DMP Mutual Support Thread (Part 4)

newlywed

Forgetmenot68 wrote: »

Hello all

We're about to start on a DMP with CCCS. I clicked on the "choose DMP" button on their website thinking we'd get paperwork and a phone call/time to think about the amounts etc - but the wheels were rushed into motion and offers have already been made to our creditors. I'm a bit scared really. What if I miscalculated and we can't manage? Just after some reassurance that others are coping. Thanks.

FMN xx

You do what I did last month - ring them up and say can I have review please coz I'm really struggling. They go through your updated figures there and then on the phone and then reduce your DMP payment ready for the following month They told me that it's happening nationwide so as it's my essential bills going up, rent, council tax, gas, electric, the creditors will have to accept this - as it's not like I'm adjusting it to have some really expensive sky package or gym membership

They do a review after the first few months to check on you anyway, then they do them yearly I think .

Or if something comes up where you are really seriously desperate you do what I did in April - cry down the phone at them They are just so nice and don't make you feel stupid at all - I arranged a one off reduced payment in April so I could cover car repairs for my MOT. As it was the first time I'd had to do that in a year, everyone was ok with it.

Just waiting for the end of this month with the permanently reduced payments to see what they do

sarriep

I've applied for Easycash with Halifax online but wondered if any others were better/ faster? I think I'll get a visa electron card with this account. I am looking forward to seeing a + balance as we've lived on an overdraft for the last 10 years.

This board is great. I went to bed last night and had my first good nights sleep for ages after reading about 400 posts!

Thanks all! :j

Forgetmenot68

Thank you Gemzie, maybe I'll do that when it's all set up, though I already have a bit of a diary going on here and don't want to hog the board. I can see why support is essential when you're on a DMP though.

Thanks, that's really reassuring newlywed. I was thinking because we'd agreed to a figure it was written in our blood, and if we failed to keep up the payments we'd go to hell.. or something...maybe I should calm down a bit?! I now think that when we spoke to First Direct yesterday they were referring to our pro-rata offer, because CCCS hasn't got our account details or anything yet.

FMN xx

Forgetmenot68

Hi Sarriep - I had some good advice and that was to check that any bank you choose does not have links with any of your creditors - because legally they can just take the money as it goes into your account to pay off your debts. I'm sure someone has told you that already. I'm newish here too and read some of your posts - good luck with your journey.

FMN xx

Forgetmenot68

Sarriep - CCCS or National Debtline can advise you....it's great here isn't it??!!

rayday2

Hi everyone!

Just checking in, will try to catch up but it looks pretty busy.

Hope everyones DMPs are going ok.

rayday2

Parsley wrote: »

Hope someone can help me feel a bit more confident about this.

My husband got a letter from TSB solicitors today threatening court action. We know from a phone call from them last night that they know about the DMP although they haven't agreed it yet or got the paperwork with the offer (I've been told they are about 4-6 weeks behind on their paperwork). I did speak to them last night after they made my husband jump through hoops to actually allow me to speak to them. They said they'd put a stop on the account just now although it wouldn't stop the charges for late payment or overlimit fees going on the account.

Does this mean I can safely ignore it as I know they already have the necessary details? It looks like the contact details are the same as for the CC even though it has a solicitors name on it. I've heard that TSB are pretty awful to deal with but they've been pretty good in respect of my CC it's just DH's that seems to be a problem. Likely because he refuses to speak to them as he won't deal with anyone that isn't in this country. He doesn't like foreign call centres. They are allowed to be foreign they just have to be physically in this country. I don't think the guy I spoke to had the faintest idea what I was actually talking about but I guess we wait and see.

Hope someone can help.

If it was grey paper, then it wasn't solicitors just another department within Lloyds collections. Someone posted on the main forum who worked for them.

I would just send out a copy of any letters that you have been sending Lloyds it is there last ditched attempt to squeeze money and after my grey letter they actually accepted. Although they did get a snotty letter off me for "referring" to solicitors when payment offers were in place.

sarriep

It is indeed FMN. We were really starting to drown in our debts and were regularly increasing our credit card debts to live off. The payments got higher and we had to use CC earler and earlier each month. A real nightmare which seemed to have no end.
But now it does seem to have an end even if that end is about 10 years away!
I am struggling with the idea of making £1 token payments to all those we owe money too. It seems such a nothing amount but I can see the logic. I will ring cccs aain I think to check which banks are the best for basic accounts, I don't want HSBC to take our wages to pay off against our overdraft and loan
Looking forward to feeling in control!
x

rayday2

sarriep wrote: »

It is indeed FMN. We were really starting to drown in our debts and were regularly increasing our credit card debts to live off. The payments got higher and we had to use CC earler and earlier each month. A real nightmare which seemed to have no end.
But now it does seem to have an end even if that end is about 10 years away!
I am struggling with the idea of making £1 token payments to all those we owe money too. It seems such a nothing amount but I can see the logic. I will ring cccs aain I think to check which banks are the best for basic accounts, I don't want HSBC to take our wages to pay off against our overdraft and loan
Looking forward to feeling in control!
x

Try not to worry about the fact its a small amount it will help you set a safety net up in your new bank account.

http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/miscellaneous.php this link has the bank account famalies but I would class A&L as in with Abbey and also definately GE Money (behind most store cards) as Santander have been buying lots of companies lately!

mouncey

Good morning Ray - just wondering what a grey paper letter was? Is it the type of mass produced letters warning court action, solicitors etc, with a signature printed on it. Cheers.