Written by PayPlan
Christmas is a time when spending can easily get out of control. Even if you haven’t been extravagant, it takes a lot of planning and budgeting to avoid the January Christmas debt hangover. In January last year, around 7.9 million people said they were likely to fall behind with their finances…
Written by Tom James
Every year in September, organisations around the world campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention for World Suicide Prevention Day. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Samaritans to talk about suicide prevention ready for #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. Why is it important to talk about suicide? According to the Samaritans’ website[i], there…
Written by PayPlan
Being a student can be incredibly expensive. You’ve got to pay for accommodation, shopping, food and a host of other expenses. For those who’re living away from home for the first time, this can be a pretty big shock to the system, which is why it’s unsurprising that some students…
Written by Sam Critten
When you’re in debt it can be difficult to know what to do next. Trying to sort out payments to different lenders, juggling calls from multiple creditors asking for money, trying to sort your priority debts from those that can wait…it’s stressful on paper, let alone in reality. Trying to…
Written by Tom James
Online banking Gone are the days where popping into your local bank was the only way to pay your bills, manage debt, or withdraw and deposit money into your account. Online banking has brought convenience to everyday life, and although the initial research and admin may feel daunting, it’s actually…
Written by Tom James
What is an IVA? An Individual Voluntary Arrangement, or IVA for short, is a debt solution whereby you pay all of your unsecured creditors back in monthly payments usually over a period of 5 or 6 years. Once the agreement ends, a large proportion of your debts may be written…
Written by Will Lyon
‘I can’t afford bankruptcy’ sounds like an oxymoron. You’re already in a poor financial situation. Why should making it worse cost money? The truth is, bankruptcy is often a more favoured option to other alternatives. And for those faced with severe debt problems, it’s not simply a last resort. Despite…
Written by Sam Critten
Creditors will use an array of different tactics to try and recover money if you owe a debt to them. Repeated phone calls, automated emails, endless letters reminding you of the consequences of not paying…the list goes on. If these don’t work, then another tactic they might use to get…
Written by Sam Critten
There isn’t a simple yes or no answer to this question, unfortunately. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding debt solution, and once you’ve agreed to the terms and conditions it can be difficult to add new debts to your IVA. However, you may find you will want…
Written by Sam Critten
Debt collection letters can be intimidating and you may not know what to do when one drops on your doormat. We’ve talked before about what to do when bailiffs come knocking at your door, but what should you do when debt collectors start getting in touch from afar? Can you…
Written by Will Lyon
Debt collection letters are the most common form of contact used by creditors to remind you of unpaid debts. You may find that if you’ve missed multiple payments, these letters start to pile up. These should not be taken lightly, and acting on one immediately is always the best course…
Written by Sam Critten
Feeling anxious about debt? You’re not alone. One in two adults in debt in the UK has a mental health problem, and one in four people who’ve got mental health problems are also currently in debt.* Whether it’s credit card debt, arrears or council tax debt, knowing that you owe…
Written by Sam Critten
Bankruptcy is a debt solution that’s often only considered as a last resort. Once you’ve declared bankruptcy, a trustee will sell your assets in order to repay as much of your debt as possible. After this is over the remainder of the debts included in your bankruptcy will be written…
Written by Tom James
You will probably have heard of debt collection agencies, but who are they and what can they do? What is a debt collection agency? A debt collection agency, also known as a debt collector, works on behalf of your creditors to collect debts you owe. They will deploy their agents…
Written by Tom James
Going through divorce isn’t easy. Along with all the emotional stress, you’ll have to deal with splitting up your assets in a reasonable manner and arranging how your debts are divided up, which is easier said than done. However, if you know what you are liable for, it could make…
Written by Tom James
Being declared bankrupt can be a daunting experience. If you know how to work with the Official Receiver however, you may find the experience a lot easier. Find out more about what the Official Receiver does and how you should deal with them. What does the Official Receiver do? The…
Written by Tom James
If you have recently moved abroad but still have outstanding debts held in the UK, you’ll need to know what this means for you. Moving overseas doesn’t mean the debt will go away but you may be able to deal with your arrears through a managed debt solution. Will I…
Written by Tom James
If you have found yourself in debt and are struggling to pay back the money you owe to your creditors, you may be approached by a debt collection agency. The agency will work on behalf of your creditor to try and reclaim any money owed. If you feel a creditor…
Written by Tom James
As part of 2019 Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to share a story about one of our clients who found themselves in financial difficulty and the effect it has had on their life. Christina Burns is a mother of three from the West Midlands and she shared her experiences…
Written by Tom James
Bankruptcy is a debt solution that should never be taken lightly, and should only be undertaken following professional advice. However, sometimes it can be taken out of your control. We’re here to tell you what it is and how you can go about being declared bankrupt. What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy…
