Lost job and can't pay credit cards

evt17

I was dismissed because of long term sickness. I got a payout but have been told by lots of people not to pay off credit card debts until I get another job - my mortgage is the most important thing to pay and, at 50, not even sure I will find another job.

I've written to the people I owe to say I can only pay £10 a month. But I'm now getting calls every day (5 or 6) and letters, threatening to come to my house. I'm still paying the minimum I can afford. But I'm so scared - I'm being threatened with court stuff and bailiffs. I won't even answer my phone anymore or answer the door. What can I do?

Gareth19

evt17 wrote: »

I was dismissed because of long term sickness. I got a payout but have been told by lots of people not to pay off credit card debts until I get another job - my mortgage is the most important thing to pay and, at 50, not even sure I will find another job.

I've written to the people I owe to say I can only pay £10 a month. But I'm now getting calls every day (5 or 6) and letters, threatening to come to my house. I'm still paying the minimum I can afford. But I'm so scared - I'm being threatened with court stuff and bailiffs. I won't even answer my phone anymore or answer the door. What can I do?

First thing to remember is not to worry.

Companies always try heavy handed tactics - believe me I know because I had most of them until I became debt free. Eventually I realised you have to stand up to them.

They can not get what you do not have. Simple. Any court in the land would not award them money you simply can not afford. The fact you are paying/offered to pay a nominal amount goes in your favour and shows everyone that you WANT to pay but due to circumstances at the moment simply CAN't pay the amount required.

I had many letters saying they were sending people to my house - I never saw one person. This is one of the favourite scaring tactics but the fact is you do not have to allow anyone in even in the unlikely event someone does turn up. They have no more rights than me or you to enter someones property and take goods. Unless it's a court bailiff of course but that won't happen.

Just stick to your guns and keep telling them what has happened and you can only afford £10 per month. If they insist on taking court action then the court will only let them have what you can afford as well so stop worrying. Debt is not a crime!

CLAPTON

post on the debt free wannabe board; lots of support and information there