Jump to content
Twitter - Include the @company's twitter name in your post title – here's why…
The UK Stands With Ukraine - 'Slava Ukraini'

Word-Soup

Registered Users

Change your profile picture
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    47

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by Word-Soup

  1. Word-Soup
    DWP were very good with me when my husband died. Just contact them directly, no offence Martin but it is a different ball game entirely when you lose your husband through bereavement.
  2. Word-Soup
    Thank you Chainey. It's been tough. I decided to go bankrupt last year. Finally. I have just been discharged as of 20th March 2016, a good feeling. All my kids are grown up now and okay, that means more to me than anything. My youngest has a few health problems, but will be okay, learning to live with it. As for me, ah... marriages, divorce, widowed, homelessness, you name it it's happened. I had a breakdown working for a bank which left me in debt, it was tough as I was bringing up my children on my own, but hey ho... people matter, stuff doesn't. Still single, happy bumbling away working as an artist now, no money, but who cares. Bought a really old van before I went bankrupt and am currently renovating it, using it as a camper - kind of. I go away in it when I can afford to, which is not as often as I'd like. Life is okay, not perfect, but is it ever? Happy days. Take care now, peace & love (old hippy at heart)
  3. Word-Soup
    [quote name= Word-Soup you really are a star [/quote] Oh hun, my life has crashed and burnt that many times. The last thing I expected was to be widowed weeks after my youngest son's 4th birthday. He's 22 today in fact, wow. Back then my 2nd hubby took his own life, he was only 37 years old. It was such a tough time. Make a list, be kind to yourself, don't overdo it. Do what you can, leave what you can't. Get a standard straight forward letter typed, printed, photocopied if you like with the address blank so it can be written in, change the address for each one and send it out. KEEP A RECORD of all the letters sent. As his wife this lady should NOT be held liable for anything even if it is in joint names. I can tell you it will take time, she will need to send the letters and sit it out. They can't chase her, well they could, but believe me they won't, they didn't chase me. If they do they are a disgrace. She should go to the GP if she can and just get it on record how she's feeling. In case needed for future reference, but only for that. Honestly, I paid no one. No one had a penny and he left me a LOT of debt, some in joint names. Bank loans, credit cards, big bills, utility bills you name it. It all got written off. I don't think I have a copy of the letter I sent out any longer, it was a long time ago now. My mortgage repayments weren't that big, but I stopped paying it anyway. I sat with gritted teeth waiting for them to decide IF they would pay out on the insurance as it was suicide, they might not have. They did, but it took time. There won't be any issue like that here. Tell them not to stress over any of it. The people they will be dealing with have jobs, have families and won't reallly consider it a problem, most of the debts will be either to big businesses or banks who can take the loss. Sit tight. It's important they take care of one another with kindness... remember people matter, loved ones matter, none of this material stuff really matters. Sorry if that sounds odd, but it is how I feel. Problems come and go, we solve them, another problem pops up. If you need to ask me anything at all, feel free.
  4. Word-Soup
    I agree, but from my experience... even debts that are joint can be queried. I did just that and got a hugs (huge not hugs, flipping auto correct) BT bill wiped, to give just one example. It was around £400. BT took it that the debt died with him. It did take a while, it certainly was not instant and it does take nerve to sit it out. Every one of our debts, joint and just in his name were wiped clear when he died.
  5. Word-Soup
    Hello, How very sad, deepest condolences to all the family. Tell them to stay strong, I know that is tough, but it is the only way through. My advice, for what it is worth is based on personal experience. My second husband took his own life leaving me with lots of debt, a house, mortgage, 5 children. That was nearly 18 years ago. I had so many debt collectors chasing me, from BT for a huge phone bill he'd clocked up, and more. I was in a bad way for a while, and had absolutely no family support. So, I got a book and started to make lists. I figured if I managed to do just one thing on the list each day I was doing well, if I managed two I was amazing. I stopped paying the mortgage straight away. I paid none of the bills or debts. I drafted a letter and sent it out to all of them, worded a little differently depending on the situation, but quite basic. I asked every one of my creditors to right the debt