A reader asked: I have a debt with a default date 30 April 2013. I was paying the debt for about a year then stopped as the default would always be on my file in any case. Will the debt drop off in 2019, or will it extend to 2020 as I was paying it for a year? Do settled accounts affect your credit score? The simple answer is that all defaults drop off your credit record after six years, but … [Read more...]
Readers have asked a huge variety of questions in the comments below Debt Camel articles. 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.
“Which high cost debt should I repay first?”
Steve asked: I have received £4000 from a payday loan refund. I have a £2500 loan with Amigo, £1500 left on a Likely Loans loan, a £2000 overdraft and 750 x 2 on credit cards. (Limit 800 on each). My dilemma is not knowing how to spend the £4000 in order to boost my credit score. Which is the most damaging and needs paying first? Although your situation won't be the same as Steve's, you may be … [Read more...]
Has a lender written off my debt?
A reader asked hopefully the other day if his debt had been written off: I've just seen that the balance on a credit card I haven't been able to pay for more than a year is now zero. If it's been written off that would be great, but how can I find out if this has happened? The bad news is that this is very unlikely. The debt has probably been sold to a debt purchaser Lenders like to get … [Read more...]
Tax debts – should I go for an IVA or bankruptcy?
A reader asked: I'm thinking about an IVA. I've got 8k of credit card debt and overdrafts but I owe a lot of income tax and VAT. Probably a lot over 20k but I haven't filled out any tax returns for years. Do I have to get the exact tax owed when applying for an IVA? I don't think I can cope with all that. I was self employed but I now have a job, not well paid. I'm now living with my parents … [Read more...]
IVA – why you may get a cheque for uncashed dividends
A reader asked: I have received a letter from my IVA firm with a cheque for over £2000, saying uncashed dividends had been returned by one of the creditors. They have said if I don't cash it in 90 days they will give it to a charity. Now I'm worried - What are these dividends and why would the IVA firm send them to me, surely it would be classed as a windfall? It says the creditor should … [Read more...]
Must you give your IVA firm your banking login details?
A reader asked: I've been told I have to give my IVA firm my online banking login details so they can see my bank statements. Why do I have to do this? Yet another thing they never tell you before you sign up. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) can be a good debt solution for some people but it is a long-term formal legal contract which may not have been clearly explained at the start. Or … [Read more...]
Can I get another car after VT or is part exchange better?
A reader asked: I want to terminate my PCP car finance. The car's fine, good condition, but we now need a bigger car. According to my contract I can hand it back. But I am going to need to get another car, so I am worried this will harm my good credit record. Would part exchange be better? Your right to end a PCP contract early Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is the most common way to buy … [Read more...]
I want to sell my house to end my IVA
A reader asked: We are desperate to end our IVA. So difficult. The IVA firm that seemed helpful at the start now after two years doesn't care about our extra costs. We have decided to sell and downsize. My wife is hoping for a discount but I said they were more likely to charge us more to get out early! We need as much equity as possible for the next house. This is a tricky situation. There … [Read more...]
Can I spend backdated benefits money before going bankrupt?
A reader asked: I’ve just received a backdated Severe Disability Premium (ESA top up as on PIP too) and I am aiming to go bankrupt in May or June. I’ve been advised by a money advisor to use this money for essentials as I have just been given permanent accommodation having been homeless. No furniture came with the flat. I’ve been paying £1 a month to my creditors since last year. Should I … [Read more...]
“Is “settled” better than “satisfied” on my credit record?”
A reader asked: My Noddle report shows some settled debts but one is shown as satisfied. I am sure I paid them all off in full. Does it make a difference and should I ask for this to be changed? … [Read more...]