Newbie help please

Peachy123

Hi everyone today is the start of me trying to get debt free

Firstly I need some advice

I have two store cards that defaulted in 2006. I have been paying £20 a month every month until now, money has got so tight I just cannot afford this amount each month, I telephoned the debt collectors and they say they will not take less a month,
Now what will happen if I stopped paying these will they take me too court, I am trying to avoid having any negative data on my credit file as these defaults came off last year but I just don't know what to do:(. They where originally taken out in 2000 and 2005

missnb

Hi Peachy, this is kinda what happened to me and I had to contact StepChange and start a DMP. I'm no expert on this, new to it myself, but maybe you could contact them just for some advice? They're a charity and were so helpful to me when I needed it the most. Good luck

Peachy123

Hi thank you missnb, I have come to the end I have to take control and sort all this out, I am living of a state pension and just cannot live day to day anymore, and it's the above debt that's taking its toll on me, hopefully some one will be along and tell me what I can do, I know the debt is not SB as I have been paying the debt collectors but is it still liable to go to court?

OneLife_OneShot

Well they can't add a second default, try and explain to them that you are in financial difficulty and offer token payments even £1 a month. They legally can not refuse any payment.

How much do you owe if you don't mind me asking?

Peachy123

Hi one debt is for £4800 and the other £2456 paying £20 a month on each one is taking its toll, £10 a week out of my pension is a lot, the debt collector said if I don't continue to pay this amount they will take further action against me

missnb

Peachy123 wrote: »

Hi thank you missnb, I have come to the end I have to take control and sort all this out, I am living of a state pension and just cannot live day to day anymore, and it's the above debt that's taking its toll on me, hopefully some one will be along and tell me what I can do, I know the debt is not SB as I have been paying the debt collectors but is it still liable to go to court?

I am not sure Peachy - contact StepChange - google stepchange.org it is entirely free, impartial advice on what to do - they can offer much better advice than me!

downnotout

As you are at a pension age, living off it, then I really don't know why you would be all that concerned about having negative data on your credit file, it is not as if you will be looking to get a mortgage? Unless I am missing something.
Regardless, they can not place another default on your account, and the only option would be to register a CCJ against you, and IF that should happen, as long as you follow the correct procedure, the worst that the court can do is to order you to pay it, but the court will stipulate how much and how often, based on your income.
If I was you I would offer them token payments, of say £1 a month on a take it or leave it basis, and let them do their worst. If they should take you to court then at least they will look unreasonable.