"our doorstep agents have been instructed to call"

JasonWatkins_2

Hi again, and sorry for not posting back for a couple of days.

Had a bit of a funny reaction to the dentist's witchcraft and felt a bit lousy, so just ended up in bed feeling sorry for myself

I've checked some of my old bank statements and unfortunately, back in 2005, i made a few token payments of £2.50 a fortnight to Connaught collections regarding the large credit card debt, the option of statute barred is gone for that one because when I was at my old flat, I was in contact with them and I guess I did acknowledge the debt.

I suppose I could ignore them for 5 more years though because i've moved since then and they are unaware of where I live at the moment.

Saying that, Essex and Suffolk water tracked me down from the same address to this one, so I guess it can't be too hard if they put their minds to it.

Bankruptcy would really have no effect on my lifestyle overall, providing they don't take my computer and TV

Regarding the gambling side of things, I do think i've got it under control. I wouldn't say that gambling is 100% the cause of my situation, but it's not to say it hasn't played a part, because it has.

The problem I have with the debt overall is that i feel it's like an albatross around my neck and is forever a reminder of how i've generally messed up my life up to this point, and I want rid of it once and for all, so that's why I want to declare myself bankrupt. Five grand may not seem much to some, but to me, it's too much.

Last week I did actually open a new basic bank account at Barclays for my benefit because I felt it would play some small part in the whole idea of a fresh start. And I plan to go after Natwest for bank charges as well, because when I was looking back through my bank statements over the weekend, there have been some situations where i've been charged £38 for going a few quid overdrawn, so I tend to think if everyone else can do it, why can't i ?

Burlesque_Babe

JasonWatkins wrote: »

And I plan to go after Natwest for bank charges as well, because when I was looking back through my bank statements over the weekend, there have been some situations where i've been charged £38 for going a few quid overdrawn, so I tend to think if everyone else can do it, why can't i ?

Definitely go for it . The sooner you start, the sooner the money will be back with you. Also check your credit card statments for late payment charges and overlimit charges. If you don't have your statements, it costs £10 to get them all going back 6 years.

Good luck.

davey69_2

Hi, just a quick one - Natwest only charge £5 to get your list of bank statements/charges. So send them a cheque for a fiver rather than a tenner otherwise it just gives them an excuse delay your case!!!

JasonWatkins_2

davey69 wrote: »

Hi, just a quick one - Natwest only charge £5 to get your list of bank statements/charges. So send them a cheque for a fiver rather than a tenner otherwise it just gives them an excuse delay your case!!!

that's good to know .. thanks .. although i haven't had a cheque book for about 10 years so i hope they'll take a postal order

Crown

Hi again Jason,

I would seriously think hard before you think of bankruptcy. It may be feel like a albatross around your neck but 5k isnt the end of the world and this amont could be paid of with a DMP what would not have so severe penalties as BR. Have you spoekn to the CCCS regarding your options? If not give them a call the offer free advice and are not judgemental at all.

My Debts were all through gambling but a failed property investment that I made and redundancy. the gambling just made the problem worse so I know exactly where your coming from.

I would certainly start the process of reclaiming your bank charges as this could elimate a good percentage of your debt. take a look at the remplate letters on the main site and read Martins article.

I have taken on a 2nd job at the weekends at Tesco what brings in a another £300 a month what all gets thrown at my debts. I have cleared most of my arrears now and have got the banks to freeze all interest and charges. I am making token payments of just £1 on my various debts why I sort myself out and the banks have accepted this.

I know longer worry about the debt as such as I can see amount tumbling down and I know I will be debt free within probally 4 years as long as I stay in employment and I will have whats left of my credit file and then maybe I will then be able to stary my own business what I would have problems with if I was a BR.

have yo posted upa full SOA as yet?

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

smashedbooboo

Yes they will take a postal order. Send it recorded delivery. And keep copies of all letters you send and recieve. That way you will always have a paper trail.

JasonWatkins_2

The thing with Bankruptcy is that it really won't affect my lifestyle at all, if everything I have read about it is accurate. I don't really have much a life as it is - i live on my own and my closest friend lives about 90 minutes drive away.

And I can't drive. And i've been disqualified from ever driving for medical reasons as well.

I don't go out, I don't drink and I don't smoke. I'm never going to be in a position to have a wife/girlfriend to spend the money on and as long as I've got a PC, a 2nd hand DVD recorder and my 2nd hand Ipod, I've got all the gadgets I need.

So from that side of the fence, having the official receiver looking over my shoulder for a year or so will be a minor inconvenience - if that.

I'm sure you can appreciate i don't really want to lay my whole life story wide open to the world on here, but I will say again that the debt to me, even though it may be 'only' 5 grand, is a constant reminder of how i've thrown away the last 15 odd years.

I'm 37 now, and as much as I would probably consider a debt management program, 5 more years, or however long it takes, would be a lifetime for me.

I've been treated for fairly severe depression over the past few years, which isn't really gone completely if i'm honest, and having this debt hanging over me for the next 5 years or so won't exactly help.

If i'm going to wipe the slate clean and start again, and try and do something with my life before I'm 40, this debt needs to be gone and gone now. And if bankruptcy will make that happen, then it's what i'll do.

this isn't me having a go or anything - far from it because i'm truly grateful for all the advice i've received - i'm just trying to give you an understanding of where things stand from my side of the fence.