Written on: 07/05/2013 by MrMeaner (2 reviews written)
I am in my last year of my DMP and I think back to how it was,We were in £25k worth of debt & we were getting phone calls of credit card companies, debt collection companies etc, every few hours, we were opening threatening red letters every day, we were frightened to answer the phone, if you're reading this review then there is a good chance you know what I mean, we didn't see anyway out, I considered taking an overdose it was so bad. We then searched the internet for answers and came... (read more)
Written on: 23/04/2013
We are half way through our DMP now, and cannot tell you how much StepChange has helped us, both practically and emotionally. The emotional stress when the reality of, getting the point of no return, hits you is immense and quite dibilatating, something I never again want to experience. We are both intelligent people, and had accumulated our debt over a long period of time, not budgeting and ending up robbing Peter to pay Paul, but not actually taking stock of how much we were actually... (read more)
Written on: 20/04/2013
I had a loan with Natwest and was able to pay this with no problem each month, I worked abroad and had a good job but then I fell pregnant with my 1st child and had to return to the UK in 2010, because I worked abroad I lost my job as I couldn't return with a child. I used savings and continued to pay my loan without any issues until March 2011 and then as per the statement information I let them know I was going to struggle to pay the agreed monthly payment. Natwest were just not willing... (read more)
Written on: 07/03/2013 by julie2kids
Absolutely fantastic company - I initially contacted Stepchange in floods of tears thinking I would have to declare myself bankrupt. As soon as I had I finished my phone call I was reassured that a debt managment plan was the way forward - I knew it was going to be a long haul and tough at times but also knew it was do-able and that Stepchange was there to help me through. Every member of staff I have ever spoken to have been polite, non-judgemental and extremely helpful. If I had a shaky... (read more)
Written on: 07/03/2013 by Gazza1133909
Thank you to all the team for a very professional service in handling my debts. Very friendly service and reassuring feedback into dealing with my creditors. I would recommend this to anyone who is struggling with debt as it was so easy to hand over the situation and let step change negotiate on my behalf. I liked the fact that I could just call a case worker if I needed to talk about my finances, they dealt with me in a courteous respectful way. (read more)
Written on: 05/03/2013
Step Change staff have been so fantastically supportive over the past 5 years - I'm now celebrating being debt-free and it feels amazing. WhenI found myself in trouble I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, I was so stressed and felt I was letting down my little son and that he was suffering because of my stress. When I contacted Step Change they made me see that there was a way out. I only paid what I could manage. It hasn't been easy and there hasn't been a lot of spare cash over the past few... (read more)
Written on: 05/03/2013 by tezzna
Hi, Terry from Leicester. I hit a brick wall with my finances around 7 years ago, never seen a light at the end of the tunnel, thought I'd be in debt for ever, scared of letters, financially robbing Peter to pay Paul, maxed out at every point. My thoughts were just full of this and caused me to have lack of sleep and no enjoyment. After taking some really bad financial advice I found Step Change. They gave me proper advice, made me feel relieved and I can't put in to words how relieved.... (read more)
Written on: 05/02/2013
Fantastic team at StepChange - everybody over the last 4 years has been 100% supportive, they helped sympathetically to resolved my difficulties and without patronising or giving judgement. Once I submitted a list of my Creditors, Income and expenditure they did all the leg-work but whilst still keeping me fully informed about any progress or changes. I found the launch of the online account service a godsend - opening paper letters is just too traumatic but being able to be in control... (read more)
Written on: 15/01/2013
Having someone knowledgeable about what the credit card and loan companies could or could not do what so useful. They never judged me and made me feel I was in control of situation. Once StepChange and their DMP was mentioned all my creditors backed off trying to get me to pay back more than I could afford. It felt really good sticking to a budget, knowing that in a few years all my debts would be sorted out and no longer living on the never never. (read more)
Written on: 11/01/2013
I have had several dealings with Step Change to date and although it seems to be a good organisation generally, I ended up with a very unhelpful staff member/counsellor. Both myself and my husband had lengthy phone appointments with this person & found her to be abrupt and at times aggressive. She spoke with a harsh tone throughout the phone call and when either of us didn't have a specific figure or piece of information, she was even more abrupt in her response. My husband commented that he... (read more)
Written on: 18/01/2013
Hi there,
Thank you for your review and very sorry to hear that you had a poor experience with one of our advisors. I hope you don’t think that this is representative of our advisory service in general.
