So May is here, but there is trouble ahead. As predicted I am going to be struggling this month. Rather than put my head in the sand I will have to phone one of my creditors re the minimum payment. I 'm not going to make it on time, no matter how much I juggle and fiddle with the figures. Had this account since I was 18. ( Thats nearly 25 years...) I used to pay the balance off every single month - then. Started off on the right foot. Still we will see what happens. Stay tuned.
I am feeling positive, it's a big challenge, but how proud of myself am I going to be once I've done this.
My credit rating is shot to pieces. I never ever want credit again. I think cash is king after the financial nightmare we've all experienced.
So wish you all a good Sunday.
Keep them informed, often if it is the first time, you will be forgiven. They might surprise you. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteI used to hate making those calls, I would feel sick to the stomach. Most of them were reasonable, just tell them the minimum they need to know and hold you're head up high. Soon all this stress will be in the past.
ReplyDeleteI have been making lots of calls the past few months as I finally take control of this mess. It would take me an hour to get up the nerve to dial the phone. But once I did, I was usually surprised at how pleasant the person on the other end was to deal with. Even if they couldn't do anything to help me, they were nice about it. I kept reminding myself that I would never in my lifetime see these people face to face and that they probably forget all about me once they take their next call. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSarah
You are already ahead of the game by calling them vs waiting for them to call you. And usually making the call isn't as bad as it seems in your head. Just do it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like we're about in the same boat; we've had good credit for YEARS but hit the proverbial brick wall earlier this year thanks to a few extenuating circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI knew I was going to have to make The Call to several creditors, and like Louise, it made me ill just thinking about it.
With a bit of experience these past 3 months, though, I am relieved to report that with only a rare exception, the reps have been VERY nice and understanding. What helps is that we had been paying on time for so many years AND that I'm trying to keep in touch regarding our delinquent accounts. We've managed to establish a plan for five (from 6 months to a year to payoff), and I'm hopeful something can be worked out with the others, too.
Just keep in touch with them, and if you can call them before they call you, that's even better. THAT is one of the key factors in dealing with them - that you're willing (if not happy) to talk to them.
And keep notes. When you can say, "On (date), I talked to (name of rep - if you could understand it!!!), and we discussed __________. " When they know you're keeping organized notes, it makes it seem like you're serious about this.
Which you ARE, of course.
Best of luck! You're in the midst of an incredibly supportive group :)
Jenny
Thank you to all of you, made the call and was nowhere near as scarey as I thought.
ReplyDelete@Jenny and Sarah, yep in the same boat and rowing slow and steady :)