credit card debt

[jasmin26]

i am struggling to pay my credit cards since my partner left me. if i rang and explained to them whats the chances of them accepting lesser payments?

[what..the?]

It is always worth a try, you might want to enclose a 'Income and Expenditure' I spreadsheet/table which shows them you income-wages, any benifits etc, and then your expenses listed down, such as rent, utitlies, council tax, food, clothing, car/travel, tv lic, sky, parking, everything you can think of.

Make sure it shows very little if any left over income after expenses, possibly even negative income.

If that does not work and you feel the debt is getting out of control, if family cannot help, seek help from a 'Licensed' Insolvency Practitioner, who can advise you, you can find there number in the yellow pages, or talk to Citizens Advice, there are other free debt help lines too in the yellow pages you could ring for advise.

Do not ring the companies on the tv they do not have you best interests in mind.

[Postdog]

Explain everything and they couldn't be more helpful. Say nothing and they'll think the worst.

[jasmin26]

i am worried in case they make me bankrupt if i cant make full payments and i lose my home. can they make me sell it pay of my debts?

[Postdog]

It's an unsecured loan, they have no power over selling your house. Just be honest, make the effort to say you'll pay something, ask them to maybe freeze the interest. If you are really worried, see a debt counsellor at your local Citizens Advice, but as said, DO NOT contact any of these debt free people.

[Ethel]

Postdog is a bit misleading - any loan can be made secured against your property if you default simply by applying to the courts for a charging order.

Make an appointment to see the debt advisor at CAB - they are very helpful.

[Dancinqueen]

I would suggest trying to contact them yourself. Even if they will only allow you a reduced payment for 6 months it will help. If this does not work, you could look at a debt free company (make sure it is one that you don't have to pay anything for). They can work on your behalf to help arrange payments, you can always cut them out and work directly with your creditors to increase payments if your situation changes.
Good luck
DQ