Plodding along, foolishly (still!).

taketheweight

Hello MSE,

Around 2 years a go, I spent a lot of money to make me feel happier (and have nothing to show for it) and then more problems occured which eventually led me to becoming very depressed - I ignored the problem, the letters and the calls until it was too late. Then 1 year ago (almost to the day!) I discovered CCCS (StepChange) and filled out the online tool which recommended a DMP which I started &have paid ever since.

It has only been recently, when I was asked for my annual review - it dawned on me that really, I didn't know anything about what I signed up for and what was going on with my debt.

I (stupidly) assumed StepChange balances were correct and interest was stopped on my accounts and the balances would be updated etc... basically taking away my own responsibility and somebody else doing it entirely (now THAT would be bliss )

I need to get back in charge. I don't even know who owns my debt anymore, nor the account information - I have moved address without thinking of informing them - nothing.

Where should I go from here?

Is there anything I can do about ensuring there are no further interest/charges being applied?

Should I write, by post, to who I *think* owns my debt?

And do we think they will just change my address at my request?

Ugh. So, so stupid - really haven't dealt with my debt at all!
Just foolishly thought StepChange would do it all for me (...I know! )


Sorry, this is my very first post here as I am panicking - feel like at step 1 all over again.

Time_to_face_the_music

taketheweight wrote: »

Hello MSE,

Around 2 years a go, I spent a lot of money to make me feel happier (and have nothing to show for it) and then more problems occured which eventually led me to becoming very depressed - I ignored the problem, the letters and the calls until it was too late. Then 1 year ago (almost to the day!) I discovered CCCS (StepChange) and filled out the online tool which recommended a DMP which I started &have paid ever since.

It has only been recently, when I was asked for my annual review - it dawned on me that really, I didn't know anything about what I signed up for and what was going on with my debt.

I (stupidly) assumed StepChange balances were correct and interest was stopped on my accounts and the balances would be updated etc... basically taking away my own responsibility and somebody else doing it entirely (now THAT would be bliss )

I need to get back in charge. I don't even know who owns my debt anymore, nor the account information - I have moved address without thinking of informing them - nothing.

Where should I go from here?

Is there anything I can do about ensuring there are no further interest/charges being applied?

Should I write, by post, to who I *think* owns my debt?

And do we think they will just change my address at my request?

Ugh. So, so stupid - really haven't dealt with my debt at all!
Just foolishly thought StepChange would do it all for me (...I know! )


Sorry, this is my very first post here as I am panicking - feel like at step 1 all over again.

Hi taketheweight and welcome :hello:

First take a step back and congratulate yourself that you have been doing something positive about your debt.
You could be in a far worse situation, had you either ignored the problem or been paying for your DMP, so being with CCCS/StepChange for one year is actually a good thing. :T

StepChange will be able to give you all the contact details for your creditors and you then need to find out how much you owe and if interest is still being applied. You can update your totals online via the StepChange website, then start to fight any interest that is still being charged. Give StepChange a call today and they will email you all the contact details you need.

If you need any help, advice or support for your DMP, please come and join us on the DMP & Mutual Support Thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4437925

It's full of people just like you, who understand what you are going through and the support is phenomenal.

The best advice I can give anyone about using a company for a DMP is never forget it is your money that they are distributing. Make sure you get in control and stay in control, so you know exactly where you are in your debt free journey at all times.

Once you know who your creditors are , how much you owe and the interest situation, update everything then come back if you need advice on fighting interest charges.

Please don't panic, you are well past step 1 and with a little work, you can be right back in control before you know it.

Good luck.

TTFTM x