DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 10

System

jojo_modjo wrote: »

Yes, good tip. I will need to go back through it at some point, as I based spending on what I spend now. i.e put 0 for haircut as I've not had one in months, likewise for entertainment and clothes. Can't remember the last clothing I bought from a proper shop, all my clothes are charity shop finds! Fuel money to see friends is another point; we've been making excuses to not attend events because we simply can't afford it!

Perhaps the DMP will actually make it possible to do these sorts of things again.

How easy is it to adjust the entries on StepChange?

Hi Jojo and welcome:)

We had our light bulb moment in January when we realised we could not robbing Peter to pay Paul. Hubby agreed we had to take the step, but was not prepared to actually do anything about it himself, so it was all down to me. I can honestly say, I couldn't have got through those first few weeks without the lovely people on here. Once you have all the information and know what to do, it is easy. There are people a lot more knowledgeable than me, that can give you more advice, but believe me, it does get easier. Hubby and I have had arguments and tears, these last couple of months, but we actually have more money left every month to actually live on ....and that is the important thing. You can share every up and down with the lovely folk on this thread and they will always cheer you on or listen to your woes.

In answer to your question, it is easy to change your budget on SC, we decided to change ours before it was all set up and I just rang them up and they amended it. Once it is set up and you have the log in, you can just go online and amend it yourself.


Good luck.x

Scaredofdebt_2

jojo_modjo wrote: »

Hello, I'm the one seeking reassurance. Hopefully talking on this thread will help, seeing everyone's positivity in this whole process is certainly helpful!

H, we also had our lb moment in January and I can honestly say it was awful. I suffered really bad anxiety and there were lots of tears but myself and hubby realised we couldn't continue. Contacting SC and admitting the amount we owed was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do but can honestly say now it is the best thing we have done. We re-reviewed our budget with SC and they were great. Good luck and things do get easier. Keep reading this thread as the people on here are a brilliant support.x

jojo_modjo

Thank you all. I feel a bit better this morning. Couldn't sleep last night, but after reading Sazzie's reply, I started to feel a bit better and was able to fall asleep!
This morning I made a list of adjustments, just summoning up the courage to phone SC!

I've been reading the thread; everyone's optimism and positivity is very encouraging!

Puzzcat

jojo_modjo wrote: »

Thank you all. I feel a bit better this morning. Couldn't sleep last night, but after reading Sazzie's reply, I started to feel a bit better and was able to fall asleep!
This morning I made a list of adjustments, just summoning up the courage to phone SC!

I've been reading the thread; everyone's optimism and positivity is very encouraging!

Hi jojo,


Glad your feeling a little better this morning. If/when you have time.. or can't sleep! Do try and read back from the beginning of this thread and maybe the previous one if you can. Lots of information and answers to questions you didn't know you wanted to ask yet..! I read 3 threads before starting my dmp and it really helped to understand the process and what to do at each stage.
Are you starting with token payments so that you can build up an emergency fund? I did 3 months on a £1 per creditor, I would strongly advise doing this if you can as you will have no access to credit once the dmp is started.


Puzz. x

jojo_modjo

Puzzcat wrote: »

Hi jojo,


Glad your feeling a little better this morning. If/when you have time.. or can't sleep! Do try and read back from the beginning of this thread and maybe the previous one if you can. Lots of information and answers to questions you didn't know you wanted to ask yet..! I read 3 threads before starting my dmp and it really helped to understand the process and what to do at each stage.
Are you starting with token payments so that you can build up an emergency fund? I did 3 months on a £1 per creditor, I would strongly advise doing this if you can as you will have no access to credit once the dmp is started.

Puzz. x

Not got that far yet, spoke to them on the phone, and as I've requested a DMP "package" from them, it hasn't been processed yet, I've just got as far as making the declaration. I just completed an adjusted schedule, and it recommends £101 a month split between 6 creditors, which isn't too bad, (well, a lot better than what we have been trying to pay!) but maybe I do need to consider what we'll do if there was an emergency.

Very slowly reading through the thread... that's my bank holiday reading right there!

FuzzyDF

jojo_modjo wrote: »

Thank you all. I feel a bit better this morning. Couldn't sleep last night, but after reading Sazzie's reply, I started to feel a bit better and was able to fall asleep!
This morning I made a list of adjustments, just summoning up the courage to phone SC!

I've been reading the thread; everyone's optimism and positivity is very encouraging!

Welcome to the nicest thread on the entire forum.

I had my LBM in June 2014. I was robbing Peter to pay Paul and I finally had to admit to myself that I could not live like that. I was anxious and scared and posted on this forum for help. The most fabulous people all gave me a virtual hug and pointed me in the right direction (Step Change). Phoning SC literally changed my life for the better.

The first 3 months of the DMP were bumpy but every time I had a query I posted on here, and someone helped me out immediately.

I'm 10 months into my DMP and have already paid over £3K. I'm not anxious and I sleep at night. I couldn't do it without the lovely peeps on here

joee

Just dropping by to report a little victory, I paid for my shopping in Asda yesterday with my current account debit card!


Sending safe squishy hugs to all who accept!


Right I am off to bed now as I got a night shift (if I am honest I have got a galaxy Easter egg to eat tonight to!)

Puzzcat

joee wrote: »

Just dropping by to report a little victory, I paid for my shopping in Asda yesterday with my current account debit card!


Sending safe squishy hugs to all who accept!


Right I am off to bed now as I got a night shift (if I am honest I have got a galaxy Easter egg to eat tonight to!)

I'll have one of those hugs thank you as I have a head cold and am feeling sorry for myself...!


Well done on the debit card transaction...


Puzz.x

Karen777

welcome jojo-modjo = I echo what others have said, this thread is a lifesaver! I started my dmp a couple of years ago and was in a right mess. hadn't had a good nights sleep for longer than I could remember. Life is different now and I am making plans for when I am debt free and also able to live with my dmp. Stick around, people on here are really supportive and life gets easier. In no time at all you'll be saying the same to someone else who's a few steps behind you.

Karen777

joee wrote: »

Just dropping by to report a little victory, I paid for my shopping in Asda yesterday with my current account debit card!


Sending safe squishy hugs to all who accept!


Right I am off to bed now as I got a night shift (if I am honest I have got a galaxy Easter egg to eat tonight to!)

well done! and hope you enjoy the chocolate.