A reader said she was scared about starting a Debt Management Plan (DMP). Her worries were that her husband's credit rating would be affected and that she would get lots of phone calls from creditors. Another reader has asked if he can get a new mortgage fix if he is in a DMP I thought it would be useful to look at the most common concerns people have about DMPs. Setting up a … [Read more...]
A reader asks ...
Readers have asked a huge variety of questions in the comments below Debt Camel articles or on Instagram. From credit ratings and mortgages to payday loan refunds and IVAs...
Some of them needed such long replies that I have turned them into the articles that are gathered here.
“Will settling defaults help me get car finance next year?”
A reader, Mr W, asked: I had credit cards and got myself in a mess when getting balance transfers but keeping the old cards. Then I lost my job two years ago, but I am now working again. I have defaults ranging from 2021 to last month ago. All my debts add up to about £6,500. One has offered me a discount if I clear the outstanding balance. Is a 20% discount on a £3,500 debt a good deal? I … [Read more...]
What happens after discharge from bankruptcy?
A reader asked: I went bankrupt in 2021 and was discharged a year later. I am not paying an IPA. My question is about savings. Can I save now without any risk of my savings being taken from me? Also my grandmother wants to give me a large sum of money but I’m not sure if it would be safe so the last thing I want is for her to lose money, so I’ve been reluctant to do it. This article looks in … [Read more...]
My son has been asked to pay a water bill that’s in my name
A reader asked: My son has just opened a letter from a debt collector in his name with my debt and information on it asking him to pay. It's for a water bill which I owe but the bill is in my name! Surely they can't do this? I asked for some background on this - how old is her son, is he still living at home, if not when did he leave? And what date does the water bill relate to? He is 24 and … [Read more...]
“My DMP payment is too high”
A reader asked if it is OK to reduce your debt management payments when you need to? In 2023, with prices still rising fast, this is a common problem in Debt Management Plans (DMPs). Sometimes your income falls. Often your essential expenses go up faster than your pay does. In debt management, you pay a set amount to the DMP company and they divide it between your creditors. So what happens … [Read more...]
Increasing the interest on a credit card – your rights
There are two situations a credit card can increase your interest rate: if the Bank of England base rate goes up and your credit card tracks that rate; or when your credit card decides to increase your interest rate. It is important you know which is happening when your interest rate rises, as in the second case you have the right to reject this change. This also applies to store … [Read more...]
“Persistent debt – Halifax want me to make higher credit card payments”
Mrs X was happy when Halifax told her in November 2022 that they were cutting the interest rate on her credit card - down from 32% to 15%. But just two months later Halifax sent another letter saying she must make higher "Recommended Payments" or she can't use the card any more. She says: Halifax want me to pay at least £102 a month, about £20 a month more than the minimum. They say this … [Read more...]
4 steps to take if you lose your job
A reader asks: Help! I have just been made redundant and I don't know how I am going manage, especially as we have debts. I'm only getting a few weeks redundancy pay. What should I do? A lot of firms are closing or going under in 2023. Your employment rights If your firm has just closed suddenly, you may be worried about: getting paid for the weeks you have already worked; paid for … [Read more...]
Will an affordability claim hurt my credit record, and other questions
People often ask what happens to their credit score if they make a complaint. And what happens if they still owe a balance on the account. Here are some typical questions: " Lloyds increased my overdraft limit several times a few years ago when I had a gambling problem. But I have recovered and am hoping to get a mortgage soon. I don't want to complain if it will it harm my credit score, which is … [Read more...]
Maxed out credit cards & only able to pay the minimum
"I have three credit cards, all maxed out. I am only paying the minimum amounts each month as I can't afford more. What are my options as this will take forever and cost a lot in interest?" A lot of people are in this situation in 2023, with cost of living price rises leaving you with no spare money to make overpayments. This also applies to store cards and catalogue accounts. And many … [Read more...]
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