If you haven’t received a full resolution or if you've got any remaining concerns please contact our Client Liaison Manager.
Regards,
Peer Lawther (Social Media Manager) on behalf of StepChange Debt Charity
Written on: 20/01/2013
Very surprised to hear this. Since first contacting StepChange (or CCCS as was then) I have had consultations and reviews with at least four different counsellors. All of them have been very helpful and understanding towards my needs and resolving the issues I have had. Could not fault them in any way and it is worth remembering that these people are volunteers offering help and advice. They do not have to do it, but they do because they want to help. It's also worth remembering that in order to get help, you need to be prepared to help yourself. Great work Stepchange, I think you're fabulous!!!
Written on: 09/04/2013
this company is not a charity. one small aspect of their business may well be a charity - this is nothing more and a clever marketing stunt that seems to have succeeded in fooling a lot of people. They are a company owned and funded by the creditors to collect as much money back as possible. Asking them for debt help is like asking turkey's to organise Christmas.
Paying a third party to help you out of debt is annoying for sure. You need to look for an organisation that is incentivised to help you. Debt management companies want you to be in debt for as long as possible, so they can charge their monthly fee. Step change is not the answer either - although you will only payback 100% of the money you owe...so its not the worst case! my advice, search for a company that can do debt settlement
Written on: 23/04/2013
You pay only what you can afford, and as you comment, only 100% of the debt you owe. You pay no fees whatsoever to StepChange at all. It does not matter how StepChange is funded, they are an absolute god send to those in debt. They have excellent advice, budget tools etc, and support you with all aspects of problems and emotions that come with being in debt.
Do not hesitate to contact StepChange - they are there to help and support and get rid of debt.
Not only did they do that for me, they also taught me how to manage my finances for the future.
Written on: 19/12/2012 by lynne.percival
I cannot thank the staff at Stepchange enough, they have been most supportive and encouraging. They have helped me take control of my debt instead of the debt controling me. I feel valued and have peace of mind. No more phone calls asking for overdue payments.No more getting into further debt to pay off another. Stepchange have been great!It is good to see your debt decreasing with a DMP. It also teaches you to be more concious of where your money goes and to live within your means.I have... (read more)
Written on: 16/12/2012
I have no idea after I have been borrowing money and on and on because to support my business I need some cash and so those debtors doesn't care how I was going to pay back they just lend me the money but by early 2011 I felt that my business not as good as it first started when I realise thsoe creditors up to my neck, I started to worry my husband still doesn't know what has been going on but he has the feeling that was something going on because he doesn't run the business with me because... (read more)
Written on: 02/12/2012
What a superb team the Step Change people are. Helpful, efficient and most of all they help people in financial difficulties get a perspective on debt. I have a debt free date and am looking forward to it, many years away but that doesn't matter. Don't consider any other method of managing debt like extra loans, STOP and contact this charity. (read more)
Written on: 06/11/2012
I was desperate 6 years ago 10s of thousands of pounds in debt ,desperate for help nowhere to turn ,then I found the phone number for cccs that first call was hard to make but easy to have ,no one judged me ,or chastised me . I got help and guidance ,within two weeks a plan was in place and the letters and phone calls stopped .its been hard but 6 years on with help and support of the team at cccs I am 6 months away from NO DEBT .No matter how hopeless you feel about your situation there is a... (read more)
Written on: 06/11/2012
After struggling with debt for years and earlier this year had a really bad depression caused through owing this money £20.000 ended up on anti depressants and off sick for three months. my partner was unaware of all this debt which made it worse.I was always skint even though I have a decent job. I realised I was sinking into depression again and contacted the cccs, they have just set up a debt management plan for me, and I think they are fantastic and they have sorted my problems for me,... (read more)
Written on: 03/11/2012 by mindful
I had 32,000 worth of debt and I was so stressed and scared that I would not answer the door or the telephone. I had just separated from my wife and in a bad way. I looked at debt management companies who were all very nice but wanted over a £1000.00 to manage my debts. I felt that I would never get anywhere as I could not afford to pay that much, when your in debt it costs you more money to do anything! I then saw the C.C.C.S website and realised that they were doing the same thing in... (read more)
Written on: 30/10/2012
CCCS really put my mind at ease when it came to dealing with my debts. I was not sure what to do but as soon as I contacted them they gave me lots of details that not only got me back on track but just as importantly helped me feel securer. (read more)
Written on: 06/11/2012
I wish I'd known about CCS years ago, also I wish I could tell everyone about them, but I can't because I'm ashamed of the poor credit history I've got. They are the best.
