I’ve found myself in a really difficult financial situation and I don’t know where to turn. I was made redundant recently and now I'm finding it hard to keep up with my bills and am getting into debt - what can I do?
Money problems can feel overwhelming, but the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to face this alone. We know that times are incredibly tough for lots of people right now, and Citizens Advice is here to help you find a way forward.
Make sure you’ve been paid everything you’re entitled to by your former employer. You can check what your rights are on the Citizens Advice website.
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, free budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can help you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month, and where you might be able to cut costs.
Before you start, try to find your most recent bank statements, payslips, debit and credit card statements or bills, and receipts for things you usually pay for in cash. Make sure you include all your expenses, for example money you spend on your partner or family.
If your budget just doesn’t add up and you need help to afford essentials like bills and food, you can find out how to get help with your bills as well as what cost of living support is available on the Citizens Advice website.
Please don’t ignore bills or letters about money that you owe. You should collect and organise all debt-related documents to create a comprehensive list of all your debts. It might feel overwhelming when you see everything written down - but try not to worry, the important thing is that you're taking action to sort things out.
If you’re behind on household bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. Take a look at the Citizens Advice website for more information about what bills to prioritise and how to manage debts. You can then speak to the organisations you owe money to – they might let you pay smaller amounts or take a break from payments.
For other types of debt like credit cards or loans, gather all the information on what you owe, create a budget, and contact your creditors to set up an affordable repayment plan. This might seem scary, but it’s an important first step.
Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s worth checking what you can get on the Citizens Advice website. Claiming benefits might also let you get access to other financial help, like cost-of-living payments and discounts on energy and transport.
Whatever your situation, you don’t have to face this alone - get in touch with a free support service like us at Citizens Advice. Our advisers can help to check if you’re eligible for any benefits or financial support, and explore all the options for dealing with your debts.
By Ange Moon
Citizens Advice Test Valley
If you have an issue, we can help you to find a way forward
We are a charity offering free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to residents of Test Valley, relating to benefits, work, debt and money, consumer (including energy), relationships, housing, law and rights, discrimination, tax, healthcare, education, and more.
You can check for advice on the National website, 24 hours a Day:
You can email us via our website, 24 hours a day:
www.testvalleycab.org.uk/email-advice-form
You can call us for free, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday:
0808 812 6681
You can visit us:
9:30-12, Monday-Thursday, 1st Floor, Chantry House, Chantry Way, Andover, SP10 1LZ
9:30-12, Monday-Friday, Former Magistrates Court, Church Street, Romsey, SO51 8AQ
We also have advisers at Andover and Romsey foodbanks during their opening times, and an adviser at Whitchurch Town Hall on Tuesdays between 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Would you like to become a volunteer adviser with us to make a positive difference to people’s lives in our community? Visit www.testvalleycab.org.uk/news/volunteer for more info.
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