Where do I start ??

GettingThingsDone

Definitely go for the bank charges if you have any - just follow the instructions on here or consumeractiongroup.com and you can't go wrong.

I also felt sick when I totted up my debts at first - but stick with this site and you get into such a positive frame of mind from all the support, that you'll overcome anything

jinty271

Have already successfully reclaimed £389 in charges.

Have been reading IA's diary, as suggested, and am looking forward to paying things off. Must be very satisfying.

Another query..

Most of my debts have been dealt with by ignoring them, and to be honest, most of the companies seem to have given up chasing us ( Im sure this wont be the case), but as and when I get the Credit reports, what would be the best way to go about contacting the respective companies?

Also, would I be better saving ( as i said, most of the debts will be for relatively small amounts, none more than say £200)the full amount, then just popping up out the blue and saying "hi, sorry, I ignored you for last 4 years, heres your money", or, should i contact each company as soon as I get the reports, and offer to pay small amounts to each.

Hope this makes sense

postingalwaysposting

welcome jinty

jinty271

postingalwaysposting wrote: »

welcome jinty

aww thankyou, you are all very kind

chunky79

:hello: Hi and welcome to DFW.

I was told by the bank that debts are usually only recorded for 6 years. I went for a bank loan which i got and they used experian. The online reports are so much better too, lots more information.Mine was 19 pages long lol.

There is nothing to be ashamed of at all many people carry on ignoring the situation and are quite happy to keep hiding and never paying.

Good luck missus x

Sea78

Hi! :hello:

I'd try to start saving little amounts now, even before you get all the details - you could pop a SOA up, just so that we can see what you're money is going on and then suggest ways of shaving off amounts that could be saved. It's fantastic you have got to this point and are determined to sort out the debts. Obviously, your council tax arrears have to be paid off first, and then you can go about sorting out the other amounts.

My OH did similar to you (before I met him) and had quite a few little amounts. We couldn't pay them all off at once, but contacted the companies and paid them off in installments.

Sea xx

jinty271

Thankyou for all the valuable advice so far, just to get things clear in my head, I am still keen to have suggestions re.....

Another query..

Most of my debts have been dealt with by ignoring them, and to be honest, most of the companies seem to have given up chasing us ( Im sure this wont be the case), but as and when I get the Credit reports, what would be the best way to go about contacting the respective companies?

Also, would I be better saving ( as i said, most of the debts will be for relatively small amounts, none more than say £200)the full amount, then just popping up out the blue and saying "hi, sorry, I ignored you for last 4 years, heres your money", or, should i contact each company as soon as I get the reports, and offer to pay small amounts to each.




I definately will post an SOA as soon as I get the reports, but up to now, I have no clue what I owe, and to whom

Sea78

About the saving/popping up/contacting thing, it might be worth waiting til you have the credit reports - some of the amounts might be a little bigger due to charges (not necessarily) and you can then think about what you could realistically save and what you can set up payment plans for. It could be that once you've paid off one, others magically get your contact details and contact you anyway.

Sea xxx

Annie_Fanny

jinty271 wrote: »

Thankyou for all the valuable advice so far, just to get things clear in my head, I am still keen to have suggestions re.....

Another query..

Most of my debts have been dealt with by ignoring them, and to be honest, most of the companies seem to have given up chasing us ( Im sure this wont be the case), but as and when I get the Credit reports, what would be the best way to go about contacting the respective companies?

Also, would I be better saving ( as i said, most of the debts will be for relatively small amounts, none more than say £200)the full amount, then just popping up out the blue and saying "hi, sorry, I ignored you for last 4 years, heres your money", or, should i contact each company as soon as I get the reports, and offer to pay small amounts to each.

I definately will post an SOA as soon as I get the reports, but up to now, I have no clue what I owe, and to whom

You could post an SOA now so we can try and help you make savings so that you can start building up a pot of 'reserves'. It feels good to have a bit of a financial makeover!

jinty271

Monthly Incomings:

Husbands salary - £1,028
My wages - £160
Benefits - £700 (including CB)

Daughter receives highest rate DLA, which pays for car,insurance and maintainance. There is £240 left over, but dont like to class this as income, as it is ( and will continue to be) all spent on her ( she has life threatening illness, and disabilities, so yes, we spoil her)

Total - £ 1888

Monthly Outgoings:

Mortgage/Rent - £ 260
Council Tax - £127
Gas - £29
Electric - £63
TV License - £10.99
Sky £21.99
Phone - £50
Food - £400
Petrol - £160
Sherrifs officers - £30 ( CT arrears)
Internet -£22
Kids pocket money/ clubs etc -£50
Buy as you view (tv and pc) - £65

£1289-Total




I also am smoking again, after 5 months of quitting ( grr) at a cost of about a fiver a day ( but this wll be stopping again as soon as I can).

Gas/Electric/Petrol are all high, as my daughter needs a cosy house, and loads of extra laundry. Petrol, well, many different appointments per month, at far flung locations.Also need to take DH to and from work every day( he doesnt drive), we live in a tiny village with no bus service to speak of.