Hello and Thank you :)

[cazlizzy]

Hi
First post, though I have been lurking for a couple of weeks, hence the "Thank you". Thanks to whom?

..to the posters asking all the questions
...to you guys for posting the answers, advice and support
...to the Experts, for being human and making it a comfortable place to be.

You see us lurkers have the same questions, fears etc in our heads too...we just need the time, reassurance and comfort factor to step out of the lurky pool and be seen...[:D]

So, who is this ex-lurker?...well I'm someone who has within the last few weeks realised that my debt needs addressing.

I have for some time been on a tight budget...but have managed to pay all the bills,albeit with some very entertaining juggling...but it was a trip to the dentist for an emergency filling, together with the £50 bill, that lit the light bulb. That £50 made too big a dent in my budget and I dropped the juggling balls, making me finally wonder if there was a better way to deal with it all.

So the trawling of the CCCS advice site amongst others and forums began and included finding this one [:)]. The filling in of various online forms to get some idea of what was available physically shocked me to be honest, you will all know that feeling when you actually add up the balances and go [:0] £21000 (even hard to write here [:I]) over 6-7 creditors.

Many of my questions have been answered here already....but that just raises more of course, but now I will ask them as they arise...and know I will get honest and open answers, which will help me make any final decisions.

At the moment I am awaiting a DMP pack from CCCS. Having filled in a basic I&E I have £189 surplus which is manageable amount for me to pay and less than half of what I was paying keeping the bills serviced. At the moment, I see this as a stop gap while I sort the long term payment out, as the DMP will take 9yrs to pay back[:(] But it is some relief to know it can help and take the pressure off, while I work out my next step.

so...I will say again..thank you all for just being there.[:D]

[MelanieGiles]

Hi there and a very warm welcome to the forum

What a nice post, and I am sure that there will be many people out there who feel the same as you did about this forum - and will continue to get a lot of support from it over the next few months.

Hope the DMP works out for you - but have CCCS also offered an IVA to you as an alternative? Your surplus income is quite low, but some IP firms will look at this as a viable option - and the CCCS also have an IVA department offering such service.

Five years is a lot less than nine!

[plasticdaft]

Welcome to the forum. everyone on here will do their best to help you out with whatever you need info on.

Its great coming out and admitting you have a problem,very liberating!!!

Paul

[kallis3]

Welcome from me too.

I would speak to one or two other companies as well. Click on www.iva.com for a list of companies and reviews. All the advice is free and impartial, and you will get advice as to all the options open to you.

Keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

[cazlizzy]

Thank you for your welcome[:)]

Hope the DMP works out for you - but have CCCS also offered an IVA to you as an alternative? Your surplus income is quite low, but some IP firms will look at this as a viable option - and the CCCS also have an IVA department offering such service.

Five years is a lot less than nine!

No they didn't , though I didn't speak to anyone as it has all been done on-line so far. (in truth it was a knee jerk reaction to apply in response to the immediate situation, and also a *non contact* way as at that point i was not ready to *talk* to someone - which is why I feel it is a temporary solution) maybe that option is there once you get your membership to the members site[?]

I actually find it interesting that while I was working though their form the recommendations for expenditure changed whenever I went back to add something I had forgotten. As a result I got a few different results.(having filled the form in more than once to make sure i had done it correctly, before submitting it for agreement and getting a couple of reports.) This is also why I know I need to discuss it deeper before any permanent plan is put in action. (but i'm getting there..honest[:)])
There is in fact no mention of IVA's on the initial site. I kind of got the feeling that they didn't quite approve of them to be honest, but that may be me miss-interpreting it.

To Kellis - thank you, yes I intend to. Hadn't even thought of IVA seems like a big step but i have read the posts here so it will be considered.

To Plasticdaft - thank you, yep..Liberation is good...do we get a flag of our own like when countries become liberated?[;)]

[David Mond]

An IVA may be appropriate solution for you so do as Kallis suggests and vist www.iva.com for reviews on IP's and have a free friendly chat. The advice will be free and they will give you the appropriate advice. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[cazlizzy]

Your surplus income is quite low, but some IP firms will look at this as a viable option

Oh I have a question...I am getting brave!

I realise that it will be approx but what would be considered the lowest amount payable within an IVA.
I understood (I think..if i have read it all correctly[;)]) that you need a surplus of £200 and as mine is roughly £189 it is not far off and a small cut back would get it there...and would be still not be unaffordable. Sorry just adding it for my thinking ...(gosh all this late night thinking hurts [|)])

[MelanieGiles]

If £189 is your surplus - then don't try and make it £200 - you will struggle. Ask a few IP firms whether they would be prepared to act for you at that level - and definately ask CCCS as they should have given you advice on all possible solutions.

[cazlizzy]

Thank you Melanie. I shall do that...I have been busy looking at the reviews on www.iva.com and have already e-mailed CCCS to ask why they haven't made their IVA option available on their site and indeed not offered it as part of their advice to me.

[size5]

Melanie is correct, an IVA is possible at that level of contribution for that level of debt, but some providers are not able to look at lower levels of contribution. It may mean making a few calls to find someone, but I am sure you will do so. Also, do take on board Mel's comment of not to be tempted into contributing more than you can reasonably afford in order to try and push it through.

Good luck and regards.

[wardie14]

Hi Cazlizzy, My IVA was approved on 23/02/09 with Cleardebt and my monthly payments will be £171.00 per month, so there are providers out there that can help with IVA's. Thanks Sharon

[cazlizzy]

Oh! thank you Wardie and Size5, that is very helpful to know and answers one of the things buzzing around in my head.[:)]

[cazlizzy]

Morning all [:)]

I am not sure what to say to be honest.
I have read these forum for a while so shouldn't be surprised.....but I am still overwhelmed at the welcome and response I have already received. [:X]

I spent my time last night till late sorting my thoughts, being honest with myself, reading blogs here and being amazed that some people stay up far too late like me (smiles at Melanie)and making the first moves to organise myself and my situation.
I applied online for my new bank account and started canceling DD's etc (all bills with the exception of one have been paid for this month) This will hopefully mean that all is set up and ready for the DMP from CCCS and allow me the time to sort out the longer term issue.

My next step is to make those calls and get the advice I need to move to whatever the next step is for me.

I even considered starting a blog, really for myself as a reminder of where I am at and how I am feeling now and where I want to be, but also as a way of laying my cards on the table openly, maybe for the first time.

Whatever happens, it is a nice feeling to know that the bumps in the road ahead will be alleviated to some degree by the seatbelt that this forum is proving to be.

[kallis3]

Hi, good to see that you are sounding so positive!

You're on the right road now, new bank account, DMP. As you say, that will give you a bit of breathing space.

I would certainly give Cleardebt a ring, as they have done lower contribution IVA's.

Please do a blog, they are very therapeutic and you're in good company! You can pour your heart knowing that no one you know will get to find out about your problems.

[David Mond]

Hi cazlizzy - before you completely go on a DMP have a chat with another company, or two as alow cost IVA might be more appropriate. Glad you are feeling better and positive.