I'm a newbie DFW

poppyg_2

JM, I wouldn't feel embarassed at all honestly, there's a thread running regarding how much people owe and how they got in debt and believe me there are posts from people with debts ranging from everything from about £1k - £100k, nothing to be ashamed of at all

If it helps I can tell you my story (in a nutshell) - I ran up debts totalling £30k and stupidly went down the route of a consolidation loan tied up with mortgage, in hindsight worst thing I ever did as I didn't really learn my lesson (which is why I was so negative about secured loans) and ran up another approx £8k which I am now trying to get paid off asap, probably via a DMP. I hold my hands up I have been a very silly girl but at least I am now learning the hard way and I will never make the same mistake again that's an absolute certainty

I think regarding pay rises, once on a DMP you have an annual review with CCCS (I think) whereby you discuss how things are going and talk about whether you can afford to pay more as a result of pay rises etc

dinx1972

Ok Just Me, I started my DMp with CCCS over 3 years ago with a debt of over £30,000, see my signature below, and still have another 3 years to go on my DMP before I/we are debt free.

Yes it is natural to feel embarrased, but you are dealing with it now, and that is the main thing.

Starting my DMP was the best thing I ever did. I only recently found this site, and I wish that I had discovered it sooner. I think if I had I would not have gotten as depressed as I did and would not have needed medication to recover, BUT I have survived.

Go with what the CCCS suggest, sign yourself up for as many of the challenges here as you want and regain you life back from your debts.

I am not saying it will be all plain sailing, but life will improve.

Good luck in your DFW journey.

Deep_In_Debt

Just me. - don't be embarrassed - nobody will judge you and I'm sure there are people on here with bigger debts. I was embarrassed at first too but soon realised there were lots of people with a similar level of debt. If it's any consolation - according to CCCS it will take me 9 years to clear my debts.

I'm on a DMP with CCCS and they review my DMP regularly and if I can afford more monthly due to a payrise or other factors then I up my payments to them to pay debts off more quickly. It's the best thing I've done and I only wish I'd done it sooner.

Don't think your bonus will be affected but I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will know about this.

bank_of_slate

Hi and welcome Justme
Please be aware that there is a 'troll' on this board so if you get a post that is abusive, insulting or whatever please ignore it.
It is currently going by the name Iamlegend
...Linda xx