Struggling with debt? Ask a debt advisor a question

Florida15

Hi i am a newbie too so cannot offer you much advice but i am sure someone will soon, didnt want to read your post and not reply.

Good luck

mum2one

Florida15 wrote: »

Hi just set up my dmp and had my first letter from barclays. Have now missed 1 payment on a loan. They have sent me a default letter mentioning section 87.

Scared to death now.

Help much appreciated thanks. :eek:

Hi, I know it sounds daft but try not to worry, the fact that there is a DMP involved will help a lot, basically the default letter is there first port of call, it will be as you haven't paid that month payment - the section 87 is the legal bit as to what they could do.

Are they aware that there is a DMP involved, if not ring them and let them know that a payment is due on xx date...

There be someone by Stepchange along on Monday - there be in more indepth. xxx

bobbysox

Hi
I have just joined and in real need of advice. Don't even know where to begin. I don't have a great deal of debt nor my husband. I am terminally ill, not long had heart surgery and my husband has long term mental health. I am my husbands full time carer, we get benefits, I get carers allowance, my husband, long term incapacity, DLA, and income support.

My husband some years ago, been so long ran up some credit card debts, can't even recall who with, many were not paid and went to debt collectors, been so long. I dealt with all the letters and even got a letter I paid for from his GP, some kindly wrote off dents, others didn't, and nothing was done, no payments made and no contact. I dont even have any ideas as to debts as I have no letters from anyone now due to the time it has been.

Recently my health took a turn for the worse, and we found ourselves using our benefits mostly for taxi fares to and from hospital, can't walk too far, it ate into our money, my husband applied to Santander for an overdraft and got 800.00 no problem but due to having to live off it and expenses at home as my husband who previously did little now was caring for me, he is not used to using a PC, very basic tasks, and sometimes would withdraw more then he should, so soon the 800.00 was gone, we face our first charge this month. It is a joint account.

I also have an Halifax account which my carers allowance is paid into with an overdraft, I have contacted them to try to arrange to pay it off and have to call this week. This is for 950.00.

Then my husband had a CCJ come in the post for over 3,000 just says bank, I believe it to be an old credit card debt way past six years, and I don't know what to do. I checked with Noddle and can't see much in the way of debt. I owe some catalogues one small limit credit card, all being paid but mostly minimum. I also found a debt on my file for an CCJ but not had it for telecommunications, possibly an old mobile contract passed on to another debt collection agency for 320.00.

My husband only has the bank overdraft and a credit card maxed at 250.00 but paid monthly.

I tried to see if I could get a loan to pay off the debts but declined other then payday loans. My phone texts have been bombarded with brokers texts and even one calling saying my husband should go into IVA, he owes so little and old debt which has come as a CCJ.

I have been up for 48 hours trying to find advice online and am lost, very lost. We live day to day with money little to spare, so much we have not paid gas in a while and a debt of almost 4,000 is owe in my name, I contacted the grants and applied, awaiting reply. My electric is prepayment, and other household bills have all been reduced to try to help. I have done this alone so far, but I can't print off letters, no printer, we dont have much, very basic life.

I contacted social services who visited and they advised I apply for PIP which I have, waiting for the form, and having adaptations to my rented home at the moment because of my health.

My husband can't cope with calls and just passes the phone to me, and I really need advice, any help would be so welcome, I feel desperate and sorry that my health has caused a decline in my husbands mental health which has caused these problems.

System

bobbysox wrote: »

Hi
I have just joined and in real need of advice. Don't even know where to begin. I don't have a great deal of debt nor my husband. I am terminally ill, not long had heart surgery and my husband has long term mental health. I am my husbands full time carer, we get benefits, I get carers allowance, my husband, long term incapacity, DLA, and income support.

My husband some years ago, been so long ran up some credit card debts, can't even recall who with, many were not paid and went to debt collectors, been so long. I dealt with all the letters and even got a letter I paid for from his GP, some kindly wrote off dents, others didn't, and nothing was done, no payments made and no contact. I dont even have any ideas as to debts as I have no letters from anyone now due to the time it has been.

Recently my health took a turn for the worse, and we found ourselves using our benefits mostly for taxi fares to and from hospital, can't walk too far, it ate into our money, my husband applied to Santander for an overdraft and got 800.00 no problem but due to having to live off it and expenses at home as my husband who previously did little now was caring for me, he is not used to using a PC, very basic tasks, and sometimes would withdraw more then he should, so soon the 800.00 was gone, we face our first charge this month. It is a joint account.

I also have an Halifax account which my carers allowance is paid into with an overdraft, I have contacted them to try to arrange to pay it off and have to call this week. This is for 950.00.

Then my husband had a CCJ come in the post for over 3,000 just says bank, I believe it to be an old credit card debt way past six years, and I don't know what to do. I checked with Noddle and can't see much in the way of debt. I owe some catalogues one small limit credit card, all being paid but mostly minimum. I also found a debt on my file for an CCJ but not had it for telecommunications, possibly an old mobile contract passed on to another debt collection agency for 320.00.

