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StepChange_James

copperboom wrote: »

Hi, I'd really appreciate some advice... I had a debt management plan with StepChange a couple of years ago and paid for a year or so without problems. However I have bad mental health issues and lost my job, buried my head in the sand and stopped paying so my plan got stopped. I got myself together after a couple of months and started again on a "last chance" as the advisor told me, but my depression flared up again, I lost my job again and stopped paying without telling them why. So my plan is closed for good now.

I am now in a better place mentally and have a stable job and the ability to start paying properly again. It has been almost a year since I last made a payment (I think) and I have one CCJ I am paying but the rest of my creditors don't seem to be pursuing me although I am scared I will suddenly get a lot of CCJs. I haven't told my creditors of any change in my circumstances and I have changed addresses a couple of times since I was last paying. I've also taken on some new debts (payday loans :S) and so have to add them into a plan when I start again.

I really would like to start again with StepChange they were so useful and understanding and easy to use but I am so overwhelmed I don't know where to start and even if I am allowed a third chance? Please advise!

Thank you.

Hi Copperboom,

Thanks for posting. It's good news that you're feeling better at the moment and are looking to get back on top of your debts.

Depending on what stage you're at with them, it's possible that the payday loans are the most pressing issue to sort out. If you can't afford to repay them then it's important to stop the payments and look to get help. This article will help and it includes links to a template letter to stop the payment: http://moneyaware.co.uk/2013/01/payday-loan-debt-help-what-to-do-if-you-cant-afford-the-payment/.

If it's over a year since your DMP with us ended then it won't be active on our systems anymore. That's not a problem though, we can start the debt advice process again and look at everything with a fresh pair of eyes.

I'd recommend giving us a call and registering again with us. Here's the contact details: http://www.stepchange.org/Contactus.aspx. It would also be useful to get up to date details of your debts. If it's likely to be tricky to get in touch with them all then you could use noddle to get a free credit report: https://www.noddle.co.uk/.

All the best.

James

StepChange_James

hickles69 wrote: »

Hi debt advisors.
I am saving for a mortgage but worry that other people's debts in my name wil prevent this happening. My parents are a nightmare and I have bailed them out for yrs. Currently they have 2 loans to the tune of £6000 inn my name and i have a student loan.i am renting a bedroom to help with savings but I have to be out by end of year.i wonder if council accommodation and paying off their debts before applying for a mortgage will be the best option?

Thanks
hicks

Hi Hicks,

A mortgage broker/advisor would be a better person to speak to than us about the chances of being approved for a mortgage.

Having said that, if the loan is in your name then a mortgage company would see it as your debt regardless of whether someone else received the money. This wouldn't rule you out of getting a mortgage but I've heard that lenders tend to deduct outstanding debt off the amount they're willing to borrow and will take it into account when considering affordability.

Social housing can be a way to get your own place for little money. The main drawback usually is that many areas of long waiting lists for properties. If you speak to your council's housing department they'll be able to tell you more about the situation in your area.

I hope this is useful.

Kind regards

James

Timetochange89

Hi
I have an overdraft of £1500 and credit card debt of £4000 my wages go into my account with the overdraft so get eaten up every month. Is worth moving my overdraft to another credit then I'll be able to spread the money out more?

System

Timetochange89 wrote: »

Hi
I have an overdraft of £1500 and credit card debt of £4000 my wages go into my account with the overdraft so get eaten up every month. Is worth moving my overdraft to another credit then I'll be able to spread the money out more?

Hi,

We’re debt advisors we don’t advise on credit. MSE have a great article on reducing overdraft costs here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/cut-loan-overdraft-costs

One thing to be aware of is because you are onto your overdraft the bank could withdraw the facility – they may not but they do not have to warn you before they do (using the right of offset). We recommend people bank from an account with a zero overdraft – everyone can open a basic bank account.

If you did move your wage from your overdraft account you would still need to pay in the interest or you’ll be charged.

If you struggle with making the payments we can give you free debt advice. Use our Debt Remedy advice tool or contact us.

