Has anyone used stepchange?

You guys have been excellent with your advice. Thank you so much 

@43x79odb1l that would be an idea too, but I think the credit card / loan companies will still put it down as a default, as the full contracted payments aren’t being paid. Therefore, probably going through StepChange would be the same scenario.

@cpparch Thank you Claire. I am going to fill out my application to Stepchange today.  
You have been a breath of fresh air with your advice. Thank you

@c17ort you’re so welcome. 

I was once where you are and I know how awful it feels, but trust me, once you start with StepChange, the relief is immense.

Just a warning, the creditors will keep on writing to you, saying you’ve missed payments, that you’ll default, demanding full payment etc. This is absolutely normal and part of the process. It does stop though, usually after 3-6 months. 

Please do over budget on things on your budget form. There are so many sections to it. Once you’ve filled it out you’ll go to the next page where it will tell you how much you have left for the creditors. If it’s still too much to pay out, you can go back to adjust your budget before you submit it. 

Claire x

@c17ort how did you get on?

@cpparch Hi Claire, thanks for reaching out to me. I have started the application but like you  said it is long winded. Luckily it saves each step you fill in, so I am going to complete it tonight. 
Thanks for your support.

https://community.gamcare.org.uk/forum/success-stories/stepchange-a-road-to-freedom/#post-2005129

Please do use Stepchange. It changed my life. I've posted my success story above to show the power of Stepchange. Yes it impacts your credit score, but you can pretty much halt all interest and pay the debt off in half the time. By the time you would have paid it off without Stepchange, your credit score will have improved as you'll have been debt free for years.

Good luck

@p6z38njbqm 

Hi, I have been seriously considering using StepChange too. I have read that it’s best to default on debts before arranging with step change. Is this right? I know your credit file is affected from the actual default but have read that if you don’t default first you have late markers added to your report and the the default gets added after the 6 years!? That would mean 12 years with a bad credit rating! 🫣

No, I have payment plans in place from £19 to £1 a month, not bothered about my credit rating so will just carry on with these agreements. Just remember they lent you the money and it is down to their irresponsible lending