My husband only has the bank overdraft and a credit card maxed at 250.00 but paid monthly.

I tried to see if I could get a loan to pay off the debts but declined other then payday loans. My phone texts have been bombarded with brokers texts and even one calling saying my husband should go into IVA, he owes so little and old debt which has come as a CCJ.

I have been up for 48 hours trying to find advice online and am lost, very lost. We live day to day with money little to spare, so much we have not paid gas in a while and a debt of almost 4,000 is owe in my name, I contacted the grants and applied, awaiting reply. My electric is prepayment, and other household bills have all been reduced to try to help. I have done this alone so far, but I can't print off letters, no printer, we dont have much, very basic life.

I contacted social services who visited and they advised I apply for PIP which I have, waiting for the form, and having adaptations to my rented home at the moment because of my health.

My husband can't cope with calls and just passes the phone to me, and I really need advice, any help would be so welcome, I feel desperate and sorry that my health has caused a decline in my husbands mental health which has caused these problems.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you’ve been having a very difficult time of late. We can support you and give you the advice you need. Please don’t be tempted by the companies calling you about IVA’s – they are more than likely just wanting to sell you a solution for their profit.

Firstly because you have debt with your bank I would recommend you open up a basic bank account with another bank. Choose one you have no debt with and have your income paid into it. That way your income will be secure and you can start to prioritise which debts you pay first.

Because of the number of different things you’ve mentioned, rather than go through each thing in a post, I would advise that you give us a call to talk things through with a debt advisor. If you call 0800 138 1111 (anytime Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm, free from a landline and mobile) we can give you some immediate advice, go through a budget and advise you on the best way to deal with everything.

All of the advice is completely free, it’s confidential and you’re under no obligation to do anything.

If you’re comfortable doing it online you can also use Debt Remedy, our free online tool.

Or, if you do want a written response, please post back and I’ll get back to you about each thing.

Give us a call or don’t hesitate to get back to me.

Thanks,
Jess

Florida15

StepChange_Jess wrote: »

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you’ve been having a very difficult time of late. We can support you and give you the advice you need. Please don’t be tempted by the companies calling you about IVA’s – they are more than likely just wanting to sell you a solution for their profit.

Firstly because you have debt with your bank I would recommend you open up a basic bank account with another bank. Choose one you have no debt with and have your income paid into it. That way your income will be secure and you can start to prioritise which debts you pay first.

Because of the number of different things you’ve mentioned, rather than go through each thing in a post, I would advise that you give us a call to talk things through with a debt advisor. If you call 0800 138 1111 (anytime Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm, free from a landline and mobile) we can give you some immediate advice, go through a budget and advise you on the best way to deal with everything.

All of the advice is completely free, it’s confidential and you’re under no obligation to do anything.

If you’re comfortable doing it online you can also use Debt Remedy, our free online tool.

Or, if you do want a written response, please post back and I’ll get back to you about each thing.

Give us a call or don’t hesitate to get back to me.

Thanks,
Jess

I have set up a basic bank account with barclays and have debts with them on the advice of stepchange, but above your advice says get a different bank account. Help. X

System

Florida15 wrote: »

I have set up a basic bank account with barclays and have debts with them on the advice of stepchange, but above your advice says get a different bank account. Help. X

Hi there,

I don't know everything about your situation or what was discussed with you when you spoke to us but if you have unsecured debt (overdraft, credit card, personal loan) with a bank (Barclays) then you are best to open another basic bank account somewhere else to have your income paid into. It's best to bank somewhere that you do not hold debts.

If you're unsure call back in with your reference number.

Thanks,
Jess

Florida15

StepChange_Jess wrote: »

Hi there,

I don't know everything about your situation or what was discussed with you when you spoke to us but if you have unsecured debt (overdraft, credit card, personal loan) with a bank (Barclays) then you are best to open another basic bank account somewhere else to have your income paid into. It's best to bank somewhere that you do not hold debts.

If you're unsure call back in with your reference number.

Thanks,
Jess

Ok will ring tomorrow. Really frustrated now as i have changed all my direct debits for bills etc and my wages into new account. Looks like i will have to do all this again. Not a good start to my DMP with stepchange.

bobbysox

StepChange_Jess wrote: »

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you’ve been having a very difficult time of late. We can support you and give you the advice you need. Please don’t be tempted by the companies calling you about IVA’s – they are more than likely just wanting to sell you a solution for their profit.

Firstly because you have debt with your bank I would recommend you open up a basic bank account with another bank. Choose one you have no debt with and have your income paid into it. That way your income will be secure and you can start to prioritise which debts you pay first.


