DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 9

Time_to_face_the_music

Mossop01 wrote: »

I have had some great news, the last of my creditors to accept the dmp have both got in touch freezing interest and accepting the plan!!! Wooohhooo
That's all 10 creditors on board with interest frozen for at least 12months! I'm so happy I think I might pop!!! We might actually stand half a chance at getting this paid off!!!!
Gonna treat myself to a choccy bar! Rock n roll!!!
Hope everyone else is having a good day x

Brilliant news Mossop :j

Julie67 wrote: »

The biggest thing for us has been adjusting to the budget and only spending what we have. I was worried about this but I'm now seeing it as a challenge. Due to meal planning and sticking to a fixed amount from groceries we have actually got a bit in front and thanks to an Aldi voucher I've managed to shop for half our allotted budget this week:D
It is tough when things come around. We are out with our grown up kids for a Birthday meal on Saturday night, but have managed to persuade them to go somewhere I have a voucher for so 20% off the bill, none of them know about our DMP and I didn't want to say no, we're there's a will there's a way.
Good luck with everything, so far I've found it a positive experience.

Well done on the shopping and the meal Julie :T

I love having little treats by using vouchers. There is nothing better than feeling like you are getting something good for nothing, or at least a great bargain

redballoon_2

thanks for the replies to my questions. lloyds said they would transfer my direct debits from old account to new for me.

Im sorry im not answering anyones questions , im only asking questions so sorry about that but im not in a position to offer much advice. all this is new to me and a secret to my family and friends

Mossop01

Our dmp is our guilty secret too, but no one needs to know unless u want them to, dont worry about asking questions i asked tons of questions everyones really helpful and supportive x

redballoon_2

Thanks Mossop01 , We owe £17,000 between us. We can only afford the £1 token payments at the moment and Im struggling to see how this can change. Husband is self employed and so work can fluctuate from earning £100 a month to £1500 a month. we have used credit cards in the past to top up or just for spending on, and in the last 4 years this has steadily reduced and now we havent spent on them for a long time now.

Mossop01

Maybe post a statement of affairs to see if theres anywhere people can give u ideas to cut back on the essentials. Did SC recommend the best course of action for you? Im not sure how it works as to how much available income u need to set up dmp, but good luck with everything

redballoon_2

thanks ive cut back so much i cant cut back anymore. we dont spend on anything thats not essential spending, step change made us put in 25 for clothing for children a month ( i go to jumbles and buy a bag full for about £2!) and £300 for food for a month which i spend far less than that.

dmp2013

Hi mossop01 did hsbc freeze interest? How did u manage that? Well done wish oars was as positive.

Mossop01

Hi dmp, we have 4 debts with hsbc
OD 1 interest frozen 12months
OD 2 interest frozen 12 months
Loan interest added upfront but no fees or charges for duration
Credit card interest frozen 12 months

I had to keep pestering them and they did pass me from pillar to post a bit, they ignored all letters and failed to discuss dmp with me until i mentioned going to FOS then they finally put me through to very helpful man who miraculously found all written correspondance and confirmed interest freezes, he also advised if interest is added after 12 months to complain to FOS and they would most likely freeze it again
It was a bit of a battle of wills trying to get to speak to some that a) i could understand and b) actually recognised the dmp and gave sound advice!
They can help if u get the right person its just being persistant, he did explain every situation is taken on its on merits and they do have a backlog but maybe cos i kept pestering they pushed it forward? Who knows! They seem to be a law unto themselves!

Mossop01

Red balloon it sounds like ur being as frugal as possible, im struggling to get grocery shop below £340 for 4 of us, so well done on that. Maybe if u could increase steady income (easier said than done) then u would be in a better position for dmp? Its hard when u know already where every penny goes and there just isnt room for another expense, but interesting to see what SC recommend long term for you, dont give up hope tho, they cany have what u havent got!
Good luck!

dmp2013

Thanks sooo much il get pestering!! I'm working tomorrow and all next wk tho, wonder if I can speak to the right people at the weekend? I will get on their case and Halifax too!! Really want to at least get our interest reduced. Thank you again.:-)