My DMP diary - 2026 (year 1)

ArtyJ931 · 6 April at 9:24AM

Today's task - go through my mammoth credit report and input key dates and amounts on to a spreadsheet - bank transfers, loans, credit increases. This has taken me 1.5 hours and it's absolutely horrendous seeing the debt dance I've been doing laid out quite so clearly.

Loan interest over the previous 7 years totals over 31,000. Have no idea about CC interest.

Next step - making affordability complaints. Between Feb 2020 and April 2021 I borrowed over 59000 in loans (including 15000 of interest) when I was earning 1400 a month.

Go figure.

I need a break now and later will start the process of actually making the affordability complaints.

Going to drink a coffee to hopefully recover from how horrified I feel … ARGH

ArtyJ931 · 6 April at 10:39AM

Affordability complaints DONE:

5 x loans

1 x CC

—

Unsure about other credit cards. From debt camel it appears that it may not be worth it unless there is significant interest over the years and I am unsure if there is as I did a lot of balance transferring around for 0% So I'll have a think about it.

Feel like I've achieved a lot today and it hasn't been pleasant. Off out shortly for a couple of hours with my niece, will come back and do a bit of repotting and sorting in the garden and walk my dogs. So will try to put this out of my mind for a bit

in_need_of_direction · 6 April at 10:44AM

for now, you have done everything you can. Try not to dwell on what it has cost over the years. Just start believing how different it will be when you’re debt free.

PalmSprings2024 · 6 April at 9:10PM

Just wanted to jump on here and say I am almost 2 years into my self managed DMP and the worst bit is definitely the first 6 months - once debts are defaulted and a payment plan in place it is so much easier! Also definitely recommend affordability complaints as I managed to get a big chunk of interest written off and goodwill payments of around £150 with 3 being upheld. Also don’t be afraid to complain about default dates not being applied within 3/6 months in line with guidance as I had a few of these upheld. The whole DMP process seems scary at first but it’s a huge relief once started!

ArtyJ931 · 6 April at 9:34PM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952584#Comment_81952584

thank you so much. That’s really helpful to hear!

ArtyJ931 · 7 April at 7:57PM

I've had replies to the affordability complaints by email - replies from HSBC regarding first direct, and barclays telling me although they own tesco, tesco will be dealing with it so they have referred it back, and then from tesco asking for a lot of information (have a thread about this on the 'main' page).

Also got emails from Virgin CC offering me balance and money transfer offers.

So, an odd time it is now! Enjoying the sun though.

ArtyJ931 · 9 April at 8:43PM

a win today - £10 voucher earned from a free online app that tracks my exercise. Already planned on spending it on new socks. How the other half live eh