LBM - Finally. Scared to death

Newgirl_2

Hi Carol

When my partner and I started out, our timeframe was 6 years and 6 months but the debt was almost double yours. I'm proud to say that we are one month away from being completely done and debt free. It is possible. And yes, going to get help from Step Change is the right thing, they have been wonderful for us. They will help you work out your budget and you will be amazed what you will be able to achieve once you start. I never thought we would be where we are either.

Good luck to you. I believe anyone can do this if they want to badly enough. Getting the help is the first step (no pun intended)

Newgirl

wegle

There's a few ways to manage the bills and mot budgets etc. what I do is have about 5 accounts with my bank, then on payday I use Internet banking to move the right amount of money into each pot, one pot for house bills, one for car costs, one for Christmas etc. if you can't get Internet banking you could set up tins or envelopes at home. On payday go to the cash point, draw out the bill money, car money and then put the right amount in each envelope/tin. You just need to be disciplined that you don't dip into them though. Either way you go you just need to make sure you put the money back into the account the direct debits go out of if that is how you pay.

carol1963_2

Wegle, Thanks but not sure if I can do that with the Coop, the only account I have been able to open is a cash minder one - can anyone advise if I can.

Newgirl. Also Thanks for your support, I seem to be drowning at the moment and can't see any light at the end of a very dark tunnel but I'M DETERMINED, VERY DETERMINED to beat this.

carol1963_2

Hi Guys, Sorry I know it's late and you all have busy lives but can anyone please advise if you think it's a good idea/rubbish/crap to defer until November? I'll leave you good people to enjoy the rest of the evening.

I think it might but........... It would just be great if I could pay my good neighbours/friends. Carol xx

Newgirl_2

carol1963 wrote: »

Newgirl. Also Thanks for your support, I seem to be drowning at the moment and can't see any light at the end of a very dark tunnel but I'M DETERMINED, VERY DETERMINED to beat this.

and if that's how you're approaching it, you will! The people on here are great and will help you through. When I started and first posted on here I had answers from people who are where I am now. People know what you're facing and are great for support.

Good luck!

pennies_from_Heaven

Hi Carol,
Didn't want to read and run, just to offer a little support. You can and will do this! It sounds like this is the hardest time for you, I'm sure when you have your dmp all set up it will get much easier.

I can't offer any advice on deferment I'm afraid, have you asked stepchange what they recommend regarding this?

Wishing you all the best,

Pennies x :A

happy_bunny_2

You could pay each creditor £1 and tell them they will get their DMP payment from Stepchange in Nov. if Stepchange are happy with this.

I guess you just will have to deal with more calls and letters, but creditors should give you 30 days peace if you tell them you are seeking help from stepchange.

Good luck

HB

bess1234_2

Good luck , it will calm down and you will find some order in it all.

Car costs are what you spent over last year, divide by 12 and put away every month

anywayout

I don't know if it will help but I deffered my start date on DMP till 1st October cause I had some issues with my car and not paying anything this month let me get it sorted. Stepchange were fine with it. They really have been lovely and a big help!! Hope this helps and good luck with it all!! Xx

carol1963_2

I've just had to speak to Provident and tell them I can't pay them any more money and I'm in a DMP with Step Change and they will be contacted directly.

The thing is that there is no CPA set up with them but with payments I have made to them via my debit card can they look back for this number and take money? Oh help please.