it and contacted a debt advisor (free advice via a helpline provided by my work) who prepared a financial statement for me and a draft letter to send to all my creditors. I was also told to stop making payments until creditors agreed to the token payments being offered. Thankfully most of the creditors have agreed to reduced payments and are now currently being paid but there are those that just will not accept. There are 2 creditors in particular who just will not acknowledge the fact that I have been contacting them and keep writing back saying they are 'disappointed that I have not made any attempt to contact them' - I can't tell you how many times I have written to them or called them! I am now starting to receive the letters from the debt collectors which is scary enough - a couple have agreed to reduced payments but some are being more difficult. I am getting all the threats about court and bailiffs and really do not know what to do. I have family staying with me at the moment and I do not want bailiffs knocking on my door whilst they are then when I am at work.

I wondered if I should still contact CCCS or someone of that nature even though I have managed to get some of my creditors to agree to reduced payments. Also, would CCCS be any use now that some of the debts have been sold off to debt collectors.

I really want to be debt free and want to pay back my debts but just cannot see any way out at the moment. All mine and my partners wages go into paying off debts, mortgage, bills, child maintenance and food - we don't have any luxuries or go out anymore and we are both getting more and more depressed. My partner is even looking for a 2nd job now to bring some more money in.

I am sorry for the long message but am hoping that someone may be able to offer me help / suggestions or even just support! Why I ever got into this mess I'll never know, I have always been so good before. Somewhere along the line, I must have pressed 'self destruct'!!!

livinginhope

Hi there deeplydesperate
:grouphug: I'm sorry to hear you are so down,the good thing here is that you have recognised you have a problem and are dealing with it,I know it's hard,but the creditors do all they can to make you feel this way as they can't do anything else,they know they cannot get money when you haven't got it,so they get nasty in the hope you will somehow find it
I think cantacting CCCS or Payplan would be a good idea,they have more experience of dealing with this and can often get arrangements accepted when we can't
Try not to worry,we are here to help and support you,there is always someone around to talk to.
Best of luck
LIH

reddevilled

Well you've made the first few steps by starting to tackle the problem and by coming onto this website. There are loads of people on this forum more than willing to offer friendly advice and support.

It is going to be a long road ahead but every day you will be that bit more debt free than you were the day before and that's a really positive thing.

natters_2

It does get easier the further down the road you go - so long as you can brave out the threatening letters/phonecalls

anyone want a side bet that one of the 2 most problematic ones is MBNA?

As far as I am aware in order to have bailiffs calling they have to first obtain judgement through the courts - they are trying to scare you into paying more than you can afford

Haughley_Harridan

Hey there kiddo - well done for posting up here - you will find a lot of support and friendship. I was in much the same position as you when I had my LBM (Lightbulb moment) and I cried and cried and cried.

At the moment I know it seems bleak but just keep on going - some of these agencies are nightmares but you will eventually get through to them. Just stand up to the bullies! For them, it is more worthwhile to come to some kind of arrangement with you than to bang on the door, take the telly and end up having lost a lot of money.

A lot of people will give you a lot of good advice, kind words and encouragement - it is not the end of the world, just the beginning of a new life.

Deeply_Desperate

Thanks everyone for the kind words and support offered so far. I know I have to brave this out but it really is hard. I never knew people could be so mean even when you are telling them that you want to pay but just not the amount they are asking for!!!

And yes, MBNA is one of the creditors I am having problems with along with Cahoot. Halifax bank are not the best either, they have accepted reduced payments on my credit card but just refuse to acknowledge my contact re the overdraft!

Wannabesaver_4

hi - I def think you shoudl contact CCCS - they are a wonderful organisation and are extremley helpful! They will rest your mind at ease at once and will probably see your case as a urgent one so you should get help quite quickly.

I know how scary it all seems but it CAN get better you just need to ask for help.

Are Cahoot part of the Abbey National? I know the Abbey and HSBC have been our hardest creditors to sort out - they also refuse to acknowledge any contact has been made to them!!!

Good luck xx

bank_of_slate

Have you got a file where you keep copies of all conversations and letters sent to creditors.
Talk to CCCS to get more advice, many creditors won't accept offers from individuals, they are more likely to take a company like CCCS seriously.
Good luck and keep posting on here for support & advice!
...Linda xx