Hi Allip. I'm in much the same position as you and have started my own thread on this forum. Like you, I haven't 'defaulted' on my debt just yet but will be doing so very shortly. I'll follow your thread with interest. It's hard not to be worried but, at the of the day, there is very little the DCA's can do if we don't have the money to pay. Very best of luck to you.

Thanks dx100uk. It certainly is reassuring that there are decent, knowledgeable people on here that are kind enough to offer advice. Very much appreciated.

Thanks dx100uk, for your very prompt reply. I will get those letters off asap. There is one issue that complicates things slightly... ...last year a close family member tried to get a car on finance but was refused. He came to me asking if I would apply for the finance and, stupidly, I agreed. He has been making the payments in full to date and fully intends to continue to do so. I believe this is known as an 'accommodation deal' and although not illegal it would be frowned upon. I'm worried that when I default on my debts and try to negotiate with creditors, they might note that payments are still being made in full for the car finance. Is this likely? And what would be the consequences of that?

Hi all, I'm new to this forum and hoping for a little bit of help and advice, if possible. Briefly, I owe cira £20k on credit cards and loans. All were taken out within the last 2 - 3 years and, as yet, I have not missed a payment on any of them. The breakdown is as follows: Nationwide Loan 8k (taken out 2015), Nationwide Credit Card 5k (taken out 2014), Virgin Money Credit Card 4k (taken out 2016), Sainsbury's Bank Loan 3k (taken out 2015). Like I said, to date I have not missed a single payment on any of the cards/loans (I'm frightened to do so) but due to a big change in circumstances I most definitely will be missing payments soon. I suffered a heart attack a couple of years ago and have been struggling in my job ever since as it was a very physical. Unfortunately I had to give it up in June this year as it was affecting my breathing. At the time I lived in England but moved to Northern Ireland to be near family last month and for a new start and less stressful life. I am not currently in employment and as yet, I have not tried to claim any benefits (I struggle with that concept). Up until now I have been living on what little savings I have but these will be exhausted in the next few weeks. I've read through a lot of the threads on here but am getting very confused. I guess what I am asking is for some advice on what to do first. Should I let the debts default? Or should I contact the lenders now, before that happens? I'm in Northern Ireland so I know the rules regarding debt is slightly different. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Worried51