Written on: 30/10/2012
I thought I was going to lose my house,my childrens hoped for futures, my sence of who I was and everything my husband and I had worked so hard for.All because I had degenerative congenital condition that took a turn for the worst and I had to drop down to two days a week work causing a financial crash for my family.when I phoned the CCCS debt management team after finding their number on the back of a information sheet that came with my credit card bill, I was desperate and very distressed.... (read more)
Written on: 26/10/2012
I have been on a CCCS debt management plan since July 2010. I had debts on 12 credit cards. The interest rates had been jacked up to 34% in a number of cases and phone calls were being received every day. As soon as I started arranegements for the plan everything seemed to fall into place and the advice received was always reassuring. There are occasional aggravations caused by the banks (Barclaycard and Lloyds) but CCCS have managed to sort these problems out or have given advice for me to... (read more)
Written on: 23/10/2012
My bank tried to bully me into taking up their version of a DMP but, following the advice of the CCCS, I was able to set up an independent DMP that looked after all of my creditors. I have been paying off my debts for the last few years. It is with relief that I watch the debt remaining figure on my monthly statement get steadily smaller. The annual review process takes into account any change in circumstances and, if needed, you can call the CCCS at any time for advice/review. I was in... (read more)
Written on: 20/10/2012
I contacted the CCCS a couple of years ago when my husband lost his job and my pay was cut....it was a horrendous time with phone call upon phone call from creditors and I couldn't see a way out - a debt management plan seemed so embarrassing. But I summoned the courage and I contacted CCCS who were fantastic, helped me work out a budget and contacted my creditors. Three years down the line and with annual reviews, I can now see an end in sight and know that I will be debt free within the... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by tom58 (1 review written)
CCCS have been very good to us, we set up our plan over 6 years ago when we were having difficulties witgh our lenders, thgey helped us from srtart to finish and all credit to them, they are a good service to use and I would recommend them to tanyone. WELL DONE CCCS (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
I am still in the process of setting up my Debt Management Plan through CCCS and am finding it rather frustrating the length of time it takes for paperwork to filter through to my creditors, with repeat paperwork having to be sent on a couple of occasions. In the meantime harsh letters are being received. I find it rather inflexible that CCCS are not able to Fax through paperwork to expedite matters, owing to the Data Protection Act, thus resulting in further delays. The other point of... (read more)
Written on: 06/11/2012
Hi, I have read your comment and want to reply with an explaination.
When a plan is set up with CCCS, your financial statement is requested to creditors, most of the receive them electronically or via our website where creditors can view your information.
I am an employee for CCCS and have been for 6 years. I can assure you we do send the information to your creditors, it just depends on the creditors workload and how long it takes them to process the financial statements we send.
At the start of a debt management plan, it is common for creditors to send threatening letters and demanding full payment but once regular payments are made, contact normally reduces.
CCCS priovide support at any time throughout the term of a plan so you can be sure to receive the support you need.
CCCS are currently recruiting additional staff and have staff that work until 8pm, its only incoming calls that stop coming through at 6pm.
I am sorry to learn the experience you received so far and if you have any further concerns, please contact CCCS (Now trading as Step Change Debt Charity) for further assistance.
