I don't know where to start!

lornas92

My partner lost his job recently, we are able to pay the bills with my income but I'm no longer able to meet payments for debts I have..

I owe money on a phone bill taken out when I was a student and stupidly couldn't afford, which has been sold on to Lowells (?) I also have a Natwest overdraft and credit card, the credit card has been sold on to Apex. I also have a Very credit account and a H&M credit account with both monthly payments around the £100 mark.

I'm terrified of answering the phone or opening letters in case of being chased for money. I've got my self in to this mess and want to get out of it as soon as possible.

Where do I begin?

Tixy

I would write to each debt collector/creditor and explain that you have had a change in circumstances and that you are now only able to afford £x per month towards your debt.

Or could may want to seek some advice from one of the debt advice charities and perhaps consider a DMP or other options for dealing with your debts.

How are you paying your creditors currently? standing order? DD?

HOK3Y

You can try posting an SOA here and seeing if there is anything that can be squeezed from your budget, or you can contact StepChange for help. They are a free service and can get you set up on a payment plan. The last thing to do is bury your head in the sand. Best of luck to you. X

runforlife

Yes, Give Stepchange a call. They are really friendly and will give great advice. My best advice from personal experience is to act sooner than later. It does get easier. Good luck.

welshgirl2

You legally only have to pay what you can afford to each creditor so don't panic!
Stepchange can help, or contact the companies yourself and get them on a payment plan, say you're out of work and can only afford x amount each month. even if that is £1, they will accept. they would rather you pay something that nothing.
All the best.

Sazzie23

Welcome to MSE Forums, well done for making a start in sorting out debt, its not easy, you are not alone and the lovely folk on here will do their best to suggest the directions you might use to get back in control.
The info on the stepchange, payplan and debtline websites could help you decide which way to go. Check out your rights on debt collection agencies and baliffs so you feel confident in your rights.

You did run up the debt, but you did not choose for your change of circumstances and are not to blame for that. Many creditors are much more helpful if you are up front that you can't pay but are trying to sort it out. If you ring them and say you are referring to stepchange etc most will give you 30 days or so to figure out what to do.

Sure a lot of people reading your post will feel empathy and sympathy, good luck and come back for more help if you need it