Anyone on DMP and had to reduce a payment one month due to unexpected expense?

michael1983l

It costs more to repair a washing machine these days than it does to buy a new one. I think the point the OP is making is that there is no spare cash to save for this. Either the SOA needs adjusting to include some emergency funds or the debt management company needs to allow a tempoary reduction in payment. It is really that simple. If you can have a payment break on an IVA for said emergencies, then there is no reason why you cannot do it on a DMP.

Pink-Angel

I've bought the item already as I did consider it essential. My old one was beyond repair, it would've taken months to save because there is no lee-way in my DMP to save (although I'll certainly add a little extra to my household expense in the future). I needed the washer dryer because I have asthma and live in a damp flat so having wet washing hanging around wouldn't have done much for my health.

Whether I should've bought it wasn't really why I posted. I totally respect people have their own opinions and maybe think I shouldn't. I made the decision that I felt was right at the time and I bought the item.

I was hoping to hear from others about whether reducing payments have affected their DMP or created problems with creditors, and I'm grateful for comments on this subject.

Pink-Angel

michael1983l wrote: »

It is fair to explain to them that in order to pay them the maximum amount possible, you do not have any spare cash for emergencies. Therefore it is not being unreasonable to ask for a temporary adjustment to your payment to pay for such said emergencies. Explain that if they are unwilling to adjust the payment for you that they will have to adjust the whole SOA to include an emergency fund monthly payment or an increase in it if you already have one. You will find that they will soon enough adjust your payment rather than have you do that.

Thanks very much Michael, your comments are appreciated.

michael1983l

Pink-Angel wrote: »

I've bought the item already as I did consider it essential. My old one was beyond repair, it would've taken months to save because there is no lee-way in my DMP to save (although I'll certainly add a little extra to my household expense in the future). I needed the washer dryer because I have asthma and live in a damp flat so having wet washing hanging around wouldn't have done much for my health.

Whether I should've bought it wasn't really why I posted. I totally respect people have their own opinions and maybe think I shouldn't. I made the decision that I felt was right at the time and I bought the item.

I was hoping to hear from others about whether reducing payments have affected their DMP or created problems with creditors, and I'm grateful for comments on this subject.

Although creditors will scream and shout when payments are late or missed, they really do expect it to happen on rare occasions. Reducing one months payment is not the end of the world and the creditors might moan a little and make some empty threats but it is in their interests to keep you paying them so they will settle down and just accept it eventually.

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Hi and welcome

Washing machines are essential! We can technically live without electric and heating but you just wouldn't would you!

The right plan of action is to agree a reduction in advance with stepchange, just so you know for next time! Things will go wrong from time to time on a DMP. Ideally your budget should be set to such a level that you can anticipate and plan but all things in life are not perfect. My fridge freezer has been on its last legs since I started the DMP 3 years ago but is still running. I have money set aside to replace it but I am now having a battle of wills as to who will give in first the fridge freezer or me lol. That said I had car trouble twice which I did not have enough in the emergency fund for. First time SC reduced that months payment. I had already paid so they returned half of it. Second time was an enormous car bill, SC reversed all but £50 to me and paid each creditor £5. It really depends who you speak to unfortunately. There is no contract. DMPs are informal and they specifically tell you things will go wrong and your budget can be adjusted. I'd call them back up. It's YOUR money! Sounds like you need a budget review too. Don't rely on stepchange to inform your creditors. I wrote personally to them and explained situation, enclose bill where possible. Assure them you are back to xx amount month after. Suggest budget review before you write to them and tell them that SC are aware of the plan. Had you approached SC like you will next time you can put that SC approved it etc. It will no doubt kick off computer madness but you can appeal if any nonsense comes your way. At the end of the day its all about reasonableness.

Have you considered coming to join us on the DMP support thread? Certainly keeps me going, we support laugh and cry together, it's a really friendly thread. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/60182595#Comment_60182595

Good luck with it. Please let us know how you get on.

HHx

HappyMJ

Pink-Angel wrote: »

I've bought the item already as I did consider it essential. My old one was beyond repair, it would've taken months to save because there is no lee-way in my DMP to save (although I'll certainly add a little extra to my household expense in the future). I needed the washer dryer because I have asthma and live in a damp flat so having wet washing hanging around wouldn't have done much for my health.

Whether I should've bought it wasn't really why I posted. I totally respect people have their own opinions and maybe think I shouldn't. I made the decision that I felt was right at the time and I bought the item.

I was hoping to hear from others about whether reducing payments have affected their DMP or created problems with creditors, and I'm grateful for comments on this subject.

Are Stepchange allowing you to prefer one creditor (your brother) over another?

Your brother is now owed money as your creditor and should be given token payments the same as all your other creditors.

Stepchange will cancel the DMP due to your favouring one creditor more than another and you will be on your own.

There's nothing wrong with buying a new washer...if you have the money but you borrowed money which is in direct conflict with your DMP.

Hopelessly_Hopeful

HappyMJ wrote: »

Are Stepchange allowing you to prefer one creditor (your brother) over another?

Your brother is now owed money as your creditor and should be given token payments the same as all your other creditors.

Stepchange will cancel the DMP due to your favouring one creditor more than another and you will be on your own.

There's nothing wrong with buying a new washer...if you have the money but you borrowed money which is in direct conflict with your DMP.

With respect - the OP has made a mistake for something which is considered an essential item. It's a one off and given the context they are highly unlikely to cancel the DMP. It's a little harsh to post in this tone when she is upset and looking for support.

HHx

Pink-Angel

HappyMJ wrote: »

Are Stepchange allowing you to prefer one creditor (your brother) over another?


There's nothing wrong with buying a new washer...if you have the money but you borrowed money which is in direct conflict with your DMP.

OK, you've made your point. I'm fully aware of the situation. Do you think you could give me a break now please? I'm depressed enough as it is.

In the future I'll obviously do things differently. As I don't have the powers to turn back time I'm trying to find a way forward in the here and now.

HappyMJ

Hopelessly_Hopeful wrote: »

With respect - the OP has made a mistake for something which is considered an essential item. It's a one off and given the context they are highly unlikely to cancel the DMP. It's a little harsh to post in this tone when she is upset and looking for support.

HHx

Tone? It's a message..there is no tone.

Do you want me to say don't worry about it you can prefer any creditor you like Stepchange won't mind one bit. If you have any emergencies in the future don't worry about it just borrow from anyone who is willing to lend you the money and pay them back first and ignore all the other creditors.

michael1983l

HappyMJ wrote: »

Are Stepchange allowing you to prefer one creditor (your brother) over another?

Your brother is now owed money as your creditor and should be given token payments the same as all your other creditors.

Stepchange will cancel the DMP due to your favouring one creditor more than another and you will be on your own.

There's nothing wrong with buying a new washer...if you have the money but you borrowed money which is in direct conflict with your DMP.

Ok, have it your way. Her brother did not lend her the money, he bought and owns the washing machine and is charging his sister a one off rental sum for the machine.