Thanks,
Jess

chrishep

Hi i need some advice please, we are being hassled off the above over items we have from them, most have over 2/3 paid off and we have one thing which is newish, we have run into money troubles and asked for help off them but was told no and the threats began, umpteen calls a day and visits all times of the day, and now tonight im presuming it was a bailiff or someone from there company in a van who has given us default notices on what we have, like i said most of the things are almost paid but they still say they will get there items back from us, im classed as disabled and my partner looks after me along with our 4 kids, we didnt want to end up like this but unfortunately it has happend, can anyone give me some info on what happens next by them and what i can do to refuse, i know basically the bulk of the items im just finishing off interest and the cooker we have has the biggest amount on which im happy to send back, i read there website and they say any probs to ring and we did and they basically werent interested, so now we are fretting over what is going to happen next with this, thanks for your time

IwtbDebtfree

Dear Stepchange,

I am coming to the end of my DMP with yourselves, hopefully will have completed paying off of £55,000 of mixed credit card / loan debt within the next two months.... The road has been painful but has taught us a very good lesson, and we now budget much better than we have ever done before....

I am lucky enough to currently receive a company car, however at next renewal (next month) this facility will be removed and I will recieve a cash alternative instead, in order to receive this I have to have a vehicle, and in order to have a vehicle I am going to have to apply for a loan, Having learnt my lesson the money for the car (after tax) will be dedicated to paying for the car and running costs. Now the timing isnt great because i will need to do this before the end of my DMP, is this allowed ? will my current creditors take issue, my experian rating is thankfully ok as I only defaulted on 1 of my debts right back at the start (4+ years ago).

Thanks

Iwtbdebtfree

StepChange_Pavan

chrishep wrote: »

Hi i need some advice please, we are being hassled off the above over items we have from them, most have over 2/3 paid off and we have one thing which is newish, we have run into money troubles and asked for help off them but was told no and the threats began, umpteen calls a day and visits all times of the day, and now tonight im presuming it was a bailiff or someone from there company in a van who has given us default notices on what we have, like i said most of the things are almost paid but they still say they will get there items back from us, im classed as disabled and my partner looks after me along with our 4 kids, we didnt want to end up like this but unfortunately it has happend, can anyone give me some info on what happens next by them and what i can do to refuse, i know basically the bulk of the items im just finishing off interest and the cooker we have has the biggest amount on which im happy to send back, i read there website and they say any probs to ring and we did and they basically werent interested, so now we are fretting over what is going to happen next with this, thanks for your time

Hi chrishep and thanks for your question.

If your items are on hire purchase it’s best to try and come to an arrangement to make sure you can keep the goods.

I’d recommend that you get in touch with us so that we can look at your situation as a whole and advise you on your options. We will help you to put together a budget to ensure that you’re paying the most important bills first and you have enough to live on.

You can ring our Helpline on 0800 138 1111 (free including from mobiles). We’re open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm and Saturdays 8am – 4pm. Alternatively, you can visit our online debt advice service Debt Remedy (http://www.stepchange.org/msehelp) to help you find a solution to your debt problem quickly.

Kind regards,
Pavan

chrishep

my items are on hp with perfect homes, and i have tried to get something arranged as most are nearly paid for but they are not interested at all when given this option

StepChange_Pavan

IwtbDebtfree wrote: »

Dear Stepchange,

I am coming to the end of my DMP with yourselves, hopefully will have completed paying off of £55,000 of mixed credit card / loan debt within the next two months.... The road has been painful but has taught us a very good lesson, and we now budget much better than we have ever done before....

I am lucky enough to currently receive a company car, however at next renewal (next month) this facility will be removed and I will recieve a cash alternative instead, in order to receive this I have to have a vehicle, and in order to have a vehicle I am going to have to apply for a loan, Having learnt my lesson the money for the car (after tax) will be dedicated to paying for the car and running costs. Now the timing isnt great because i will need to do this before the end of my DMP, is this allowed ? will my current creditors take issue, my experian rating is thankfully ok as I only defaulted on 1 of my debts right back at the start (4+ years ago).

Thanks

Iwtbdebtfree

Hi Iwtbdebtfree,

Wow well done, you must feel great that you’re almost there :j

This shouldn't be a problem as it’s a justifiable reason. I’d recommend that you get in touch with us though, so that we can make a note on your file just in case it is flagged up – you can send an email or give us a quick call.

It’s also worth making sure that all your balances are up to date to ensure that you’re finish date is accurate.

Congratulations again and I wish you a happy debt free future!

Best wishes,
Pavan

StepChange_Pavan

chrishep wrote: »

my items are on hp with perfect homes, and i have tried to get something arranged as most are nearly paid for but they are not interested at all when given this option

Hi again,

I'd still recommend that you get in touch with us so that we can give you more detailed advice. They may be more willing to come to an arrangement if they know you've been in touch with us.

Thanks,
Pavan