Veronica was already struggling with the cost of living crisis. So when she needed to find an extra £150 each month for her increased mortgage payment, her budget couldn’t cover it. She’s now over £30 short each month. “In January, Veronica* suddenly found her budget impossible to balance. Her fixed-rate mortgage came to an end[…]
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Debt & Money
If you’re struggling with money and mental health, Citizens Advice is here to support you. Watch our national Citizens Advice Tiktok video for advice (don’t forget to turn on the sound on the bottom right). Need help with a range of everyday issues such as housing, benefits, employment, family, debts, etc? Contact us for free[…]
Dealing with mortgage arrears can be stressful. If you get into debt (‘in arrears’) with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for your lender to contact you. They’ll normally write to you within 15 days of a missed payment, but you should talk to them as soon as possible. Our online debt advice can help you[…]
Hidden debt scandal – how profit-making firms and unsuitable ‘solutions’ leave people in deeper financial trouble. Citizens Advice advisers at the frontline are sounding the alarm, as a sector-wide survey of more than 560 of our national debt advisors found that 84% said they have spoken to clients in failed or unsuitable Individual Voluntary Arrangements[…]
How profit-making firms and unsuitable ‘solutions’ leave people in deeper financial trouble. “The soaring cost of living is brewing a debt crisis and we’re seeing profit-driven vultures in the IVA industry ready to prey off people, encouraging them into debt solutions which could leave them worse off” (Matthew Upton, Director of Policy, national Citizens Advice).[…]
Citizens Advice in 2022/3 has been quoted many times in the media. Here are some examples. IN MAY 2022 UK INFLATION HIT A 40 YEAR HIGH BBC reported: Citizens Advice said, “The warning lights could not be brighter”’ and the government needed to offer households more support. ITV reported: “High inflation hurts the poorest[…]
The cost of living crisis continues to bite: everywhere, it seems, people are struggling to make ends meet, and every news bulletin seems to bring bad news of more financial instability and hardship. Interest rates are rising, affecting the cost of mortgages and consequently the rents demanded by landlords – if indeed they can afford[…]
If you are finding living costs a big challenge, we can help you: Check what benefits you’re entitled to Get help with your energy bills Work out your budget Visit our national site for advice Contact Citizens Advice Waverley for free advice if you need help with a range of everyday issues such as benefits,[…]
If you are struggling with debts, we can help you make a plan to pay it back Our national website has advice and sample letters to support you. Discover more about the topics below: Work out what you can afford to pay Work out how much to pay each creditor Write to your creditors Stay[…]
If you are you paying for a mortgage our website has lots of advice to help you manage and stay in control of your payments Even if you’re not struggling to pay your mortgage, you’ll want to make sure you stay in control of your payments and not run into trouble. Visit our national page[…]
Citizens Advice has found that 65% of people who we see who are on pre-payment meters because they are IN DEBT to their power supplier, are either disabled or have a long-term health condition. This compared to 33% who have no disability or health problems. Brian* came to us to ask what he should[…]
DON’T PANIC! There are many ways we can help you deal with your debts
Campaigns, Debt & Money, News Jan 02, 2023
Finding it difficult to pay your credit card bills? Now is the time to make a resolution to sort out your finances after Christmas spending. When you’re in debt, the future can feel scary. But it doesn’t need to be. It is an exceptionally challenging time for people. Nationally, Citizens Advice helps two people every[…]
Digital disadvantage and exclusion in the energy market
Campaigns, Consumer, Debt & Money, News Nov 16, 2022
Digitally disadvantaged consumers are at much higher risk of loyalty penalties “Digital services are revolutionising many areas of our lives. They provide new products, more choice and tailored experiences for consumers, and can reduce operational costs for businesses. But in a world where services are increasingly delivered digitally, people who are digitally disadvantaged can struggle[…]
Citizens Advice says banks must show understanding, as interest rates increase
Campaigns, Debt & Money, News Nov 16, 2022
Research by Citizens Advice* shows that: One in four mortgage holders couldn’t afford to see mortgage payments rise by £100 a month Almost half (45%) would be unable to afford an increase of £250 a month. *Ref: Morgan Wild, Head of Policy at Citizens Advice ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Citizens Advice says banks must show understanding, as[…]
Are you aged 50 or over and want to understand your pension options? Pension Wise is a service from MoneyHelper, backed by government. They offer free, impartial guidance to over 50s and explain the options to take money from your pension pots. Pension Wise offers free and impartial guidance. Discover more at the Pension Wise[…]