DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 9

Suseka

Hello all,

Well I've switched all my non debt DDs over (check) and I've received confirmation that my Apr salary will go to the new account on the 28th (double-check).

Now just waiting to cancel debt DDs once I've paid the Apr instalments (have to wait until close to the end of the month because the majority of them are with Barclays in one form or another and I currently bank with them). So naturally I have to be cautious.

I'm just waiting on a revised I&E statement from SC and then we can get that ball rolling.

I feel a little in limbo at the moment - as if I'm waiting for a time-bomb to explode and it's making me a little nervy.

I'll be glad when I've got my creditor letters and token payments (for May) off in the post and I can get the DMP started on 1st June - then I can breathe easy. Well as easy as anyone can in these circumstances.

Still picking up some good tips and advice from other posters - which helps keep me sane.

Hope everyone is doing well and keep fighting the fight with those 'preditors' who aren't playing nice.

Catch up later.

LocalAngel

Suseka wrote: »

Hello all,

Well I've switched all my non debt DDs over (check) and I've received confirmation that my Apr salary will go to the new account on the 28th (double-check).



Hi Suseka,

I'm full of admiration for your efficiency . I'm being a bit slow sorting everything out (not helped by the Coop taking so long to open my new account). Can I just ask you, did you just phone all the individual companies to switch your DD payments or did you have to fill in new forms?

Also, how did you get a new Income and Expenditure statement from SC - did you just send them new figures by email or speak to them over the phone? Quite a few of my figures are different from what I first told them because my current account was blocked and I couldn't see the exact figures. I hope they're not cross with me for changing everything.

debtfree77

Just thought i would post an update.

Called Co-op and they still havent recived any paperwork for my new account, so rather than leave everything until the last minute i decided to open a basic account with Natwest, all done in 10 minutes.

So today i have have been busy sending the letters to creditors along with sending all the info to Stepchange. I have also cancelled all the creditors DD and have started transferring over my prioity bills. Im hoping for a easy run with the contact from the creditors as they are all paid this month but we shall see.

Now the hard part is done i do feel a lot better tbh, i just hope the next few months are ok.

debtfree77

Hi Local Angel,

I gave up with Co-op and i need my new bank account ready by next week so my wages can go in, i didn't want it taking another month before i could do anything.

When i spoke to Co-op today the guy advised they still haven't recived my info (Sent from a branch on wednesday) he also advised when they recive it it can take a few days before it actioned because of the security checks. This is why i took the plunge and went with Natwest.

Suseka

Not sure its efficiency - I just hate not being in control of things, so do what I can when I can - but I'll take the compliment

Re DDs - I called them all (Utility companies, Council Tax, Pet Insurers, Mobile phone provider etc.) and they set the new details up over the phone. Some said I would get a new bill/statement through confirming, others just said it's sorted. One or two moved my payment date to later in the month (Apr) and then said the May payment would revert to the original date (which was helpful). There were only two that were too close to the payment date - but that's fine.

As to the revised I&E - I'm still waiting, but I called them when I received the first one, because like you I spotted some errors and they adjusted some figures whilst I was on the phone. They then were waiting to find out what my OH's revised salary for this tax year is going to be because he's lost further allowances. We tried for days to call them but couldn't get through, so we've emailed and as yet have not heard anything.

We'll probably chase that up next Monday - best to call when they open (at 8am).

Anyway - they won't be cross, they are there to help - so don't worry

cocoloco

Hello fellow debt free wanabees!

I just poped in to update on my DMP- started April 13 with Stepchange (£47.000) and offer advice to anybody who is just starting on they journey. Very happy with everything to date, no major drama and already been able to put some emergency money away!

My first advice is when you send your initial letter to your lender make sure that you put it in the you only wanted to be contacted BY POST!!!- we did not have 1 phone call in the last 7 weeks makes everything peacefull.
My second advice - only pay a token £1 initially to your debtors- they don't mind it and it gives you a chance to save up some money for emergency.
My third advice- keep a copy of all paperwork so it is at your ready if you need to check on some details.
My fourt advice- don't be affraid to call youir debtors- I called a few and was always treated nicely and symhathetically. If anybody anoys you- just hang up - what can they do?!?
My fift advice- read back on this thread- I would never have been able to sort our mess out and for this I'm greatfull for all of you!!!

Overall don't be scared of the process, you are trying your best to pay off your debts juts will take a bit longer and the debtors really can not do much about it.
I haven't felt this relieved and stopped worrying about money first time since forever. Still living by a strick budget but at least we can put some money aside for any unforseen expenses.
Also, first time I feel like I work for myself and my family (I work 45hrs+ / week) instead for the creditors.

Good luck everybody and persevere - the end result worth it!!!

Find_The_Real

debtfree77 wrote: »

Hi Local Angel,

I gave up with Co-op and i need my new bank account ready by next week so my wages can go in, i didn't want it taking another month before i could do anything.

When i spoke to Co-op today the guy advised they still haven't recived my info (Sent from a branch on wednesday) he also advised when they recive it it can take a few days before it actioned because of the security checks. This is why i took the plunge and went with Natwest.

Hi Debtfree as you have the account for the Co-op being processed I would recommend not bothering to cancel it when it does come through as you may want to keep just a little bit of emergency spends in that account. Not saying Natwest are always having system problems but if there is a crash you at least have some access to money. Some also find it useful for budgeting to have one for the bills and one for the spends so they know exactly how much there is.

debtfree77

Find_The_Real wrote: »

Hi Debtfree as you have the account for the Co-op being processed I would recommend not bothering to cancel it when it does come through as you may want to keep just a little bit of emergency spends in that account. Not saying Natwest are always having system problems but if there is a crash you at least have some access to money. Some also find it useful for budgeting to have one for the bills and one for the spends so they know exactly how much there is.

That is actually a really good idea FTR :beer: never thought of it like that . Could just use it for my emergency fund.

eyeopener2

Gosh there is so much good news and vibes on this thread. Keep it up guys!

murph_avfc

Have finally got my first payment lodged with SC.

Haven't really mustered token payments which is probably why the chasing has still happened.

Amazed by one creditor, Who have continued to send emails despite responses explaining the DMP including required contact details.

They've thanked me for my mail and offered a payment plan. Confused much? I am!