DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 8

dizzybee

Just received email from step change with all Details on but for some reason its not adding up and i have one debt that says unknown.will have to give them a call in the morning my first DD comes out on the first so i hope thinks will start to settle down on the phone.

Hunnies

Just a quickie, I received a default notice from Santander yesterday. Do I need to let StepChange know? Thanks

Newchapter

Good morning all,

Well, I am being brave and have declared to the world, well all my friends on this forum anyway, the extent of my debt. This is the first time I have actually worked out how much I owe. even though I've had a DMP for over a year, this is the first time I am actually facing reality.

2013 is going to be the year I take control of my financial siutation properly. I'll need your wise words and help guys, but I see so many of you making progress and that's inspiring.

Onwards and upwards!!

Time_to_face_the_music

Enough_Now wrote: »

I am looking forward to this time next year when I can add my total to the 'What we paid off in 2013' thread!

Good luck in 2013 people. I look forward to being a part of a positive group of individuals who are facing the problems head on - and being there for others who are just starting out on this journey.

EN xx

That being part of a group feeling is what this thread is all about. We are all in the same position and can help, advise and support each other :T

Your issue with Sainsburys is the same one that we have with several creditors. M&S have never stopped or reduced interest, Lloyds TSB did reduce it but have reintroduced it this month as they say we can make the minimum payment so tough. The interest will actually be more than the minimum payment so we will never get out of debt. I will be contacting the FOS later to hear their views on this. They have helped us with Lloyds TSB in the past and can hopefully do so again.

Good luck with getting yours sorted and please do contact the FOS if you get no help from Sainsburys.

TTFTM x

Time_to_face_the_music

Hunnies wrote: »

Just a quickie, I received a default notice from Santander yesterday. Do I need to let StepChange know? Thanks

Is it just a preprinted generic leaflet enclosed with a statement or is it addressed to you and states you are being defaulted?

Creditors have to send these leaflets every month that you don't meet your agreed payment, I have dozens but no defaults.

If it's an actual default, this will be marked on your credit file and while I don't think you need to tell StepChange, there is no harm in letting them know.

Time_to_face_the_music

Newchapter wrote: »

Good morning all,

Well, I am being brave and have declared to the world, well all my friends on this forum anyway, the extent of my debt. This is the first time I have actually worked out how much I owe. even though I've had a DMP for over a year, this is the first time I am actually facing reality.

2013 is going to be the year I take control of my financial siutation properly. I'll need your wise words and help guys, but I see so many of you making progress and that's inspiring.

Onwards and upwards!!

That's a very brave move, well done :T

The first time I saw our debt written down, I felt physically ill _pale_ but having a signature on here and updating it each month is really inspiring :j

Time_to_face_the_music

dizzybee wrote: »

Just received email from step change with all Details on but for some reason its not adding up and i have one debt that says unknown.will have to give them a call in the morning my first DD comes out on the first so i hope thinks will start to settle down on the phone.

Hope you manage to get it sorted out. StepChange can usually do this quickly by phone.

On the subject on your DD, don't forget it comes out of your account on the 1st but StepChange don't send it to your creditors until the 25th so we got a few more phonecalls and letters between those dates. Just explain that they will receive a payment on the 25th and it should keep them at bay.

Hunnies

Time_to_face_the_music wrote: »

Is it just a preprinted generic leaflet enclosed with a statement or is it addressed to you and states you are being defaulted?

Creditors have to send these leaflets every month that you don't meet your agreed payment, I have dozens but no defaults.

If it's an actual default, this will be marked on your credit file and while I don't think you need to tell StepChange, there is no harm in letting them know.

Thanks for your reply TTFTM, it is addressed to me and the opening line is 'We are required by law to send this notice to you before we can take action to recover the outstanding balance on your account'. There is a leaflet enclosed from OFT too. On the top right hand corner of the letter in a box in big red letters is says:
DEFAULT NOTICE
Served under Section 87 (1) of the Consumer Credit Act 1974

Does that mean it's a proper default then?
xx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

lizzy23 wrote: »

I don't wonder, they employ people in an office in Leeds city centre, they have overheads, websites to run and people to pay none of that will come cheap, at the end of the day they make our life easier and don't cost ME anything, so however they get their money is fine by me.

If you really want to get on to what a charity does with their money, have a look at the RSPCA accounts, and contrary to popular believe none of the money donated centrally goes to help animals, the individual branches have to fundraise themseleves.

And no before anyone says i don't work for Stepchange i'm just a realist that understands nothing in this life is free, and if you really want to know their incoming and outgoings go to the charity commision website and have a look at their accounts it all has to be audited

http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1016630&SubsidiaryNumber=0

With respect we are all entitled to our opinion.

The point that some of us have made is about the lack of transparency and that it often appears that the first loyalty is to the creditors rather then the debtors, for most of us they have done nothing to stop interest and we haven't all been fortunate enough to either have this or consistently receive good advice or support.

Anyway it's really encouraging to hear how pleased you are with them and that you don't mind paying interest at the current rate. Let's hope you stay that optimisitic if like some of us much more gets applied as you really get into your DMP.

HHx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

katy_ann wrote: »

Ive been having so many problems with my creditors stating that they havent recieved the DMP paperwork, any whom Ive spoken to Barclaycard tonight who have happily reduced my interest rate to 12% from 27% so am happy about that, they have also refunded me 3 late payment charges which I thought was good of them.

Very/Shop direct on the othe rhand have been are an absolute nightmare. I spoke to stepchange who advised me to write very a complaint letter as they were being rude and not agreering to the dmp. Then they send me a letter today stating that they agree to the dmp .... for the next TWO payments, then I have to start paying normally again, this is NOT going to help me! Feel like im going round in circles!! x

Well done on the first

The second, Rome wasn't built in a day. Keep at it. We will be here to support you.

HHx