Does this sound like you and the way you are feeling?
“I’ve fallen behind on my bills and debts are building up. I don’t know where to start?” It’s important to know you don’t need to face this alone – contact Citizens Advice for help. In the meantime, here are four steps you can take to get started:
- Work out how much you owe: Make a list of whom you owe money to and add up how much you need to pay each month.
- Prioritise your debts: Rent / mortgage, energy and council tax are priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. Separate these and work out how much you owe.
- Work out how much you can pay: Create a budget (see www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/) by adding up essential living costs (eg food and housing) and taking these away from your income.
- If you can’t pay your debts: Little / no money spare to pay your priority debts? Get advice. If you can’t pay off other debts, such as credit cards and loans, it would also be worth contacting Citizens Advice.
If you’re struggling to pay for basics like food, seek help immediately. Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark can check if you are receiving the correct benefits, offer budgeting and money saving advice and see what support might be available to you in the form of grants and funds.
It can feel daunting dealing with debt. Having a plan helps and their team will help you each step of the way. Please contact them:
Phone: Local office on 01623 861769 (you may be offered a call-back). Or Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48 (RelayUK (type what you want to say): 18001 0800 144 8884), Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Chat online: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/contact-us.
Newark office: Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am to 2.30pm – Castle House, NG24 1BY.
Ollerton office: Monday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm – 5 Forest Court, NG22 9PL.
See www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/sherwood-newark/.