Help
This page gives you basic information about debt and some simple guidelines for dealing with money problems. It is important not to panic about debt problems but you also shouldn't ignore them - they won't go away.
If you are worried about how to deal with your debts, there is free, confidential advice available.
- Don't ignore the situation
- Get some help from a professional
- Save money
- Communicate with your lender
- Create a budget
- Think about using some of your savings if you have any
- Are you eligible for a Social Fund Crisis Loan?
- There is free advice available
Don't ignore the situation
Facing up to having a debt problem and making a commitment to get out of debt is probably one of the smartest things you’ll ever do.
ˆ Back to top
Get some help from a professional
If you can’t afford to make full repayments for all of your debts, get in touch with an approved provider and explain your situation.
ˆ Back to top
Save money
Cut back on non-essentials and you’ll be amazed at how much you can save each month.
ˆ Back to top
Communicate with your lender
It's very important to get on top of debts as soon as possible. Don't default or miss payments. Let your lender know if you’re going to be unable to pay; it's always better to talk to them.
ˆ Back to top
Create a budget
Have you thought about setting up a budget which lets you track how much you earn and how much you spend each week or month?
List all the income and expenses for your household. Be honest and make sure that the amounts are realistic.
When you've added up all the figures, you'll see how much money you have left over to pay your debts. You may even be able to see if you can make some savings. Any of our providers or advice agencies listed within this website can help you draw up a budget.
ˆ Back to top
Think about using some of your savings if you have any
The interest paid on savings is usually far less than interest charged on borrowing, so paying off debts with savings might make sense.
ˆ Back to top
Are you eligible for a Social Fund Crisis Loan?
If you need money to cope with a disaster or an emergency, to help stop serious damage or risk to you or your family's health and safety and you can’t get help from anywhere else you may be able to get a Crisis Loan from the Job Centre’s Social Fund budget. Please contact your nearest Job Centre for more details.
ˆ Back to top
There is free advice available
Please contact any of our members who will be happy to work with you to find the best solution for you.
ˆ Back to top
Or, please use these associated links to help you shop around for alternative sources of advice:
National Debtline
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Tel 0808 808 4000
Citizens Advice
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
www.cccs.co.uk
Tel 0800 138 1111
Money Advice Scotland
www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk
Tel 0141 572 0237
The Debt Standard is a quality mark that signposts providers who are able to offer help to you. The Debt Standard approved providers offer a range of services and debt solutions that will be tailored to your individual circumstances. You are only one click away from free advice from approved providers or other sources of help.
General disclaimer
The contents of this website are strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to any third party without the written permission of TDX Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means whether mechanical or electronic. You are hereby notified that any retransmission, dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of this information is strictly prohibited.
The information contained on this website is believed to be reliable but no warranty, expressed or implied, is given by TDX Group that the information is complete or accurate nor that it is fit for a particular purpose.
All such warranties are expressly disclaimed and excluded.