reduced payments query

[serendipity2]

Hi, My Mum is having trouble affording her credit cards and store cards and is thinking of asking the companies if they would accept reduced payments. The thing is, someone told her that before she does it she should use a fair bit of the credit up on anything she needs while she has the chance. Because afterwards she will not be allowed any more credit. She is currently on a state pension by the way.

[mccfluff]

if she's on a pension and having trouble affording the payments now , please stop her adding to the debt, its far better to cut the cards up and ring these companies up and get the payments reduced if possible. she probably will end up with a lower credit rating for the time it takes to pay of the debt and as long as she doesn't get any ccj's this will clear when everything is paid up. (i'm speaking from experience)

[themas]

Its never a good idea to add to debt in this sort of situation. Apart from anything else, if she does so knowing she can't really repay it she could find herself accused of fraud. If she can't come to an agrrement herself she could ask for help from a local CAB, or CCCS or Payplan. None charge anything. Do not go to a fee charging debt management company.

If her only income is state pension has she checked whether she is entitled to any benefits, such as Pension Credit, Council Tax Benefit or (if she rents) Housing Benefit? CAB could help her with this.

[themas]

serendipity - I would ignore the post from myvesta-sean. It is advertising and - in my view - should not be allowed on this site.