DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 8

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Ellieseleven wrote: »

Ha Ha, I had to laugh at the letter that we received this morning from Santander saying as we have not used our account for a while they are not going to issue us with a new card unless we make a transaction in the next 6 weeks... Oh we'll, that's a relief. Left hand, Right hand comes to mind

Ellie xx

:rotfl::rotfl:

Hopelessly_Hopeful

ianmak wrote: »

In terms of making money PP are the same when it comes to IVAs and their (numerous) other services. As we say, at the end of the day they don't charge for the basic service, it's all the added extras, which we're under no obligation to take.

Anyhoo, as TTFTM says, SUMO. :silenced:

Hi Ian

Haven't been around much but not sure I said CONGRATULATIONS on the romantic union

HHx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

RonniesMummy wrote: »

Hiya all

Thought id pop on and say hello
No news from me, had a nasty debt collectors email at 8pm last night, wasnt nice to go to bed after that, I just sent a generic response saying I am not entering into a discussion I am on a DMP with stepchange here is my reference number please deal with them.
Just wish they would all go away and take what money stepchange are offering as I literally have nothing else!!

This is the first month I have money before pay day, hasnt happened in such a long time, I can actually get to work tomorrow whereas this time of the month my tank is usually empty!

Things will get better for all of us!

Well done. It will settle down

HHx

lizzy23

Hopelessly_Hopeful wrote: »

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

How patronising, the info is there when you look for it, how much more transparent do you want than audited accounts, i take it you've never worked with any charities? and for info i'm not paying interest to any of my 9 creditors including m and s , i did have an issue with Marbles but that was resolved, oh and i haven't had to send them threatening letters all i've done is have the balls to speak to them, and keep them informed, seems to me there's just a little clique going on on here, and you're either in or not in. If you're not happy with how they are managing your DMP go self managed, but don't put people off, that are desperate for help by insinuating that they're doing things that aren't entirely ethical with actually no proof

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Newchapter wrote: »

Hi HH

Thats a huge amount to pay off in one year. I am amazed and in awe of you. Well done!

Thank you but we don't have much choice in the matter, the DMP providor sets their level of reasonableness of what it should be according to someone's salary etc. My DMP payment has just gone down because SC have agreed to revise my budget. Collusion and lack of transparency in the credit industry around DMPs will not allow the debtors to freely see the 'allowances'. I was 'trying' to live on half the food budget I am entitled to. When I raised this with SC they wouldn't tell me what their guidelines are to the maximum, it was how I imagine a game of poker may be to squeeze some extra allowance out of it!!!!

HHx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Enough_Now wrote: »

Wanted to post a quick update. Second payment was sent to StepChange this month, so have just received statements from creditors including Month 1 DMP payment.

It looks like the payments have cancelled out the increase in debt from the token payments stage, so back to square one. The plus side is that when this month's payments hit the accounts, it will show a reduction in the debt! :T

Two of the nine creditors have defaulted my accounts, all are playing ball with either freezing or halving interest - except Sainsburys CC!

I have written to them using the template letter as they are continuing to charge full 27.9% interest and adding £12 x2 charges every month. They argue that my DMP payment is for more than my minimum payment, so I am not in financial hardship! My balance is now increasing as the DMP payment does not cover the interest and charges :mad:

I know I am lucky to have just one uncooperative creditor but it is so frustrating, when I am trying to deal with the debt problem - I still think admitting that you have put yourself in this position is a very hard thing to do.

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

On the whole that's really positive news, well done. It feels amazing to see the light at the end of the tunnel doesn't it?

HHx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

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.

Good luck DB, let us know how you get on.

HHx

lizzy23

Hopelessly_Hopeful wrote: »

Thank you but we don't have much choice in the matter, the DMP providor sets their level of reasonableness of what it should be according to someone's salary etc. My DMP payment has just gone down because SC have agreed to revise my budget. Collusion and lack of transparency in the credit industry around DMPs will not allow the debtors to freely see the 'allowances'. I was 'trying' to live on half the food budget I am entitled to. When I raised this with SC they wouldn't tell me what their guidelines are to the maximum, it was how I imagine a game of poker may be to squeeze some extra allowance out of it!!!!

HHx

Really, i was told to put all my allowances to the max, and actually pay more than stepchange advised, seems like its the same as anything depends who you talk to

Hopelessly_Hopeful

lizzy23 wrote: »

How patronising, the info is there when you look for it, how much more transparent do you want than audited accounts, i take it you've never worked with any charities? and for info i'm not paying interest to any of my 9 creditors including m and s , i did have an issue with Marbles but that was resolved, oh and i haven't had to send them threatening letters all i've done is have the balls to speak to them, and keep them informed, seems to me there's just a little clique going on on here, and you're either in or not in. If you're not happy with how they are managing your DMP go self managed, but don't put people off, that are desperate for help by insinuating that they're doing things that aren't entirely ethical with actually no proof

Hi Lizzie

I noticed you posted on another thread re interest charges...........

Hello Paddlers and a happy new year, all seems to have settled down with my creditors and only Marbles are still charging interest the rat bags.

Could anyone please point me in the direction of the stopping interest letter? they will be getting that this month, and if i don't have a satisfactory response i'll threaten them with teh FOS and stick a complaint in .........................


I am pleased you got them to stop interest and do hope it continues for you.


Rather ironically I am involved with three National charities and registered with companies house etc. Part of the voluntary work I do is work is to look at whether we can afford to do work how where and when given the running costs involved.

The thread is about sharing personal experiences and respecting and supporting individuals. I don't believe the thread is a clique, people are always encouraged to be here, quite frankly I am insulted at that response, I have been thanked on 4917 times so am now drawing some comfort from this.

You are of course entitled to your opinion. I have, as I am entitled to stated my opinion and now I will step aside from the discussion.


HHx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Hunnies wrote: »

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

Hi Hunnies

That's good news, sooner it is on sooner it will be off, interest charges are often suspended too.

SC told me they don't do anything different and don't need to know, you just need to let them know if the debt gets transferred to a DCA or another debtor.

Hope that helps.

HHx