off as my husband had died. If you don't ask, you don't get. Most of them did. It was a tricky time though because emotions go all over the place and you're just grieving the loss so badly it's really hard to focus. To be clear, I offered them nothing. I asked for the debt to be written off with my husband as he had died. The mortgage took a while to get sorted, the longest perhaps. Still, I paid them nothing and waited. Eventually, the mortgage was cleared from his (our) joint life insurance policy. It is my understanding that you HAVE to have life insurance if you have a mortgage for times just as this. So write to them and wait. I wish everyone all the best and if I can help in any way, or you have any questions to ask, just ask, I will do my best to help.
  6. Word-Soup
    Thank you Oleg. I am working towards going bankrupt as I can't stand the hassle of all this any longer. I do have someone looking for Charitable Funds to help with the BR costs, I know one offer has come in, just waiting to see if we can get the rest of it together. To be honest, going BR will be a huge weight off my shoulders. My son has been seriously ill, though now on the road to improvement, and everything has just taken its toll on me. I am self-employed and just can't focus on my work at all, and haven't been able to for a long while. Need a clean slate. I take your advice, and thank you so much. I will ignore Westcot (been reading through the forum about them) should they write to me. It seems best to ignore any requests or letters from them altogether. I will also ignore the request from Lloyds Bank, for now. Good point though. I will bear that in mind if things develop in any way from them. I don't particularly want to involve the GP etc., etc., It's none of Lloyds business at the end of the day, stuff them. I have used letter templates off here to keep them all off my back for a long while now, the letters section is very helpful. It's just really nice to receive some re-assurance from everyone on here. Good to know I'm not alone in all this. Your advice is always so helpful. Fingers crossed that I can go BR and be rid of all this angst asap. Thank you so much for your reply Oleg, much appreciated.
  7. Word-Soup
    ADVICE PLEASE Today two letters arrived one from NatWest, the other from Lloyds Banks. Lloyds Bank are asking for a GP to confirm that I am on anti-depressants and ask what exactly is the nature of my illness. NatWest Bank's letter states that as they have been unable to come to a suitable arrangement with me they have passed my account details to Wescot Credit Services Ltd to act as a collection agent and they will now be dealing with my account. So, what do you lovely people advise I do? I am seriously considering going BR, but in the meantime what do I do? My total debts across both banks are around £18k
  8. Word-Soup
    Aw, thank you. They have done enough damage to so many people; our banks etc. We have to fight back. The documentary film on BBC called Bitter Lake, highlights that BANKS worldwide have had far too much power over people for far too long, and they are still trying it! They won't get anything more out of me. I confess the naughty side of me desperately wants to stick a pin in my finger and put some blood on the page of my next letter to them. Probably not wise though.... lol
  9. Word-Soup
    Here is another Charity link that may be able to help with BR fees. http://www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/get_support/elizabeth-finn-grants/who-can-apply/
  10. Word-Soup
    Hi there, I am not quite in the same position as you, but I have decided after struggling for so long to go for bankruptcy. My debts total £18-£20k, StepChange have been a great help, as has everyone on this forum. Like you, I struggle with the thought of going BR. I always wanted to pay off all the debts, but the reality is I can't. Slowly, I have faced that. I have been paying £1 to each of my creditors for the last year or so. It keeps them at bay. I was advised to BR, early last year, but didn't want to, still fighting it. Anyway, my thought is, why put yourself through all the hassle of getting back interest, charges, etc., etc. It will be emotionally tough, I feel, and physically draining. Here is a link I found on the internet for CHARITIES that may be able to help with BR fees: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stuart.blackstock/funding/bankruptcy_fees.html I haven't approached any of these myself yet as I have someone local helping me find Charitable Funding to go BR. All the best... and don't worry.
  11. Word-Soup
    Thank you Oleg, all is in hand. I did post my debts on here some time ago, it will be still in the threads somewhere under my name. They total around £18 - £19k at the moment. I'm happy giving them £1 each every month to keep them off my back for the moment. I have support, and SSAFA (as my hubby was in the forces before his death) is currently looking to raise the bankruptcy fee for me from Charitable sources. Will keep you all posted on how it turns out. Thank you for your support. Fabulous forum and you have all been so helpful.
