Struggling With Debt

Practical first steps

When money problems build up it is tempting to ignore letters and calls, but the situation usually eases once you face it with support. Start by gathering everything together so you can see the full picture: what you owe, to whom, and what is coming in each month.

A simple budget — listing your income and your essential outgoings such as housing, food, energy and travel — shows how much you realistically have left to put towards debts. A free debt adviser can help you build this and will not judge you for your situation.

• List all your debts, the amounts, and who you owe
• Work out your monthly income and essential spending
• Sort your debts into priority and non-priority (see below)
• Contact a free debt advice charity before agreeing to any repayment plan

Deal with priority debts first

Not all debts are equally urgent. Priority debts are those where the consequences of not paying are most serious — you could lose your home, be cut off from your energy supply, lose essential goods or, in some cases, face court action. These include rent, mortgage, council tax, gas and electricity, and court fines.

Non-priority debts, such as credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts and catalogue accounts, still matter, but the immediate consequences of falling behind are usually less severe. A debt adviser will help you tackle priority debts first while keeping non-priority creditors informed.

Understanding your options

Depending on your circumstances there may be several ways forward — from an informal arrangement with your creditors, to a formal debt solution such as a debt management plan, an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), a debt relief order (DRO) or bankruptcy. Each has different effects on your money, your assets and your credit file.

These solutions are not one-size-fits-all, and the right choice depends on how much you owe, what you own and your income. This is exactly what free debt advisers are trained to talk through with you, impartially and without pressure. Never rush into a paid solution before getting free advice. Our guide comparing debt management plans, DROs, IVAs and bankruptcy covers each option in more detail.