CCCS - anyone used them recently?

[Mully79]

Things are tight for us at the moment, like lots of people. Too much debt etc. Everything going wrong, a multitude of things to pay for which we struggle to afford. I really feel it's getting out of hand now, loans, credit cards etc. It has definitely spiralled.

A couple of years ago I used to be very rigid with finances, break down expenses into sections etc. to see what we could cut back on, everything worked out thoroughly every month. I used this as a basis for what we could or couldn't buy, but my husband just ignored all this, he's always been crap with money (just like his parents before him). I think at this point he's just buried his head in the sand and I've decided we need some sort of intervention, even if he doesn't agree.

I thought a good idea would be to involve a company like CCCS. That way we can have advice from someone impartial who may suggest better ways of dealing with finances and places to cut back. I thought this might make my husband wake up and smell the coffee.

But we're not at the stage where we've defaulted on anything - but I'm sure that day will come in good time without help. Would they help us in this situation we are in now or are they only there for people who have defaulted or have got bailiffs knocking on their door?

[factor-fiction]

By CCCs are your referring to Consumer Credit Counselling Service . If so, I'm sure you are aware of the CCCS website and I think this site answers your question. For example it says "CCCS is a registered charity offering free, confidential advice and support to anyone who is worried about debt"

If you are genuinely wanting advice now then CAB, Consumer Credit Counselling Service or other debt charities will help.

But everyone should be aware of other firms that use the initials CCCS and therefore are thrown up by google searches to trap unwary customers- for example Credit Card Consolidation Services - which will offer loans. Or CCC.S who are private debt solution consultants.
I suggest you start with the directGov site http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/campaigns/RealHelp Now/DG_172836

[Mully79]

Hi Factor, thanks for your reply

I've heard of them (just by name) but I wasn't sure if such companies covered helping people who aren't actually being pursued for arrears etc. I thought they might only help people who are already in trouble, not just heading that way.

I wanted to know if other ABers had used them and how they had helped them. Even thinking about going down this route is quite frightening (although sensible) so if anyone has been through similar I'd like to hear about it.

[MrSpooky]

Hi,

You could also try National Debt line. It may take a couple of calls as they are all quite busy at the mo. I used both CCCS & NDL and went tot he CAB for help. Thye are all as good as each other.