Contacting Lenders - Debt Management Guide

A lot of creditors will charge for all the phone calls and letters they send you asking for the debt to be paid off so it is advisable to send them one letter explaining the situation and asking them for possible solutions that will make it easier to pay off.

You should include this in letters to them:

An explanation of your problem with paying off the debt. Try to arrange a better repayment that suits your situation. Paying off over a long time may be suitable but may increase the overall amount you pay. This would make it easier to pay off other debts that have higher priority in the short term.
Try to get the lender to freeze your interest so you do not end up paying more than you can afford to in future. Do not offer to pay back more than you can afford to, only pay back more at the end of the month if you have spare money and make sure you are in understanding that this extra is a one off.
Show the creditors that you are trying to pay off your debt. Including a copy of your Expenditure Review and your debt plan could be a good idea.

Some of your creditors staff may be unhelpful – Do not be put off, ask to contact someone higher in the firm and if they are still unhelpful complain to the relevant association.