Thanks,
Jess

Thank you so much Jess, truly appreciate your reply. I have already opened up a new basic current bank account, no OD, but debit card, and a small savings account. The bank offers a free service whereby every time you use your debit card and spend say £10.50 they round it off to the nearest pound, so they debit £11.00 and that 50p goes into the savings account, may not be much but slowly can add up and help to have funds for an emergency, just waiting on the card and welcome pack.

I have also taken a look at incomings and outgoings, it is hard to do a true SOB as the benefits my husband gets is bundled in with mine so would show he has more income then he has. I did however, reduce in one day monthly outgoings just by reducing monthly bills, Internet, phone and a few others saving almost £40.00 a month.

I am further sending off for full credit reports to be on the safe side for both of us with the £2 fee for each.

The CCJ my husband has is an old debt going back over 7 years, there was no form with it in the post just a Judgement claim, and I contacted one debt line, free, who agreed after 6 years debts are statue barred if no contact has been made, which my husband has not as I dealt with all of this 7 years ago, he added however that this would not be the case for a CCJ, and they could send baliffs for goods or bump up interest rates with fees.

I rang and cancelled the people wanting to set up an IVA for my husband, he doesn't even owe that much. Most important was to contact the priority debts, and this I have done, but I shall be calling for advice. Many thanks to you for your help.

Former_StepChange_Rachel

PinkPrincess82 wrote: »

Hi Everyone

I have always had debts my husband (who was my boyfriend then) has bailed me out twice with two loans. I have been unemployed for 3 months and before then was working part time, things have really got out of control.

I have done a lot of balance transfers two of which are expired I am being charged between £30 - £50 interest:eek:. I have never missed a payment but since being out of work I have been withdrawing for one credit card to pay another and my total debt is around £18,000 (7 credit cards and 4 overdrafts) the most I've ever owed.

My husband works for the Citizen Advice and has said I need to write to my creditors to ask them to freeze the interest. I am frantically applying for jobs as I am not sure how I will pay next months bills. My anxiety is at an all time high I am beside myself with worry.

Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there

Thank you you for posting and I'm terribly sorry to hear you've been feeling stressed over this.

I just want to assure you that there is help available. It certainly sounds like you would benefit from some free and impartial debt advice.

The creditors you've mentioned are what we call 'non priorities'. This means that they're only entitled to what you can truly afford after you've covered all your living expenses. They cannot send bailiffs to your house and they cannot make you prioritise them above anyone else.

What you need to do is build a budget which outlines every living expense you're dealing with so your creditors have a more accurate picture of your situation.

Our online advice tool Debt Remedy can help you draw up a budget and will also provide a solution for your debts in just 20 minutes.

Hope this helps. Please write again if you have further questions.

Best regards

Rachel

System

bobbysox wrote: »

Thank you so much Jess, truly appreciate your reply. I have already opened up a new basic current bank account, no OD, but debit card, and a small savings account. The bank offers a free service whereby every time you use your debit card and spend say £10.50 they round it off to the nearest pound, so they debit £11.00 and that 50p goes into the savings account, may not be much but slowly can add up and help to have funds for an emergency, just waiting on the card and welcome pack.

I have also taken a look at incomings and outgoings, it is hard to do a true SOB as the benefits my husband gets is bundled in with mine so would show he has more income then he has. I did however, reduce in one day monthly outgoings just by reducing monthly bills, Internet, phone and a few others saving almost £40.00 a month.

I am further sending off for full credit reports to be on the safe side for both of us with the £2 fee for each.

The CCJ my husband has is an old debt going back over 7 years, there was no form with it in the post just a Judgement claim, and I contacted one debt line, free, who agreed after 6 years debts are statue barred if no contact has been made, which my husband has not as I dealt with all of this 7 years ago, he added however that this would not be the case for a CCJ, and they could send baliffs for goods or bump up interest rates with fees.

I rang and cancelled the people wanting to set up an IVA for my husband, he doesn't even owe that much. Most important was to contact the priority debts, and this I have done, but I shall be calling for advice. Many thanks to you for your help.

Hi again,

No problem, glad I could be of some help

Well done on reducing your household bills, £40 a month is a considerable saving. By the way you can check your credit file for free online at https://www.noddle.co.uk/ And if you're doing a budget you can do a household income if it's easier, you don't have to separate your benefit income from your partner's.

You were told correctly, there is no statute of limitations on a CCJ. As long as it was issued within 6 years of your last payment to the debt or correspondence with the creditor. With a CCJ though you will only be asked to pay what you can manage, you fill in a budget return it to the court. If you contact your local county court they can re-issue you with another N1 form.

Being as fair as I can it’s hard to see how debt management companies that contact you have your best interests are heart. An IVA is only suitable for £15,000+ debt anyway so I’m glad to hear you cancelled your appointment.

Yes, contact the priority debts, tell them you’re seeking help from us and make a small good will gesture payment towards what you owe them. Then you can call in (or use Debt Remedy) to get some debt advice/solutions.

Take care,
Jess