Timely debt advice is essential

7 December 2009

If you`re experiencing debt problems in the current economic climate, you`re not alone. Official statistics suggest that the number of people with debt problems is rising quickly, and with the festive period ahead of us, many more people are likely to get into debt they can`t afford.

One of the most important things for anyone struggling with debt is to get debt advice at the first sign of trouble. The sooner you address your debt problem, the less likely it is to get out of hand, and the sooner you can become debt-free.

What could happen if I don`t get debt advice soon enough?

If you don`t address your debts as soon as they become a problem, there`s a chance they could grow.

When you first borrowed money, you will have agreed to repay that amount (plus interest) in a certain way. Provided you can afford to make your repayments, you should be paying your debt off faster than the interest can make it grow - but even if you miss a payment, interest will still be charged, and your debt will get bigger.

This might not be a big problem if it`s just one or two missed payments, but any more than that and you could find that your debt starts to get out of control. This is especially the case for higher-interest forms of debt, such as credit cards.

That`s where a debt adviser can step in. Your debt adviser can help you to find the best way to tackle your debts - whether that means re-organising your finances, cutting back on non-essentials or using a specific debt solution.

What debt solutions are available?

There are a wide range of debt solutions available. Each is designed to help people in different situations (and with different levels of debt) get out of trouble.

Some of the most common debt solutions include debt consolidation loans (typically more suitable for less serious debts), debt management plans and IVAs (typically suitable for more serious debt problems). Each comes with its own `pros and cons` - and which one is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances, so it`s essential that you seek advice from a professional to help you decide.

If you`re in debt and need advice, click here or call us on 0800 074 8639

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