Being in debt can be very worrying but help is available. Charities such as the MRBA may provide some short-term financial help, but for on-going debt you can get advice on the best solution and help to manage your debts and budgeting.

You don’t have to pay. Free, unbiased advice and help is available.

It is always a good idea to start taking charge of your debts by talking to your creditors (the people you owe money to) to tell them you are having problems. They may suggest affordable ways for you to pay, or point you to organisations that could help.

There are some debts you absolutely must not ignore; these are called ‘Priority debts’. Priority debts include: Rent or Mortgage; Council Tax; TV Licence; Gas, electricity, phone/broadband bills; Court fines and some benefits overpayments or tax bills. The consequences of failing to address these debts are more severe and could leave you homeless, being cut off, having to pay a large fine, or even going to prison.

You can get FREE advice & help from:

Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk)

Step Change (stepchange.org.uk)

National Debtline (nationaldebtline.org)

These are all regulated by the financial authorities so you can be certain they are genuine. The websites are easy to use and give you step-by-step help, but you can also contact them by phone or webchat. Citizens Advice is also starting to offer face-to-face advice again but maybe not everywhere yet.

You will need to be able to provide details of your income, expenditure and any savings, and as far as possible of all your debts, so it’s a good idea to start to make lists of these.

These organisations can help you find the best solution for you to get out of debt, so don’t hesitate to seek their help.