I've bitten the bullet.

alisonjs

And I've been crying now for the last two hours. I've finally accepted that I can't manage my debt any more on my own.

I've just had to run out of work in tears after a call from my credit card company and I've run all the way home thinking about how the f I'm going to deal with this. I keep thinking about running away or doing something else, but now I've called the CCCS and sobbed down the phone and I've got an appointment with a debt counsellor on the phone tomorrow morning.

I'm terrified.

What might happen to me? The lady was lovely on the phone, but I'm terrified.

mrsspendalot

well done for taking that important first step .... after your phone call tomorrow you will feel loads better I am sure.

newlywed

Well done on admitting you can't cope. That was my hardest step.

You'll be fine. I didn't actually ring CCCS but went through their debt advice on the internet (I knew I would sob down the phone otherwise!). They will need to know all your current balances of everything you owe. They will need to know your income and your usual outgoings, rent, food, petrol, tv, phone, electricity etc and they will then advise what is the best solution for you.

I am just starting a Debt Management Plan with them. They give you all the information about what will happen and what to do - like setting up a new bank account with a bank you don't owe any money too and having your wages paid in there so no-one can "off-set" and take your money without your permission.

They are really nice.

If they recommend a DMP then pop over to the DMP mutual support thread and you can get help with any questions you need answering as we are all on DMP's.

Crown

Hi Alison and welcome

Well done and on calling the CCCS as although it seems daunting you have taken the first step to getting back control of your financial situation.

The CCCS are fantastic. do not worry about telling them anything as whatever you discuss with them is confidental. the do not judge at all and are there to offer people with credit problems/Debts advice. I myself was bricking it when I spoke to them butI had no needto worry.

You ask what will happen to you. if its straight forward credit debts then nothing. There is no longer a debtors jail so dont panic about it.

You do need to make sure that your priority debts are upto date

These are

Mortgage/Rent
Council |Tax
Gas/Electricity
Water

If these are not paid you amay lose your home or be cut off. in the case of the Council tax this could lead to court action if it is not sorted out.

Please post upa SOA (info can be found in the 1st time posters thread) and we will be able to offer youa lot more advice.

Good luck with everything and make sure you let us know how you get on. You are not alone as we are all in the same boat.

atypicalblonde

Hi hun, well done on taking these first steps. CCCS are fabulous so you are in good hands. please keep posting xx

redsquirrel80

You've done absolutely the right thing. As Crown says as long as your essentials are getting paid then don't worry (easier said than done, I know, I've had plenty of sleepless nights panicking about debts!)

Good luck x

teecee152

Well Done!!!

You have taken that all important step of asking for help and facing your debt. I am with CCCS and they have been fantastic, I can't praise them enough. You will feel loads better after speaking to them. They are so helpfull and will not judge. They have i'm sure, heard much worse so please try not to cry anymore!

Good Luck

xx

alisonjs

Thanks for your replies. I'm at home now with work calling me trying to find out what's happened and why I just left . I can't answer the phone yet as I sound so awful.

CCCS told me to call the credit card companies whose min payments I can't meet this month and tell them that I am having trouble financially and that I need them to freeze the interest on my account and allow me to make a token payment this month only. Tell them also that I'll bein touch again afte rmy CCCS appointment - tomorrow.

But I'm too scared to call.

newlywed

alisonjs wrote: »

But I'm too scared to call.

Write it down. Ring them up and just read it out to them. It might help you stay a little more calm?

I was scared too but when I spoke to the people ringing me to say I was contacting CCCS they said they would hold off ringing me for the next 5-10 days. It is worth speaking to them just so the phone calls hold off for a little bit.

They say that they will stop phoning me once CCCS have contacted them, so the phone calls will quieten down once a DMP is all sorted out.

Crown

Hi Alison,

We have all sat in your position and I know its not a nice place to be but it does need to be done. Telephone them and let them know what is happening. you do not need to make any agreements. The banks recieve thousands of calls like this a day and are used to it.

I realise how scary it is but just go for it. We are all here for you. WHat is the worst that can happen. you can always hang up

Also you need to let work know what is happening as the last thing you want or need is to lose your job. If you can take a couple of days holiday why you sort this out.

Again I know its gloomy but your on the right track and after tomorrow you will more advice to your options.

Rout

Also, keep posting on here.

I'm new to this and currently have my debt under control (its still a lot, but its being paid off on a debt management program, which is what the CCCS will help you with)

I wish I knew of this site a couple of years ago, these guys are great, and i've not yet seen one subject which they cant offer really good advice on.

This time nest week you'll be in a totally different frame of mind than now.

Good luck,

Michael.