Confussed

LillyoftheValley_2

Hello to one and all. First time user here so please bear with me.

Having spent several months on this site and others trawling for help and advice I find myself so overwhelmed by it all I am sinking into the depths of depression.

I have credit card debts amounting approx £16.000. I am on benefits including DLA (full rate). I have a mortgage and live on my own.

I did approach Scottish deeds in November last year and have since been pestered by them, I feel that this is not the right road for me as they will be charging me plus want monies up front for a survey of my property.

My fear is real......I do not want to lose my home, but after reading so much out there I dread moving forward on this. At the minute I am just about keeping my head above water, well in actual fact all my money going to pay credit cards and mortgage and other utility bills.

I have already set up another basic account but not activated it yet.

I just do not know who and where to turn too, as I said earlier there is just too much information out there and I do not want to keep getting pestered like I am with Scottish Deed.

I would be very grateful of anyone out there could point me in the right direction.

sickasachip13

Hi Lily,

Are you in Scotland? I would completely recommend that you contact CCCS, the link for the Scottish part of their website is here: http://www.cccs.co.uk/InfoCentre/Scotland.aspx?WT.svl=cta_ic_18

You can do an online debt remedy thing, anonymously if you like, or can speak to them. They are lovely people and will set out your options calmly and clearly. They are a legitimate charity too.

I don't know anything about Scottish Deeds, but if they are a company that charges fee for any sort of debt 'solution' then you mustn't touch them with a barge pole.

There are ways forward, try not to feel too overwhelmed by it all. One of the options might be, with CCCS, a Debt Management Plan. This isn't for everyone though and CCCS will advise you of your options, I went on one about 16 months ago and it was a godsend.

Also, please post up you Statement of Affairs (SOA), your income and outgoings here, so people here can advise and make suggestions.

Don't worry, there are options open to you.

SAAC

BlushingRose

LillyoftheValley wrote: »

in actual fact all my money going to pay credit cards and mortgage and other utility bills.

Yes, this was us as well. We were fighting to keep our heads above water. Now we're on a DMP with CCCS. I can't honestly say we're rolling in money, but we're able to afford to buy food, petrol etc AND pay off some of our debt at a rate we can deal with.

antonia1

Hi lilly,

Congratulations on seeking help and posting here:T. I totally agree with sickasachip13, don't give any money to anyone for help with debts, contact CCCS or Payplan:

http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/scottish-residents.php

For the English on here, a Trust Deed is the Scottish equivalent to an IVA. This may be appropriate for you, or it may not be, but CCCS or Payplan can help.

In the mean time, complete an SOA and let the kind folks on here see if they can spot anywhere to make some savings.

LillyoftheValley_2

Many thanks to you all that replied to my post, I really do appreciate it.

Well I have been in contact with one of the links advised to try. Now I am confused by DAS and DMP. DMP if I have read it right does not guarantee interest been stopped ect etc.

Anyone help me out on this one please.

sickasachip13

Hi

There is no guarantee of the % being stopped but generally creditors are favourable towrds DMPs, they are actually suggesting sometimes that people go to CCCS when they are in trouble. I started my DMP with 19 creditors - 17 stopped all % and the other two only charge nominal interest which equates to only a couple of pounds per month. This has been in place for 16 months now.

Have a look at the DMP Mutual Support Thread, it's a wealth of information.

SAAC

LillyoftheValley_2

Thank you have am finding all info extremely helpful.

Just another question as I said before I have opened a basic account with the Royal Bank of Scotland but now worrying that they may have some sort of affiliation with the 4 credit cards I owe monies to as well as my current bank account. Is there a way of checking?

sickasachip13

Hi Lily,

I'm in a rush - I'm glad that you're taking steps forward.

There is a list somewhere, I'll try and find it later.... in the meantime, who are your cards with?

Also, you might find the same questions and answers in the DMP Mutual Support Thread, if you have a look through it.

SAAC

LillyoftheValley_2

Hi SACC,

Thanks for reply, been trawling through them all.

Barclaycard

Virgin

Bank of Scotland are the credit cards I owe.

RHANMOZZ

Hi there

Just a quick Question.

Do you get help with your mortgage?
If your on benefits there is what they call an SMI. Mortgage interest relief at 3.63%.
DWP pay 3.63% of your interest. It might help if you havent looked into it.