  12. Word-Soup
    Hi Les, Please keep going, nothing is worse than worry over debts. I know from first hand experience. I have had wonderful support on here, and from StepChange who have been a lifeline and as long as you are honest with them they will be very caring and considerate when they speak with you. When I first got into trouble I stopped all the Direct Debits from my bank account for all regular payments, things like insurances, etc., but also Council Tax, Water Rates, and other utility bills. I find it easier to go online and pay them when I KNOW I have the money in my bank account to pay them. That way, the date of the payment is under my control and not theirs, plus it avoids paying possible fees with the bank if there's not enough in there when the DD is due to go out. You can also pay by phone with most of the utility companies, and even Council Tax in your local Council Offices in person. After a long struggle, all other Creditors, i.e., non-secured debts, I sent a letter and told them I would only pay what I could afford to them each month. They accepted this with a Budget prepared with the help of StepChange. They are also NOT allowed to phone me, or call at my door. Most also froze the interest and charges. How much do I pay them each month? £1 to each of my Creditors! And, they have left me in peace for the last year or so. This is a short term solution, but it does work and once I had it in place I could sleep at night for the first time in ages. There is always an answer, there is always a way, just never give up. Fantastic help here, and with other Debt Charities. So never feel you are doing this on your own.
  13. Word-Soup
    In regard to HP debts. Don't make the mistake I made. I bought a caravan on HP and sold it - I had paid half the debt off, and could have let them take the caravan back because of this, which would have cleared the debt. However, I ended up paying off the rest of the HP loan because I had sold it, and had to make up the shortfall. Lesson learnt. ho hum...
  14. Word-Soup
    It's okay Oleg, I am now considering bankruptcy seriously though. I have had to be strong, and that strength is unstoppable. If I go bankrupt the banks will get nothing, as I have nothing they can take. I rent my home from a Housing Association and have nothing of value. Onward and upwards I say, and as a good mate once told me: 'Don't let the buggers get you down'.
  15. Word-Soup
    Oleg - I was told by StepChange that Lloyds Bank wrote the other woman's debt off after her visit! So who knows. I just thought it was worth a try, but only if someone is game enough and genuinely NOT really about to do it. I have first hand experience of suicide as my hubby took his own life in 1998 at the age of 37 and left me to bring up 4 children aged between 4 and 12 all on my own! SUICIDE IS DEFINITELY NOT THE WAY OUT OF DEBT, from one who knows the mess it leaves behind all too well.
  16. Word-Soup
    Thanks CitizenB that is a good point. However, I just spoke with StepChange about it and was told that another person did this and the police turned up within a few hours and broke her door down! So, I would not advise anyone to say anything about being 'suicidal' unless they were prepared for the possibility of the police turning up. I only did it because I wanted to have a dig back at the banks. StepChange also suggested it showed the banks were being 'caring'... and 'responsible'... hell yeh!
  17. Word-Soup
    This letter worked for me and kept them from phoning my home, and also from sending anyone around. It also kept them from selling the debt on in most cases, and also no CCJ's against me. The best thing is always to keep in touch with your creditors, and I don't think it's ever too late to give this a go. Lots of helpful, non-judgemental help on this forum, StepChange have also been a great support for me. I'm not debt free, but at least I sleep at night. Good luck, and the best advice is don't ignore it, write to them. template removed - dx
  18. Word-Soup
    I find this totally amusing. About a two weeks ago I sent further letters to my Creditors, one of whom is Nat West Bank, the following week I get a knock on the door from two local police. I had no idea why they were calling but eventually they said Nat West had contacted them and asked them to visit. Why, you may ask. Well, in the letter I said that the debt was making me feel so stressed, depressed, etc., that I felt suicidal. After chatting with the police for a couple of minutes, they left; as they went through the gate I said: 'See you next week then when you come back to check I'm still alive'. I should say I have been paying £1 per month on a regular basis to each of my Creditors for the last year or so. The letter was an update on my situation, and I have to say that of the two banks I owe