StepCange: Just Wondering

[adridude]

I've had a look around the web to see what people thought about StepChange.

 

In the past I would have begged and pleaded for such help (well for the help which they advertise).

 

I was just wondering if they're all up to what they claim to be as I have a few friends and family members that could do with their help..

 

Personally I found that loads of coffee, nights in, lights out early, and hardcore debt payments sorts it out Evil yes, worth it yes. The fun I got with the various (poor souls) working for the DCA"s on the way, priceless

 

Cheers,

 

A

[unclebulgaria67]

Never had to use them, but at least they are a debt registered charity, so they don't deduct any fee from payments made towards debts under a repayment plan. When you hear what some of the debt management companies charge and the poor service received by people, you question what they are charging for.

 

The main advantage of Stepchange is that they are recognised by Banks and Dca's, so you know that you are going to be taken seriously that you are seeking to deal with debts. If you do it yourself, you may not be taken seriously.

[dx100uk]

get all the debts check first by CCA request etc etc

 

 

they do not check the legality of debts

esp with DCA's

 

 

they just blindly make people pay them off

 

 

dx

[citizenB]

IMHO, you do need to check the advice they are giving you. If they suggest Bankruptcy, it might be worth checking that a Debt Relief order might not be better and cheaper for the debtor.

[dx100uk]

national debt line give impartial advise

as they don't do any repayment plans or DRO/IVA etc etc

after you've checked all your debts are enforceable via say a CCA request.

 

 

I'd be going and asking NDL.

[Nick Pearson]

Hello all

 

Dont get on here very often but been having a bit of a look. This old post caught my eye. National Debtline is an excellent organisation and the best website in the sector. But: they send DMP's to both Stepchange and Payplan on a cab rank principle (and get a % of the fair share paid), they do provide DRO's and they refer IVA's to a panel of IVA providers they have seleected (and get a share of the nominee fee for doing so).

 

My final tip to readers of this and other forums - don't get too paranoid! Your'e really not that important to most creditors and there is not some mass coverup and/or conspiracy directed against you!

 

Nick

[adridude]

Just an update... Time, perseverance and frugal ways cleared my record up. I guess at the time, the bombardment of mail, calls and everything else DCA's and debt departments were throwing at me blinded me to what the situation actually was.

 

Lesson learned...

[citizenB]

Just an update... Time, perseverance and frugal ways cleared my record up. I guess at the time, the bombardment of mail, calls and everything else DCA's and debt departments were throwing at me blinded me to what the situation actually was.

 

Lesson learned...

 

Pleased to hear this - yes, I think if you have a few debts then the sheer volume of calls/ letters can really wear you down. That is great news you have now come out the other side - presumably a lot wiser