You'll be very lucky to get anything back as I didn't although I went through the Financial Ombudsman Service and they found in their favour.(The county court in retrospect may have been a better option.) Did you read the article in the daily mirror the 6 th October 2010 about debt management companies and how unfairly treated we are. It also gave a phone number to contact them with your grievances.Just maybe you may get some recompense and let me know if you do. Regards and i know how you feel and what you are going through.

Just to keep you up to date ,( if you refer to page four you'll see my costing sheet.) I got in touch with the Ombudsman and they have finally come to a decision unfortunately in FSF's favour. Which was disappointing, although i lost £950 it could have been much much worse. I feel if i took them to court it would be a different outcome but alas its all money which i can't afford. I can't stress enough to read and read again the contract before signing and not to be taken in by the agent like i was. For those still with FSF i would suggest they make a note of every phone call taken and made, date and time and all correspondence sent to query any costing sheets sent. I have now been in touch with all my creditors and i am now paying an agreed amount and on one occasion i was offered a significant deduction which my husband paid off. It has been a terrible trying time but i'm glad its all over. And good riddance to FSF Good Luck to all

Continuing on from my last post i mentioned that i had cancelled my debt plan with First Step Finance. I have now recieved a costing- WAIT FOR IT I paid into the plan over 6 months £975. 00 Their total running costs equal £916.00 . As such the balance in my account is £49.00 .Which they have sent me ( a cheque) which i wont cash ! The break down briefly is - Admin- @ £50.00 per hour Legal @ £75.00 per hour Phone calls inbound and outbound @ £15.00 each Maintenance calls @ £50.00 each File check @ £25.00 each Letters @ £6.00 each Bespoke letter @ £12.00 each Courier fee@ £75.00 Payment to creditors £10.00 None of this was in the contract i signed. I am seeking legal advice plus my husband wants to contact one of the major newspapers to warn others over this rip off ! I'm now deeper in debt and dont know who to turn to.

Batley I take it you've been intouch with the Ombudsman hence your quote of £15 phoning them . Have you made any further progress over their charges. I have stopped my standing order and have requested a refund to which they replied "they will cost it up" which i requested in writing. I'm still waiting ! I have logged my phone calls to them and made a note of the few calls they have phoned me ( 2 or 3 ) in 7 months. I have paid them up to now £975 which could have paid off one or two creditors. My next move will be the ombudsman and legal action if theres no conclusion.

I have been with first step finance for five months and made 5 payments of £150 total £750 + £75 admin charge and as yet no ones been paid anything. I'm still getting the constant phone calls at all times of the day and i'm at the end of my tether. The letters keep coming which i pass on to first step as requested. I dont know at what point my money is going to be distributed. Before First Step Finance i was with CCCS with no problems but was then approached by FSF, im sorry i went with them. What are the chances of getting my money back and how would i go about it. Should i stop paying them ? Are they allowed to keep my money. Thankyou in advance Very worried.