newbie to DMP

KID77

Hi Timetosayenough

I am starting my dmp 1st july so cant give you as much advice as the others but the DMP support thread is wonderful and worth reading back through previous posts as so much valuable information and reading other peoples experiences. So far the creditors I have spoke to have been lovely, I get the impression they are used to people defaulting on debt and going on to DMPs that its very run of the mill for them. Where as for us its very scary when you've never missed a payment.
K
xx

Growurown

Hi TTSE,
As some others have mentioned come and join us on the DMP Mutual Support thread! We are a very friendly and supportive bunch:D

One thing I would say as you have mentioned costs for your dog is not to make your budget too tight. When I filled in my budget with SC there isn't much allowance for pets and as we know vet's bills can be a killer. So claim for everything you can even if you don't use it. I claimed for dry cleaning, lunches at work and smoking just to give me some wriggle room because my OH doesn't hold with not spending any money at all! You could squirrel that money away in your emergency fund and if you need it then use it, and if not just use it to pay off more of your debts a bit further down the line. It gives you a bit of flexibility. You have to be disciplined though and not spend it on non essentials.

Triangle

Hi Timetosayenough

Another one popping over from the DMP Mutial Support thread to say hi and good luck!

I'm a newbie too, I start my DMP on 1st September - you can be DMP twin if you like! I spent a month or so reading on here and agonising what to do. Contacting Stepchange was amazing - I'm actually excited about budgeting! The first few people I spoke to weren't keen on building up an emergency fund either but then they put me through to a DMP debt advisor (rather than the standard helpline) who was fantastic and said it was fine to send token payments for first couple of months before starting. She also suggested areas to put more in my budget - for example regarding the children. I just sobbed down the phone at her!

Best of luck
Tx

Sazzie23

timetosayenough wrote: »

Done it! Cancelled direct debit. Thanks everyone xx

Hi Timetosayenoigh

Well done for making a start at fixing it. Remember you are one of the good guys, you are not running away, you just need more time to sort it all out. Also remember you are a carer, and looking after anyone is tiring, time consuming and can be physically and mentally weary making. Don't forget to tell that to any creditors. I don't think you can can claim carers allowance can you? But make sure you and father are getting all you are entitieled to receive.

Less than three years and debt free, you can do this.

Come and join us at the DMP mitual support thread, we've answered most questions and we like company.

Enjoy a worry free day everyone.

timetosayenough

Hallo lovely people,


Thank you for all those wonderful replies.


Triangle, yeah I'd love to be your twin. I'm thinking of starting mine on 1st September as well and just like you I agonised and read as much here as I could. I feel better now I've got people to talk to and they're brilliant.


Sazzie, thanks for your lovely post. I do get carers allowance and yes it is very tiring.


Have a good afternoon all and keep cool!!

Almostthere78

Hi timetosayenough
Well done with setting up your DMP, you are doing the right thing! The first few months can be filled with ups and downs as the plan is put in place but then it will be a huge weight off your mind - I was completely terrified that bailiffs would come knocking on the door and that my creditors would hound me on the phone but I never hear from them at all now x

kb_soma

How are things going timetosayenough?

timetosayenough

Hi KB


Ok I think. Have written letter to loan company whose direct debit I cancelled explaining that I was taking advice from Stepchange and I would contact them with further information. Apart from that I am now sending letters to creditors whose payments will be due later this month with the same information. Credit card payments due at weekend so am sending letters to them this week. Have also got loan and overdraft with bank as well as credit cards so that should be interesting when bank receives letters. The main bit that worries me is getting phone calls, don't want 93 yr old Father finding out but will deal with that when it happens. Thanks for asking, really appreciate it.

timetosayenough

Change of plan re credit cards. I'm still waiting for card and pin no from new bank so think will wait until I've got those before I contact credit cards. That way I can take my carers allowance out of bank this weekend and put it into new bank. Does that sound ok?

kb_soma

I'm thinking about telephone calls. Due to data protection, I don't think that companies can disclose any information about why they are calling you. I, personally, don't think I received any phone calls during my DMP.

You could sign in online and remove your telephone number from any accounts that you may have.

As soon as you get your card and pin take the money from your old account, or set up online banking, you can then transfer the money straight into your new account. Or, another option is to go to the old bank and ask to transfer it to your new account, you don't need to give them a reason.

Best wishes.