Churchwood Financial, Yes or No?

rosieandjim_4

Hi I have been with Churchwood Financial for about 6 months now owe 24,000, I haven't had any problems, but been reading some stories about them , have any of you guys used them or using them still? would be grateful for your advice thanks,:A

liz105

Do they charge you a fee for their services? If so change to CCCS PayPlan or CAB, none of these guys take your money for themselves

mmacg

Yes, they charge fees... Big fees!

One-off setup fee (presumably related to size of debt) - for me was >£800

Then they take almost 20% of your monthly repayments as their ongoing fees.

The not-for-profit DMPs DONT do this!

In_Search_Of_Me

phone one of the FREE debt agencies (listed on the bar above) but be patient - its NY & lots of people panicking worth the wait though me thinks!

tigerfeet2006

Contact one of the debt charities in my signature. Don't get ripped off by paying for a DMP.

BURGH_LASS

i've been with churchwood financial for about 3 1/2 years now. Ive still got £4k to pay off, they currently take 15% of my monthly payment to them.

Reading this, i take it i can change this to something/somebody else without having to pay. I get so confused about all these things, and dont quite understand, but just really want to get my debt paid off ASAP, to get myself back on track again.

kimdegsidash

Rosieandjim - please read the guide to being debt free at the top of the first page of the DFW forum for impartial advice on debt help charities and others. I think I have pasted a direct link here, but you should find it easily enough on the first page anyway

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=1050559&postcount=1

Aniya

I personally felt that Churchwood really took advantage of me when I was in a very bad place. It was only hanging up the phone to have them call me back in 30 minutes, then calling my other half and discussing made me realise what I was doing.

I've since contacted the CCCS. Which I would recommend, they have been great so far.

In fact, Churchwood phoned me today, the same guy - he said (quite aggresively, I might add...) 'You haven't returned your paperwork, why...' and I only managed to get out the words 'Well I've taken further advice and it seems that there are other companies who....' and he interrupted and and said 'Right then, goodbye!' and put the phone down!

I am so relieved I did not sign up to a DMP that charges, my only advice to anyone would be to know exactly what you're getting into and don't ever let anyone make you think your situation is that desperate that you need to make a split second decision on anything - you don't. Always take further advice.

Deep_In_Debt

Aniya wrote: »

I personally felt that Churchwood really took advantage of me when I was in a very bad place. It was only hanging up the phone to have them call me back in 30 minutes, then calling my other half and discussing made me realise what I was doing.

I've since contacted the CCCS. Which I would recommend, they have been great so far.

In fact, Churchwood phoned me today, the same guy - he said (quite aggresively, I might add...) 'You haven't returned your paperwork, why...' and I only managed to get out the words 'Well I've taken further advice and it seems that there are other companies who....' and he interrupted and and said 'Right then, goodbye!' and put the phone down!

I am so relieved I did not sign up to a DMP that charges, my only advice to anyone would be to know exactly what you're getting into and don't ever let anyone make you think your situation is that desperate that you need to make a split second decision on anything - you don't. Always take further advice.

Yep, Churchwood are probably just after your money. Just think how much you've paid them in fees that could've gone towards paying your debts.

Yep, I've been with CCCS for the last 18 months. Sometimes i do despair of the advice I get and yes, I'm also aware that they are funded by the finance industry but their dmps don't carry a fee and because of this creditors tend to respect it as they know that all the money you are paying are going to clear your debts.

Above all, they are not sharks, who constantly advertise dmp or IVA, just to line their pockets.

I think what I am trying to say is that why pay when you can do it yourself or go via a non-fee making company. Creditors maybe more likely to accept your dmp if they know they are getting all the available dosh.

tealady

Hi I would ditch your fee paying company and go with one who does it for free. If some are funded by the banks, well by paying interest you are in effect funding them IMO.
Failing that put up your SOA and the lovely peeps on here will give their advice for FREE.
Alternatively try your local Council, they may have a debt advice team. HTH

ewan_husahmi

I can't agree with MedZeds advice. Churchwood are a royal pain in the neck. They phone constantly and refuse to stop. The last person I asked said okay, they'd stop phoning, and then tried to sell me a product. After I hung up, they phoned back.

It's all very well saying CCCS are an industry puppet, Churchwood are non-stop phone pests with no regard for anybody.

They're like the terminator, they don't feel, they don't reason, they have no pity, and they won't stop until you are dead.