First steps

northernbird_3

I have read your forum over the past few months and realised that I am not alone and thats theres plenty of other people out there in the same situation - so firstly thanks to everyone who has been so honest about their situation and this in turn has given me some courage to start looking at my own.

I took the first step on Friday by writing to my credit card companies offering them a token payment of £1 for the next six months (whether this will work I'm not sure !). I currently owe around £50k and can no longer afford any of the payments due to personal circumstances. I have cut back on everything but its the credit cards and interest which are crippling me. Unfortunately (and I've tried many a time) I can't get another credit card to even transfer balances so I'm at this stage.

I never realised how alone and stressed you can feel. I have regular panic/anxiety attacks which I try to control. I am trying to be positive about things and me and my hubby are facing reality and trying to do something about it.

Can someone clarify this for me please - can I ask the credit card companies to stop ringing me? One is particular is hounding me. Can I ask for communication in writing only?

Thanks again to everyone.

Lorne

Hi Northernbird,

Welcome to the boards and congratulations on making the first steps in joining us on here. It is scary taking the first step but once you get there you feel a lot more in control of your finances. Think about posting a statement of account on here for lots of helpful advice.

With regard to getting hounded by credit card companies, it is awful. I went through a stage of not answering the home telephone as I couldn't cope. I did ask them to communicate in writing and sent them letters recorded delivery making the request. It worked on the whole part although one enthusiastic company ignored the request. It is certainly worth a try.

Good luck on your journey,

Lorna

Tustastic

You certainly can say that you will only deal with written communications.
Say it politely, say you're ending the conversation now, then put the receiver down gently.
With that level of debt, it would be a good idea to contact one of the free debt charities, such as http://www.cccs.co.uk/

beanielou

Hi northernbird & welcome to our lovely forum.
You will get lots of support here.

northernbird_3

Thanks guys! I am currently going through a stage of not answering the phone ! But I know once they get my letters tomorrow then all the calls will start so I shall be brave and pick up the receiver. I will post a statement of account so you can see whats happening - any advice gratefully received. With regards to cccs - I'm already in touch with the citizens advice bureau is it better to contact the cccs instead?

Cheers I know you lot would be there for me !

Lorne

That's the spirit! You can do this!