Written on: 19/10/2012
CCCS have made my life affordable, and stress free, no more threatening letters and I can now cope with everyday bills. I really can recommend them very highly. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
I contacted CCCS after my husband's business was affected badly by the recession and we couldn't keep up payments on our bills. I didn't know who to turn to and read a leaflet from our mortgage company who recommended CCCS. It wss one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Yes it was embarassing to start with, to admit I had so much debt but they were very understanding took me through all the steps and I felt so relieved that I could be helped to manage the payments to my "debtors"... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
I started of in a real panic, ashamed at the amount of debt we had. All got too much, The phonecall the letters, my husband lost his job, we were using credit cards to buy bread & milk. After the tears managed to call CCCS as other complanies wanted a commission to deal with creditors. Thank God for CCCS. With dealts totalling £56 k. I thought we were doomed. However a payment plan was out in place with a £1 going to each of the 15 creditors we owed. Managed to start childminding and... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by screwloose1
When my income was reduced at work and I realised that I could no longer fulfill my financial commitments I was advised to contact CCCS. After months of worrying and being too scared to even open my mail I did contact them and found them very knowledgable, understanding and most of all helpful. I now sleep soundly at night knowing that I am repaying my debts while my lifestyle is protected. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by jranson (1 review written)
CCCS saved my wife & I falling into the abyss. When I realised that everything was about to get on top of us and we were struggling to manage I was recommended the CCCS by my company's welfare service. They were easy to get hold of, easy to speak to and very knowledgeable. They sent me a welcome pack, I read through it and gave them a ring. I haven't looked back. Don't suffer in silence especially if you have a lovely family and your constantly worried. Don't hesitate. Get in touch with CCCS... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
Nearly at the end of my debt management plan, what a relief! I can honestly say I do not know what I would have done if it had not been for the lovely customer service staff at Halifax who suggested I get in touch with CCCS. I have not looked back, will hopefully be debtfree by early 2013. The help from the customer service staff at CCCS has been wonderful- they really help to calm and reassure you that a solution can be found. Even little things like cancelling card protection payments... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
Debt is one of the final taboos, it makes you feel miserable and an outcast, especially when you friends and workmates never seem to have a problem. I know how it feels. Your pay goes into and out of your bank account the same day and then the mail arrives. You don't open the envelopes; what's the point? You know what they are all say: you have exceeded your limit and unless you make a payment soon they will take action against you. As you budget for the month with what little you have left,... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
cccs have helped me so much i dont know what i would have done without them and it was so easy to get in touch with them and they are all so nice to you if you cant manage your debts and you dont know what to do phone them now and get your life back on track. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
CCCS staff assisted me in setting up my DMP. They negotiated with creditors on my behalf, successfully arranging a partial settlement on one debt & an interest freeze on the others. They were much more helpful than a for-profit firm that I used previously. Thoroughly recommended. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by porkpies
cccs is best for giving advice on debt problems and is free and only a phone call away and they help you buget and staff at the CCCS are helpful and friendly if you need advice while on your dwp monthly repayment plan and thier reviw your plan yearly re buget (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
Brilliant free help and advise in a clear supportive manner. Superb. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
5 years ago I was deep in debt and borrowing money on credit cards to pay off other credit cards and loans, convinced that I would manage to pay it all back somehow. Then I lost my second income without warning, but was still convinced I could borrow more and carry on. A family member gave me some money to help out but it was quickly lost down the big hole I had dug for myself. They told me I must get help and said a friend of theirs had been helped by the CCCS. I was reluctant to admit I... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by Mumtothreelovelies
As two working professionals we should have been quids in, but a history of reckless, silly spending and lending meant that with arrival of children our financial chickens came home to roost! Juggling banks and credit cards became increasingly unmanageable and a daily source of extreme stress. It took a long time to get to the stage of ringing the CCCS, but I can quite honestly say it was the best and most grown up decision we have made. We are on top of our finances for the first time in... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by Zworg
Having used a previous company that charged and had headaches and nightmares from day one (they were much more interested in lining their own pockets than assisting me) CCCS were a welcome relief. They act as a welcome buffer between me and my debtors. They are polite, friendly, courteous, effecient, genuine (in that they do what they say they will do) and above all understanding. They are patient when i dont know what to do, they were patient when the DMP was first set and I was frantic... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
I was not sure of my debt future and implications , when i approached CCS as opposed to other debt suppot companies, but i am glad that i did, the advice was very supportive, netural and clear. they indeed have my conience because they have a great deal of experience and are proffessionals when i omes to dealing and helping with debts, regardless hoe entrenched one may be.
