Do they look at you in a bad way?? Advice re a finance company

[Mak]

Sounds responsible to me! You have altered circumstances and are making adjustments accordingly, plenty of people would just let the bills pile up and hope they disappear rather than address it. You shouldn't be embarressed at all.
xx

[Doing my best]

The horror stories you see are generally people who haven't advised them of change of circumstance..

Although you have signed a contract, most companies will assist with a payment plan, but they aren't obliged to..

[Little Chicken]

Most companies would rather hear from you before you get behind in the payments. Once you start building up missed payments, that's when it gets harder to negotiate.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I agree they prefer you to be honest and upfront.

I was avoiding one loan and i finally got the courage to call them and tell them whats been going on and found it really wasnt all that bad.

Sometimes you can't help what your current situation is, and they are always willing to make alternative arrangements that better suit you.

[Just Me]

I think they are usually pretty good if you need to make a payment plan - especially if you are prepared to make a reasonable payment plan. They understand that sometimes things get tough and the money just isn't there. If you know what your budget will allow for before you ring them and make a proposition over the phone, they are usually pretty good though I think most of them can't draw it out any longer than a month.

Financial stress is hard. It is not easy to ring up but you will feel a lot better if you have an arrangement in place and you aren't scared of them ringing you and chasing you up for money all the time.

Good luck with everything.

[Faithful Mumma]

I would definently call a financial counsellor. See if you can google a government based one. Also, writing letters explaining your situation is another great idea. Google US based Finance Experty Dave Ramsey for copies of what he suggests you write on his website. We use his budgeting tools etc. Companies like to be kept in touch with what is happening, never EVER feel embarassed. It is just life

We have also gone through a brilliant company in the past called Debt Mediators, google their site We are now all caught up and saving which is brilliant

[Daydream Believer]

Check the contract of your finance provider. With my car loan they wouldnt give us reduced payments for a while when I had DD because pregnancy & maternity leave arent good enough reasons