Many people who find themselves in financial difficulty start with small, manageable amounts of credit that quickly get out of control. A student overdraft here, a store card there and a few buy now, pay later arrangements later might feel manageable when you’re taking out the credit – it’s only a few small monthly payments right?

And it’s better to have it now than save and wait…right?

We live in a world where trends change daily and there’s always something new to have, but is getting caught in the hype worth getting caught in the debt cycle?

Managing your budget

The short answer – and what we know from experience – is no. The fear is that with the cost of living continuing to rise, interest rates going up and energy bills increasing, reaching for a credit card or applying for a loan is fast becoming the go-to option for many people.

Living within your means and within your budget is a good defence when it comes to preventing yourself from falling into this cycle of debt though. We know it’s not always possible, and sometimes major life events such as redundancy, having a baby or needing to repair your car, can lead to unexpected costs.

But with pre-emptive planning, and a sturdy budget, you’ll be much better placed to control your finances. That’s why we launched our Financial Wellbeing Hub, which is full of all the resources you’ll need for getting on top of your budget.

I’m in debt and I need help

So, what happens if you’re already in debt and need some extra help? We appreciate being in debt can feel like a rollercoaster ride – and we’re here to support you along the way.

We offer free, impartial debt advice and solutions for people who are struggling to keep on top of their finances. We do this by looking at the whole picture with you, your situation and your budget.

One of our experienced debt advisers will clearly explain all of the options available to you, recommending the one they feel is most suitable for your needs and providing you with a timeframe of when you can expect to become debt-free. 

But what solutions are out there?

There are lots of different solutions out there when it comes to getting on top of your debts, including those which are self-managed, and those which are managed by a debt management company, like ours, on your behalf. There isn’t a “one size fits all” debt solution – it really depends on your individual circumstances which solution is most suitable for you, which is why your adviser will talk through all the available options.

You can find out more information about different debt solutions here.

Debt advice your way

We know opening up about your debts is a huge step to take, so we’ve made sure that getting debt advice is quick, easy and accessible. Whether it’s talking on the phone or speaking on live chat, we’re able to help you at a time and pace that’s best for you.

We don’t judge your situation because we’ve been through it. Many of our advisers shared their debt stories last year, and how they’re motivated by their experience of living in debt to help others.

Support beyond debt advice

Our support doesn’t stop at debt advice and solutions. Debt often forms part of a bigger picture, so we’ve partnered with some amazing charities and organisations to make sure that you’re not just getting support with your debts, you’re getting help with your overall wellbeing too. These organisations include GamCare that specialises in gambling addiction, Refuge and Broxtowe Women’s Project that help those suffering from domestic abuse, Samaritans for support with mental health and Bipolar UK, to name but a few.

You don’t need to deal with your situation on your own, we’re here to help you get things moving in the right direction. If you’re worried about your finances or want to see which debt solutions are available for you, call 0800 316 1833 or talk with us on live chat.