What happens on a Debt Management Plan?
A debt management plan is designed to take positive and direct action towards relieving you of all debt problems over a period of time. Within the finance industry, it is generally believed that it requires anywhere from two to five years to repay all your debts once you have joined a debt management program.
The time period obviously depends on the amount of money you have to pay, as well as the number of creditors you are dealing with. However, you will be given a clear estimation of when you will have completed the program once the debt management company establishes your individual circumstances.
A debt management program is established through a number of fundamental steps. Initially, you will complete an online application form and will be contacted by the debt management service as soon as possible. They will then carry out a full assessment of your financial position. They will ask a number of questions and you should be prepared to spend a few minutes giving your details.
They will require information such as your monthly wages, your outgoings, your creditors and those you owe money to, and any further information they deem relevant to constructing a feasible plan. All of this information will allow the debt management company to establish how much you can afford to pay each month.
The debt management service will then contact your creditors, typically by letter, specifying the proposal of the debt management program you have joined. They will be asked to approve the proposal, and as is the case most often, will do so since they are aware, based on past experience, that debt management programs are realistic and maintainable.
Now that everything is in place, you will begin the debt management program and make a single, lower payment on a monthly basis. This payment is then distributed accordingly to each of your creditors. Furthermore, your program will be monitored throughout its duration. The program is very dynamic and can always be modified depending on your individual circumstances. You will also be assigned a financial ‘officer’ who will be available to you throughout the program should you have any problems or queries.
The program will end once all debts have been paid, or in some cases when an individual wishes to terminate it, which he/she is free to do. This generally only occurs when that individual has a significant improvement in financial circumstances, e.g. improved wages.
"Initially I applied for a loan to consolidate my debts. However, after speaking to one of your advisors, it became clear that a far better solution would be to go on one of your financial management plans...
Everything was made so simple and the continual support and advice you have provided from my initial enquiry and whilst on my financial management plan has resulted in my debts nearly being clear now! I can't thank you enough for your help."
Janet N, Birmingham
