Useful Links
If you are having problems with debt:
Read your collection letters carefully: It explains what you need to do, and what could happen if you don’t respond. If you are not sure what it means, ask the lender or a debt adviser.
Get free help and advice: Your rights and options depend on the type of agreement, and the law can be complex. You can get free independent help and advice from a number of organisations.
Speak to a Debt Advisor: A debt adviser may be able to negotiate on your behalf. They can suggest ways to deal with the problem and to make sure the most important debts are paid first.
You can contact the following non-profit making organisations for free, confidential and impartial advice.
Please take advantage of the following free advice organisations:
Citizens Advice
For advice and information on debt and other topics, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau – check the phone book for the address.
Community Legal Advice
For free advice phone 0845 345 4 345 if you qualify for legal aid or visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
For debt advice throughout the UK – including Northern Ireland – phone 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk
Consumer Direct
If you live in England, Wales or Scotland phone 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
ConsumerLine
If you live in Northern Ireland phone 0845 600 62 62 or visit www.consumerline.org for general consumer advice.
Credit Action
Credit Action has a series of Moneymanuals that can help people learn about personal finance and develop the skills to manage their money well. They range from ‘dealing with debt' to ‘essential reading for single parents'. http://www.creditaction.org.uk/helpful-resources/moneymanuals.html
The Credit Action Budgetbuilder is an easy-to-use, interactive budgeting tool. It enables you not only to input your income and expenditure but also to decide which of your bank accounts it should come from. You can save it and revisit it as many times as you like. It does all the calculations for you and you can see a summary at anytime which can be printed or downloaded. http://budgetbuilder.creditaction.org.uk
The Moneybasics Spendometer makes day-to-day budgeting simple and practical. Every time you buy something, simply enter it into the Spendometer on your phone, and it will keep a record for you. Set your own spending limits and choose how your spending will be reported – whether daily, weekly, or monthly. http://spendometer.co.uk
National Debtline
If you live in England, Wales or Scotland phone 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk for debt advice and information.