money to Nat West have been the worst and most aggressive in their approach. Still, I was able to see the funny side of this. I should point out that I am definitely NOT suicidal, I am just fighting their way, by giving them something to think about in return for their aggressive stance. For those interested, or having similar problems, here is the guts of the letter I sent, please note that this was the first time I asked them to consider righting the debt off; but doubt they will - worth a try though. Also, the debt charity StepChange have been very helpful to me, as has this forum. Fight on folks! -------------------------------------------------------- Dear Sir/Madam I am in financial difficulties and not able to meet my normal monthly payments. I will make a monthly payment of whatever I can afford until more money is available. I have enclosed my monthly budget and a list of creditors. After paying my household bills, I can pay you £1.00. I will pay this each month and tell you when my circumstances change. Please consider reducing or stopping interest or any other charges on my account to help me during my financial difficulties. NOTE: I have a long history of depression and am currently taking medication for this. The stress of all this is causing much distress, depression and panic attacks, leaving me feeling suicidal. Please be advised that I will only communicate with you in writing. Furthermore, should it be your intention to arrange a “doorstep call”, please be advised that under OFT rules, you can only visit me at my home if you make an appointment and I have no wish to make such an appointment with you. There is only an implied license under English Common Law for people to be able to visit me on my property without express permission; the postman and people asking for directions etc., (Armstrong v Sheppard & Short Ltd [1959] 2 QB 384. per Lord Evershed M.R.). Therefore take note that I revoke license under Common Law for you, or your representatives to visit me at my property and, if you do so, you will be liable to damages for a tort of trespass and action will be taken, including but not limited to, police attendance. Yours faithfully
  19. Word-Soup
    There's no PPi to reclaim worth looking at. There will be numerous penalty charges though at a guess. I haven't looked in to that aspect. I'm just so fed up of it all. Sorting it out is tough. As I see it I can either carry on paying £1 per month for ever and a day, or go bankrupt and wipe the slate clean. If the total were under £15k there may be another way. But that would mean reclaiming £5k of charges, or paying off £5k to bring it under the threshold and I just can't see that happening.
  20. Word-Soup
    I haven't taken offence at the work comment. I'm grateful for the help, thank you. I have tried many time since I was young, but working in mainstream always makes me worse. Over the years (since I was 17) I have tried to work around people many times, but it always ends with me getting ill. I could last in the job 6 months, or a year, or 18 months, then would start getting massive panic attacks. I had no choice but to leave. When I worked at Lloyds for 18 months I found they almost threw their products at me, loans, credit cards, it all got out of control. Had I managed to work myself through it ... so I kept telling myself ... it would be okay. It wasn't and everything spiralled out of control. I moved my account to Nat West and thought ... fresh start. Then took a degree in the Arts, finished in 2012 and got a first, so I am capable of doing things, but... in the process I accumulated more debt in the way of student overdraft. I thought that Nat West had frozen the account January 2013 when Lloyds did, but they didn't and now I have to deal with it all over again. It just all seems so hopeless and I can only see bankruptcy as an answer. Even though I don't have the fee for the bankruptcy and don't know how I'd get that much money together. I don't feel right about sending my bank my medical details though, has anyone else been asked to do this? Why would they want it?
  21. Word-Soup
    Thank you for your support. I have been juggling with this for years. My depression means I have difficulty in paid work. I'm not good around people. I have a widows pension that covers the bills when I'm stable, if I'm not stable I can do stupid things and overspend at the expense of household bills. I've just had a period of a few months of this which is why I'm behind with some bills. I have had a letter from Nat West asking for medical evidence from my GP, this worries me, what do they want this information for? It seems overwhelming still. Most creditors leave me alone and I pay £1 per month. I feel so stuck though on all levels.
  22. Word-Soup
