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Welcome to PayPlan’s debt advice blog!

Our blog covers the latest news at PayPlan, tips to help you save money, our latest press releases, expert insight and everything in between.

News and Stories 18 Jul 2019

Sub-prime credit cards: are they worth the risk?

Trying to get credit when you’re in debt, or have a poor credit score, can be incredibly frustrating.  It might be the case that you’ve got a less-than-ideal credit score due to a County Court Judgment a few years ago,…

Client News 18 Jul 2019

What is Phone Spoofing and How Can You Spot the Warning Signs?

What is phone spoofing? Phone spoofing, also known as Caller ID spoofing, is a modern and (sadly) common occurrence. This is where a fraudulent caller will assume the role of another person or company, then call a related person to…

Debt Facts 11 Jul 2019

What is a CCJ?

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is a court order that can be awarded against you if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The purpose of a CCJ is to get you to repay money that you owe. Will…

Living in Debt 8 Jul 2019

How do I set up online banking?

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…

News and Stories 5 Jul 2019

Don’t be fooled by fake websites!

Are you worried about fake websites? We know that there’s no shortage of debt advice companies in the UK. Some, like us, offer free advice and free debt management plans, whilst others offer free advice but charge both a set-up…

Debt Facts 1 Jul 2019

How successful are IVAs?

Important Update (June 2025):This blog was originally published in 2019. Since then, there have been important updates to IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) protocols and guidance. While much of the information below may still be useful, some details may now be…

Debt Facts 1 Jul 2019

How are IVA payments worked out?

What is an IVA? An IVA is usually a 5 to 6-year debt solution designed to help you write off the majority of your unsecured debts through regular monthly repayments. You will work with a debt advice provider (such as…

Living in Debt 1 Jul 2019

Can an IVA take my inheritance?

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…

Money Management 25 Jun 2019

Tax credit overpayments

Receiving a letter from HMRC saying that you’ve received tax credit overpayments can be incredibly frustrating; not only because you won’t have been expecting it, but because you’ve now got to give back a chunk of money that HMRC gave…

Money Management 18 Jun 2019

A Guide to Buying Goods on Finance

A guide to buying goods on finance Unfortunately, we don’t always have the money we need to make the purchases we want. This is where finance agreements come in. Buying goods on finance can give you access to products you…

Money Saving Ideas 18 Jun 2019

Get to Grips With Your Food Shop

GET TO GRIPS WITH YOUR FOOD SHOP The chances are, food shopping accounts for a large chunk of your household spending. Of course, everyone has to eat – but right now you might be shelling out much more than you…

Living in Debt 18 Jun 2019

I Can’t Afford Bankruptcy

‘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…

Money Management 6 Jun 2019

How to Reduce Your Spending

There are many reasons why we might want to reduce our spending. Some of us might live on a tight budget, and need to cut down on spending for essential items without borrowing more money. Others might want to cut…

Money Saving Ideas 6 Jun 2019

5 Money Saving Tips to Help Your Budget

House prices are on the rise, the increasing cost of living is showing no sign of slowing down. Now is a good a time as any to be making cutbacks, so here’s 5 money saving tips to help your budget…

Debt Facts 30 May 2019

Is it Legal for Debt Collectors to Call Family Members?

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…

Living in Debt 29 May 2019

Can I add Debts to my IVA?

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…

Debt Facts 29 May 2019

Does a DMP Affect Your Mortgage?

A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is a debt solution that doesn’t include secured debts, which are debts secured against property that you own. This includes things like cars (auto loans) and property, meaning that if you’ve got a mortgage your…