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Ways to help your TPP run smoothly

A TPP is sometimes recommended as a debt solution to give you some much needed ‘breathing space’ on your debts until your situation improves. However, you may still face some difficulties in the months ahead. These can be easier to deal with if you prepare for them in advance.

When you're on a token payment plan (TPP) it helps to understand more about what to expect and how to deal with certain situations. Here are some tips that can help keep your plan running smoothly.

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Regularly review your budget 

The price of food, household bills, travel and other living costs can increase over time. These changes have to be included in your budget. The same applies if you have a reduction in income from employment or benefits. It’s important to tell your TPP provider about any reduced living costs, too. 

Reviewing your budget regularly can help you spot opportunities to save money, as well as understand what you spend out each month. Having to pay less on your living costs could mean that you have a bit more money available each month. Depending on your situation, you could put this extra money towards your debts, or consider other debt solutions.


Be clear about your situation with your creditors

When you’re on your TPP, your creditors can still contact you and ask you to make higher payments. If this happens it’s vital that you stick to your agreed payments. Don’t feel pressured into making extra payments to creditors which you can’t afford.

When you first spoke to your TPP provider, they would have put together a budget in order to determine the best debt solution for you. If you have a copy of your budget, it can help to send it to your creditors so they can better understand your situation and that you’re making realistic payments towards your debts.

If you’re worried about something in particular, your TPP provider can help you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them for more specific debt advice. 

Tell your TPP provider if your debts change hands

Some debts may be sold or passed to debt collection companies. This is normal and part of the debt collection process. If this happens, the company taking over the debt should contact you by letter or email and explain this to you. They’ll also give you details of where to make future payments.

You’ll need to let your TPP provider know if this happens so they can update your TPP and make your payments to the new company. It helps to have the letter or email to hand when you contact them to save you time.

Include all of your debts in your TPP

Your TPP is designed to support you in dealing with all of your debts. If you’re paying any cards, loans or overdrafts which you’ve not told us about, it’s likely you’ll struggle to afford your payments. 

If you’ve missed any debts from your TPP, contact your TPP provider so they can update your plan. 


Check for ways you can save money and boost your income

Take a regular look at your outgoings, and how you can save money. This includes:






Our blog, MoneyAware, is full of great tips to help you save money and increase your income, such as: 






Focus on the progress you're making

Your TPP helps you manage your debts until your situation improves, or you’re able to take steps to deal with them permanently. Improvements in your situation include a new job, an increase in income or a reduction in living costs.

Sometimes when you’re expecting a positive change in your situation, it may not come to pass or takes longer than expected. If this is the case, please let your TPP provider know so they can assist you and help keep your plan running smoothly. It’s important to remember that you’re being proactive about your debts and that is something to be proud of. 

Don't take out extra credit during your TPP

Taking out extra credit such as loans, credit cards, overdrafts and other products is against the terms of your TPP. It may also be a sign that your TPP isn’t working alongside your other expenses.

Emergencies can sometimes arise, and when they do, your TPP provider should do all they can to support you. If you feel like you have to take out credit during your TPP, please get in touch with them as soon as possible.

Is a TPP right for you?

If you’re considering a token payment plan, the best thing to do is get some debt advice first. Our online Debt Remedy tool can provide you with a tailored budget and debt solution.

Alternatively, you can call our Helpline for free and speak to one of our expert advisors.