    It has been nearly two years since I posted last. Now, I think I should go bankrupt. I'd appreciate any helpful views. My debt has increased to around £20k as Nat West hadn't frozen my account as did other creditors. I have had advice from Stepchange as well as on here. I've been paying £1 each per month to each of the 6 creditors and maintained this. Now, I'm behind with my rent and other utilities, not by much but still behind. I am medicated for clinical depression and have had this many years. I'm an artist and self-employed but earn little to nothing from this. Any advice appreciated, I don't think I can keep this up for much longer, it is stressful and stops me working as an artist. Help.
  23. Word-Soup
    Update- Well, here we are now in May, 2013. I have been paying a total of 6 x £1 every calendar month to the banks. LloydsTSB have been the main people to contact me all the time about the money owed. They even tried to catch me out by bouncing a payment I'd made back into my current account. They did not write to tell me what was happening, but have now closed my accounts with them and although they are still 'in-house' I have received several solicitor letters making various threats (none of which have been carried out). I telephoned the contact number at LTSB and the people I've spoken to have always been different, despite having a named contact who is apparently my case worker. I was given new account numbers for paying the 3 x £1 per month to them. I do believe they were trying to catch me out as if I default on this agreed amount they can then issue court proceedings. LTSB have frozen interest on all 3 accounts I owe money on. My other debt is to Nat West, and they have barely contacted me at all and have frozen interest. I just pay 3 x £1 per month and that is it. I am wondering what next? Any advice? Can this situation go on indefinitely? Would I be better off scraping the money together (from goodness only where) to go bankrupt? What's the alternative? What will my creditors do over time, and am I just delaying the inevitable? My income is so low now it's very scary. If something breaks I have no money to fix anything. Even getting the £750 needed to go bankrupt will be a real problem. Help and advice needed and appreciated. I have to say so far it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be... but what next?
  24. Word-Soup
    Thank you Still_Surviving. I know I shouldn't write off bankruptcy, but it is still a really tough thing to actually do. I have been keeping abreast of everything despite very difficult finances for many years now. I agree the stigma of bankruptcy is no longer as much of an issue as it once was. I don't take it lightly though, but yes, it may be my best option. At a rough guess my camera kit (that I've built up over many years) may be worth around £5k total - that would be lights, cameras etc, plus my ageing computer probably worth very little as they depreciate so quickly. I would find it very difficult to replace my camera kit if I were to lose that though. That is my chief worry as I wouldn't be able to function as a photographer. What I don't want to do is make a knee-jerk decision and regret it in months to come. At the same time I am trying to be realistic regarding possibilities of actually being able to pay off this debt. It's a tough one.
  25. Word-Soup
    Hi My income has dropped over last month and although two months ago StepChange advised DMP - because of this dramatic drop in my income they now suggest I go bankrupt. However, I am self-employed as a writer / photographer and worried that I will lose essential kit for my work, ie cameras and computer. Does anyone have any advice please? I work from home, rent from a housing association, have an old car not worth more than £1k, and owe a total of about £17500 on one loan and credit cards, all unsecured. All the credit cards were cancelled by me and cut up over a year ago. I carried on paying them up until recently but because of the interest the outstanding amount didn't decrease much. The loan was up to date until October, but then I was advised to write to them and say I was going to do a DMP, which of course now has gone out the window! Going bankrupt is my worst nightmare and I've always said I wouldn't do it and would pay off my debts but right now I can only afford to pay my creditors £1 per month. Should I sit it out and carry on paying £1 per month and hope that things improve, or am I just deluding myself? All advice appreciated. Thanks in advance...

Follow: @real_CAG

Navigation Links

Welcome
CAG Community Centre
CAG Library
Banks & Credit
Other financial Institutions
Retail
Non-Retail
Work & Social
PayDay and Short term Loans
Debt
Motoring
Legal

Latest

Our Picks


Help and Support

CAG Library
Questions about This Site
Change your notification sound
Change your profile picture - FREE!


Useful LInks

County Court Forms
MoneyClaim Online
CPR - Pre-Action Protocols
Civil Procedure Rules
UK Legislation
Youth Consumer Service

Reclaim the right Ltd

registered in the UK
reg.05783665
reg. office:- 923 Finchley Road
London NW11 7PE

The Consumer Action Group

The National Consumer Service
×
×
  • Create New...