Written on: 19/10/2012
When I had to finish work for health reasons we could not see how we would manage with so many outstanding credit card payments. Found CCCS and have not looked back - yes we are on a very tight budget but they have taken the "pain" away and we are enjoying peace of mind and living on a budget - amazing how we have adapted. Thank CCCS you are great. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by fatmaz
A catalogue of rising prices,wage freezes and the death of my partner pushed me into having a large dept that I couldn't repay. I am in my late fifties,have worked all my life and have never had serious financial problems before. I thought that I was going to have to sell my home ( I still have a mortgage)and use any equity to pay off my debts and the worry was making me ill. I WAS SAVED!! A work colleague told me about CCCS and after talking to their helpful and non judgemental staff I... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
Like most people, i never knew about the CCCS Debt Management organisation until a little financial adversity came my way and suddenly I found myself fighting for my very survival. Creditors let slip their legal dogs, demanding the shirt off my back. These creditors never wanted to even listen to my circumstances, let alone work with me, all they wanted to do was crush me. Thank god, on one of their numerous threatening letters, the CCCS was a recommendation and as soon as I contacted them,... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
Before I contacted CCCS I was desperate, sleepless nights, scared to answer the phone, frightened every time the postman called. CCCS were so helpful, understanding and sorted out a practical and workable debt management plan for me to follow and dealt with my debtors for me. I couldn't recommend CCCS highly enough to anyone else in the same position and just wish that I had done it sooner. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
I have been with CCCS for just over 2 years now - I can't believe how much my debt is reducing with their help. The website is so easy to use, the newsletters are excellent, the advisors are so helpful, do not judge and are very easy to talk to. I have been in debt all my life through overspending - in 5.1 years I should be debt free with CCCS help. That's a shorter time than some of the loans I've taken out. I have recommended CCCS to quite a few people I know who are going through... (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
CCCS have successfully helped us to stop the creditors from harassing us. They helped us to organise a budget & agree repayments to our creditors. We are soooooooo glad that we turned to CCCS for help because they do not add any charges on top of our debt (they are a charity). We kept our home - something we didn't think would happen!!! My wife and I could not recommend CCCS highly enough - they are a wonderful organisation. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by DoyleLisa
I cannot say a bad word about them. They have been life savers. Always so friendly and helpful. Without them I couldn't be where I am today. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
CCCS are always on the end of the phone to offer help and advice. They are great at relieving the stress at an extremely stressful time. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone facing financial difficulties. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012 by neillth (1 review written)
Like the other reviews I've just read, I have had such a great experience with CCCS. They've really helped me turn the corner with my finances and get back on track. It's a MASSIVE weight off my mind. Evert time I ring, they're helpful, professional and incredibly reassuring. I can't believe it's a free service - just incredible. If you are struggling financially, I can't recommend them highly enough. (read more)
Written on: 18/10/2012 by Heartbeat (1 review written)
CCCS are a fantastic charity based organisation there to give impartial and excellent debt advice, call takers are friendly and honest with you, pointing you in the right direction. If as is likely for many you are recommended to go onto a DMP they are brilliant. One payment that you can budget for, worked out by your outgoings and income, which they will then distrebute on your behalf. The biggest advantage is knowing you are paying and settling all your debt, and not like an IVA, only part... (read more)
Written on: 18/10/2012
Life was going well. My husband earned good money, I worked part time and my lite girl had a pony. Then my husband left. He left me with all the bills and a £600 mortgage. I only earnt £648 a month! To make matters worse, I was due for major reconstructive back surgery. I used my credit cards for survival and they quickly ran up to over £1,000 each. I then went into hospital and my family stepped in to help with my little girl. I was in hospital for five weeks, only being covered for sick... (read more)
Written on: 18/10/2012 by LancashireLass. (1 review written)
Great advice, sorted everything out very quickly, I was so anxious and at the end of my tether, I did not know which way to turn. My finances were out of control once I had paid the credit cards I han no money left to live on. The CCCS helped me get back on track, dealt with my creditors and now I can manage my money and pay a regular sum each month. (read more)
Written on: 18/10/2012
I have been with CCCS for many years. They have taught me to budget and save. And hopefully i will be debt free for the first time in over 10 years thanks to their help patience and support. I can thank them enough and without them i wouldnt be where i am today. Would i recommend them, oh yes without a second thought and i have to many others. They are helpful and invaluable and their help and advice comes without judgement or critisism, which is so important when the chips are down. (read more)
Written on: 19/10/2012
cccs are angels sent from heaven. before i contacted them my partner and i just got married and in less then a year i lost my job. we had a bank loan and credit cards to be paid and i just was getting more and more in debt and we could not cope no more. so i contacted cccs just went through to whom i owed money to and sent them all the paper work and they took over from there. we pay a so much a month and i don't get any awful phone calls or letters . god knows where we would be now without cccs. thankyou so much . emma and hans.
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Katiemay67's Comment
Written on: 17/01/2013
I am very surprised to read of an unhelpful counsellor - I have always found their staff helpful and considerate. To be quite frank it was a very pleasant experience after being threatened, doorstepped and abused by debt collection companies. I would suggest the couple get their information together, pick their chins off the floor, dust the chips off their shoulders and face up to the fact that people can only help them if they have the full information. Be truthful, upfront and explicit with the counsellor and they will do their best to help you. Sorry if this seems brutal but this is the very best help you will experience if your debt gets out of hand!