DMP & Mutual Support Thread - Part 10

cmcavon

I honestly don't know what I'd do without this forum, thank you all so much.

I am exhausted which doesn't help my mood. I'm sleeping well but struggling through the days. I've never had morning sickness although I have spells of nausea so I can't complain really! Hopefully the tiredness will settle in a few weeks and I'll feel better able to cope.

My husband is bad with money and I sat him down last night and went through our finances for the month so although he was a bit negative he now understands and we are both on the same page.

Going to have a day of earning online today to try to boost the income for the month. My daughters got a party this afternoon so at least that will give us reason to get out of the house!

cmcavon

Kate_fixing_it I'm glad you clarified the six years from default thing as I was sure that was the case but my husband thought i was wrong.

Roll on my first default!

autumnsong

Hi all,


I posted just over a week ago and the jumble in my mind has been going on since. Thank you so much for the warm welcome and the words of support.
I am hopeful, determined and terrified all at once!


My salary has gone into my new account so I know it's time! and yesterday I made a reduced payment to one creditor ( I have 5 in all) after years of always paying on time and more than the minimum, regardless.
I guess I am having a little trouble accepting that I let it get to this. Slightly dreading the initial stage but I have visions of much better days ahead. How great to go to work and not have to hand so much of it over at the end of the month. I won't know myself and can't wait!


I'm still undecided as to going it alone or with SC, but in the meantime I know I need to get some letters written.
Is there a section or link here anywhere with the relevant addresses?


Thanks again all x

Kate_fixing_it

igaveupnowimback wrote: »

Hi all, I spend ages reading on this forum trying to learn what I can about DMP process, thanks to all posters : )
Sent off SC agreement and mandate, wages into new acc, alternately feel pleased that half of it not going to debts then immediately feel guilty and bit scared to spend any ! Don't know whether to send first token payments now along with cover letters or wait till SC contacts creditors. Pleased I'm doing this and yet pretty fearful of responses and fallout ...

What's the worst that can really happen? Not a lot in the grand scheme of things. We've all felt like this (I promise!) in fact one poster virtually had her bags packed for Holloway through fear and now she's giving others advice and support a few weeks on!

The absolute worst that can happen is that the creditors take you to court. Not as scary as it sounds. A judge will impartially look at the evidence, see that you are trying to sort this out and order a payment you can afford. Most creditors won't waste time, money and resources if you are paying to get nothing more. They'll throw the toys out of the pram, call a few times and send some automated letters telling you what they may/might/could do and then they'll accept the situation and shut up. You'll maybe get one or two that take a bit longer to join the herd but they all do eventually. We will help you through this if you ask.

This is YOUR party now. YOU are in control. Embrace that feeling and run with it. Once you grasp that it's not so scary.

I'd send the token payments off. It (sort of) gives you the high ground. Then answer the calls, tell them you are on a DMP, you've sent the payment, give your reference, tell them all communications must be in writing and hang up. Very few of mine called more than once and when there was a second call they were reminded of all that and warned about harassment. My only call since was the text yesterday (see above) and that relates to a complaint.

That done, you'll make your first payment to SC and then a second and so on and before you know it we'll all be celebrating YOUR milestones here as the debt falls. While that happens your life will change irrevocably. It won't all be plain sailing but you will learn more than you ever imagined possible. You will be excited about things again, you will LIVE.

And if the world suddenly goes crazy and we're all put in prison for getting into debt you'll have all us lovely people for company so that won't be all bad either (just kidding - there's no way the prison system or the economy could cope with every debtor in the country )

Chin up and go enjoy the weekend. This is a whole new beginning for you

Kate x

Kate_fixing_it

Cmcavon - if you are anything like me the nausea could be stress related. I had four VERY different pregnancies but with my last I had only two bouts of nausea one when I first found out (shock - who gets pregnant on the very first attempt???) and the second when I crashed DH's car. I'm glad you have DH on board now. My situation is a bit different to yours but the debt nearly broke us a few months back. We came through it and we're happier than ever but debt has a nasty trick of seeping into all the cracks and widening them. I won't bring this thread down but it's all in my diary if you are interested (including a 3am lonely post ) Google free days out with your area and you'll find loads to do with children on a budget. I make sure we get out every weekend and never has a trip to the park felt better

Autumnsong - my post quoting igaveupnowimback can be aimed at you too! You posted while I was typing my epic This is YOUR party now. In no time at all you'll feel so different. I'm yet to see a post saying life isn't better with a DMP and the reins in your hands.

I was constantly on edge before joining here in October 2013. And now look at me? £5k paid off, the light is firmly switched on and no matter what I find the positive. I'm sorry if that sounds big - headed, it's not intended to be, I simply want to illustrate the change. I'm infinitely happier and I want all our DMP "club" to feel like this.

Kate x

Hopelessly_Hopeful

igaveupnowimback wrote: »

Hi all, I spend ages reading on this forum trying to learn what I can about DMP process, thanks to all posters : )
Sent off SC agreement and mandate, wages into new acc, alternately feel pleased that half of it not going to debts then immediately feel guilty and bit scared to spend any ! Don't know whether to send first token payments now along with cover letters or wait till SC contacts creditors. Pleased I'm doing this and yet pretty fearful of responses and fallout ...

Welcome to our happy group

Sounds like you are well on your way.

Please don't rely on sc to contact the creditors. Even when they do many creditors say they have heard nothing. Probably stalling technique. Best thing to do is send one really good letter (ie serves several purpose, inform them of dmp and number, ask for interest freeze and only to contact you in writing). My view is that this is an important one and as they will likely deny best to send recorded delivery. Sooner you start formal comms with them the better in terms of interest freeze chances etc.

Shout up if any queries.

HHx

Hopelessly_Hopeful

Some great MSE ways there Kate. You are on fire. Go girlie

HHx

FuzzyDF

Hopelessly_Hopeful wrote: »

Another milestone! Many many more to follow. Am big on celebrating these things.


Great news it went down. Most people's go up the first month. Mine did by 2.5%. May I just check you are doing this from your own statements and not relying on the projected ones from SC as these are not an accurate reflection?


HHx

Hi HH,

I'm working off the statements and excel is now my best friend. The totals have gone down slightly (by a few pounds) as I got my complaints into the catalogues at the beginning and they froze interest immediately.

Strange how a few pounds towards tackling the debt can make you feel.

Saturday post - 1 x default :T

Kate_fixing_it

FuzzyDF wrote: »

Hi HH,

I'm working off the statements and excel is now my best friend. The totals have gone down slightly (by a few pounds) as I got my complaints into the catalogues at the beginning and they froze interest immediately.

Strange how a few pounds towards tackling the debt can make you feel.

Saturday post - 1 x default :T

Happy default day :rotfl:

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly, well done :T

Kate x

FuzzyDF

Kate_fixing_it wrote: »

Happy default day :rotfl:

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly, well done :T

Kate x

And to think 10 weeks ago I was at my lowest point, waiting for the bailiffs to come knocking, getting ready to be put into a debtors prison etc. Look at me now, welcoming defaults and writing formal complaints.

Couldn't have done it without the lovely people on this thread :T