Worse at night time?

Quietdesperation

Thank you GSPGirl. Thank you very, very much.

I'm not sure I can properly explain how helpful I found your practical and thoughtful reply. You have not only given me more options to explore but also somehow you have got where my head is at. In one reply you have made me feel more confident about taking charge and that there is a solution.

What kindness from strangers! I am very grateful to you for such sensible, sage advice. I hope your kindness to me is returned to you.

Thank you.

Alex

Sncjw

If your just getting by on self employment could you not just give it up. Sounds like the business isn!!!8217;t viable as you said your on low income. Could you not become an employee instead of self employed to get a steady income and more of an income to attack the debts

[Deleted User]

Please don't be ashamed of your debts, we all make mistakes. You've not tried to dodge them or hide from them, you've shown willing, some wouldn't have.

It is a good step to take back control, even thinking about tackling it will improve your mindset. I have been in a dark place myself over debt, so I know how miserable it can be and it feels like a mountain you'll never climb. The good news is you can tackle this one tiny bit at a time.
Don't enter into any phone conversations with any creditors as they don't care about you or your welfare and will in my experience be quite harsh and often rude. Block numbers if you have to.

Keep all letters and emails, don't feel obliged to send recorded delivery letters as it's expensive, emails still have proof of receipt and the creditor is obliged to reply on paper via post so you will have evidence of all dialogue.

Would highly recommend the national Debtline site and template letters

Have a peaceful day knowing you got this !

Quietdesperation

Yes - my business runs a tiny profit but it can't sustain me. Hard for me to admit as I've put my everything into it, but true. I've got to let it go now.
I've applied for two jobs this morning and have redone my cv. Being proactive is making a difference.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Quietdesperation

GSPGirl, again thank you. That's great advice about emailing. I hadn't thought of that. I've drafted a letter for the DCAs and will read it back this afternoon. The templates are really helpful.

Some DC agents have been vile on the phone, and I'd want anything and everything in writing anyway so letters and emails are best.

I hope you're in a better place with debt now. It's helped to read some of the success stories here.

I really appreciate your time nd thoughtful, helpful responses.

Alex

[Deleted User]

You're welcome. Yes definately do not talk to them !!!55357;!!!56883;!!!55357;!!!56883;!!!55357;!!!56883;

I'm definitely in a better place, it used to keep me awake at night, same as you. I feel confident now when handling my debts, and not ashamed

Good luck and all the best. Let us know how you get on. With your tenacity and skills through self employement, someone will snap you up. Things will get better

sourcrates

Quietdesperation wrote: »

Some DC agents have been vile on the phone, and I'd want anything and everything in writing anyway so letters and emails are best.

Best to stay off the phone and keep all contact by letter or email.

Do not expect quick responses from CCA requests, original paperwork is always kept by the original creditor, so may take some time to get to you (if at all).

Post back for advice on what they send you, as some debt collectors will try to, lets say, not be truthful, when it comes to unenforceable credit agreements.

Good luck with the job hunting, and remember, if all else fails, there are statutory measures laid down by parliament to deal with your debts, all you have to do is access them, so one way or another, it will be sorted.

Quietdesperation

You've been immeasurably helpful, sensible and positive. Thank you for your insights and support. I hope my confidence grows and my shame withers. What's done is done, and what matters is what we do next...
You've been great, really really helpful. A thousand thank yous. All the best to you too.
Alex

Quietdesperation

Thank you, sourcrates.
It's certainly feeling a lot more manageable than last night. I have more options than I thought and I feel more confident to have a crack at this once and for all.
I appreciate your time and most helpful, knowledgeable responses.
Alex

Quietdesperation

Hi again,
A quick update on progress after the help I received here, and a question...
Update - I've applied for 12 jobs so far, three close this week so fingers crossed! More applications pending too.
Onto the question: I've sent each DCA a CCA request, with postal orders via signed for mail. What happens next?
I'm just panicking now that I've stirred a bees' nest and they'll start court action. Does that happen often? Sorry if it's a stupid question.
I don't know what I would have done without this site this past week. I've been reading the diaries and it's made me feel a lot less alone.
Thanks if anyone can help with my question.
Alex