Help with debt

If you need help with debt fortunately there are numerous options to choose from.

Free help with debt, in the form of impartial, confidential advice is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau. You can find your local Bureau in the telephone directory or at www.citizensadvice.org.uk

You can also get help with debt from the National Debtline (0808 808 4000/www.nationaldebtline.co.uk). It offers free, impartial, confidential debt advice for people living in England, Wales and Scotland. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (0800 138 1111/www.cccs.co.uk) can also help with debt, and offers this free service nationally.

These organisations can help with debt management, help with debt problems, help with credit card debt and many other issues.

Getting help with debt is important if the debt is becoming less and less manageable because doing nothing can make the situation worse. Getting into arrears can affect your credit rating, making it more difficult to obtain credit in the future. If you do not communicate with your lender they could begin legal action against you, and you could end up paying a higher amount in charges and interest.

It is important to pay debts in order of priority. Mortgage payments, rent, council tax, the gas bill and electricity bill all should be paid before credit cards and unsecured loans, for example. If you have a car, especially important payments to make are your motor insurance, car tax and M.O.T., as it is an offence to drive without these all in place.

If a lender takes action, for example issuing a default notice against you, it is important not to ignore the matter. The organisations mentioned above can offer free independent help and advice, and you may be able to get a debt adviser to negotiate on your behalf.

In addition, Community Legal Advice (0845 345 345/www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk) can offer free advice if you qualify for legal aid.

By Ben West