DMP Mutual Support Thread - Part 12

the-mrs

Hello again everyone. The calls have started about not making minimum payments. Having a bit of a wobble as I had gone from hanging myself to make sure everyone was getting the minimum they were asking for, to just getting what I can afford. I feel sick with it all.

sourcrates

the-mrs wrote: »

Hello again everyone. The calls have started about not making minimum payments. Having a bit of a wobble as I had gone from hanging myself to make sure everyone was getting the minimum they were asking for, to just getting what I can afford. I feel sick with it all.

Hi,

Come on, no wobbles aloud, they are only phone calls, you either ignore, block, or tell them your working with stepchange, just tell them like it is and be done with it, what are they going to do ?

Do not be intimidated, you are in control now, not them, they get what you can afford to give them, no more, no less.

Be empowered, I hate reading posts where people start to crumble, you call the shots, not them, just be strong !!

the-mrs

Thanks Sourcrates. I am terrible on the phone, I go to pieces. Please tell me the calls do tail off a bit eventually?! *crosses fingers*

Suseka97

the-mrs wrote: »

Thanks Sourcrates. I am terrible on the phone, I go to pieces. Please tell me the calls do tail off a bit eventually?! *crosses fingers*

They do, but until then why don't you just block their calls if it affects you so much. Or, alternatively, answer the call and tell the person on the other end of the phone that you've already requested all communications in writing (whether you have or not) and they don't have permission to contact you in any other form and then put the phone down (and then block the number).

Take control of the situation and you'll soon feel better.

January2015

weightlifted87 wrote: »

What's a CCA? Sorry if that's a silly question! x

Hi

Sorry I didn't link to info on CCAs in my original response to you. CCA stands for Consumer Credit Agreement. You are entitled to request a copy of your CCA for any debt you have regardless of whether you are making full, partial or token payments.... basically you can request it at any time whilst there is a balance owing on the debt.

National Debtline have information about CCAs and a template letter to request a copy of CCAs here

The specific template letter you need is on this link.

Hope this helps.

Jan :beer:

2017spark

Suseka97 wrote: »

They do, but until then why don't you just block their calls if it affects you so much. Or, alternatively, answer the call and tell the person on the other end of the phone that you've already requested all communications in writing (whether you have or not) and they don't have permission to contact you in any other form and then put the phone down (and then block the number).

Take control of the situation and you'll soon feel better.

Agree!! I requested info and communication in writing only - if they call I ignore and block, you are still staying in contact but on your terms. Its super hard but makes such a difference when you don't dread the phone. Hope you are doing ok xx

2017spark

Suseka97 wrote: »

I second that CBC - I too needed the 'security blanket' that I felt SC provided at the outset and it took me 4 years to get my head in the game and go SM. Personally I wish I done it sooner, but I wasn't emotionally stable enough until that 4 year point. There's nothing wrong with using the services of free 3rd party providers such as SC and Payplan and I encourage anyone looking at whether a DMP is suitable/doable or not to let them take the strain at the beginning. The only reason for going SM is to have more control and flexibility to either 'snowball' or save for F&Fs using 'token payments' as a mechanism for good discounts. Also going SM sometimes helps push for defaults -but its a journey and everyone has to chose the route that best suits their needs at any given time.

Thank you!! All sorted, I've spoken to SC - set up first payment and agreed budget, my plan should be active later today. It just feels better for me this way.
I haven't informed my creditors yet, to be honest I've messed them around so much they probably just assume I'm dodging payments and letters - will do that over the weekend and give them my SC reference.
Hope everyone else is ok - great to hear all the positive news and support on here as always
xxx

wanttobethrifty

Here i go, sent off all the forms to STEPCHANGE this morning. £19,700 in debt, and 4yrs 9month till debt free. No missed or late payments over 3 credit cards, 2 bank loans, and an overdraft, but was seriously struggling most months for he past year or so. Decided enough was enough, and to get all this sorted.
BARCLAYCARD- on hold for 30 days with no interest or charges, very easy to talk to, and very understanding.
CREATION FINANCE- same as above.
TESCO CREDIT CARD- as above also.
RBoS- as above.
FIRST DIRECT(overdraft and credit card)- not spoken to yet as wages go in tomorrow, so will withdraw all monies between fri and monday, deposit into new account with HALIFAX, then call them on monday.
Will save the £751 i was paying to debt this month, which will give me a good buffer should anything happen with my car, (i rent fully furnished, so dont need a huge emergency fund).

I have actually had a better sleep this past 2 nights knowing that huge weight has been lifted, and that all monies owed will be repaid in full. There is no point making yourself ill, working out who to rob this month to pay someone else, just wish i had realised this about 15 month ago.

Anybody reading this in a similar situation, DO IT NOW, its so easy, and not in the least embarrasing. In fact, its quiet the opposite, and the feeling of achievement is something else.

THANK YOU STEPCHANGE

2017spark

wanttobethrifty wrote: »

Here i go, sent off all the forms to STEPCHANGE this morning. £19,700 in debt, and 4yrs 9month till debt free. No missed or late payments over 3 credit cards, 2 bank loans, and an overdraft, but was seriously struggling most months for he past year or so. Decided enough was enough, and to get all this sorted.
BARCLAYCARD- on hold for 30 days with no interest or charges, very easy to talk to, and very understanding.
CREATION FINANCE- same as above.
TESCO CREDIT CARD- as above also.
RBoS- as above.
FIRST DIRECT(overdraft and credit card)- not spoken to yet as wages go in tomorrow, so will withdraw all monies between fri and monday, deposit into new account with HALIFAX, then call them on monday.
Will save the £751 i was paying to debt this month, which will give me a good buffer should anything happen with my car, (i rent fully furnished, so dont need a huge emergency fund).

I have actually had a better sleep this past 2 nights knowing that huge weight has been lifted, and that all monies owed will be repaid in full. There is no point making yourself ill, working out who to rob this month to pay someone else, just wish i had realised this about 15 month ago.

Anybody reading this in a similar situation, DO IT NOW, its so easy, and not in the least embarrasing. In fact, its quiet the opposite, and the feeling of achievement is something else.

THANK YOU STEPCHANGE

Good luck!!I've also started with SC this week, but longer to clear for me - still its a massive step in the right direction and a good feeling to be doing something about it. Hope it goes well and keep everyone updated on your journey xx

BalanceBy50

Quick Question - I have half an hour to spare so going to ask for CCA's using the National Debtline template. Am I right in thinking i can CCA my CC debts and loan Debts but not my overdraft? Also do I stop making payments when i do this? Finally i still have a cheque book somewhere am I ok to send cheques?

More than a quick question! Sorry!!