In BIG debt - don't know where to start

in_deep_3

Hi all, I am condsidering a DMP with CCCS as we have struggled for years to clear debts and never seem to get anywhere. Why am I finding it sooooooo difficult to take the first steps? Having come through a near nervous breakdown a couple of years ago I am worried that my depression is going to start all over again - should I battle on? or should I take the plunge? I hate dealing with people on the phone and I know from reading some of your responses that we will get unwanted phone calls. Is there really light at the end of the tunnel? I'm rambling I know - oh gosh, I'm so confused - please help....................

rayday2

The CCCS are lovely on the phone.

If you don't want to speak to creditors change your phone number - I did and they corresponded by writing only - which you can open and deal with when you are ready rather than that second. (Don't leave it too long though!)

I think battling on would probably increase your stresses higher. As scarey as a DMP feels at the beginning within a month most people are feeling like there is a huge weight lifted off their minds.

Have a read through the DMP support thread and you will probably see your fears there and later on those same people feeling a little better for dealing with it.

kizzykizzywizzy

Hi there welcome to the site, someone will be along with more experience to let you know the ins & outs of speaking to CCCs, whom through reading a lot of success stories on here sound like they are really helpful.
I think you probably will get a good few phone calls, but you can write to the companies & ask them to contact you by post only.
What I will say is, if you are having problems, you will probably be getting phone calls soon anyway, so you may as well be dealing with your debt.
Good luck

bank_of_slate

Hi In deep,
Have you had direct advice from CCCs yet?
At least find out what it would mean if you did do a DMP..... Most people find that worrying about it is a damn sight worse than actually doing it!
Welcome to the forum, you'll get lots of advice and support here
...Linda xx

jellebabe

Speak to CCCS, they're great, I rang once and cried down the phone, I think the chap was a bit surprised but very kind to me!

in_deep_3

Thanks folks. Well I've taken the first steps and requested a DMP from CCCS. I'll read through all the paperwork when it arrives and consider it all carefully. You all sound so positive - here goes, fingers crossed, wish me luck xxx

rayday2

Good luck!

If you need support or a bit of a boost just come back!

SortingIt_2

Hi In Deep,

I am in a DMP with Payplan and it is the best thing I have ever done. 5 months on and all of my creditors have accepted and stopped interest and I can finally see my debt going down. I started with over £60K of debt and was very embarrassed about it all. Payplan (as well as CCCS as have read loads on them) are fantastic and noone judges you.

There is a DMP Mutual support thread (part 3 now) have a good read of that as it reallly does help to understand exactly what happens etc.

Good luck and don't worry in a few months time you will be looking back and feeling much better about things and the future xx

in_deep_3

As suggested I have been reading through the DMP mutual support thread - it's good to know there's all that support out there from people in the same situation. Can I ask though please - why do you have to make 'token payments' at the start? & how long does it all take to set up?

suexxx

I n same boat as you at the moment,worried sick,finally took 1st steps and have sent for my cccs welcome pack.i to hate facing people,and why is it like you i'm scared off talking on the phone.ive found this site a great help.

rayday2..has given me great advice !

We'll get there i'm sure of it.

Sue-UU

Hi and welcome in deep, don't worry too much about how long it will all take, the most important thing is starting to claw your way back! One day, not too far away, you'll be delighted you took the plunge and started the ball rolling. I can't answer your query about the token payments, but would imagine it might be you getting things started by paying something soon. I don't know though so hang on til someone else can answer it.

The very best of luck to you and to you, suexxx, most of us started when we reached rock bottom, but things rapidly change so long as your determined. So look ahead now - not behind at past mistakes etc as it does no good at all.

Good luck, Sue