If we’re feeling overwhelmed by bills and debts piling up, we’re not alone. And there’s help at hand.
The Debt Dilemma
Recent figures reveal that a staggering 8.1 million people in the UK are likely to need specialist debt services. An additional 12.6 million could benefit from financial guidance to prevent their situations from getting worse. For many, especially those under 35, renters, and those earning below £30,000, debt has become an all-too-common challenge.
Why Seeking Help Feels Daunting
Admitting to debt struggles is scary. Stacks of unopened bills, constant calls from creditors, and the fear of judgement make reaching out for help seem overwhelming. Many of us worry about how formal the process is or feel ashamed about our financial situation.
Debt doesn’t pick and choose, and it can happen to anyone. Whether due to unforeseen expenses, job loss, or other challenges, many find themselves in similar situations. The first step towards financial freedom is for someone to accept they have a problem and seek support.
Where to Get Help
If we’re struggling with debt, there are plenty of resources available to us across the UK:
- National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 | nationaldebtline.org
- StepChange Debt Charity: 0800 138 1111 | stepchange.org
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk
- In Wales: 08444 77 20 20
- Advice NI (Northern Ireland): 0800 915 4604 | adviceni.net
- Citizens Advice Scotland: 0808 800 9060 | cas.org.uk
- Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland): 0300 200 2770 | dasscotland.gov.uk
How Money Guidance Can Help Us
While specialist debt advisors are invaluable, there’s a massive demand that often exceeds supply. This is where money guidance coaches come in.
They offer practical support to help us navigate our financial challenges such as reviewing our finances, tackling our bills, and helping us check extra cash we might be missing out on, like benefits, social tariffs or grants.
Kelly came to the Quids in! Money Guidance Programme and through weekly coaching, she cut expenses, secured grants, and reduced energy debt from £400 to £200 per month. She was even paid an additional £400 credit. Over a year, she saved £3,536 and gained confidence in managing her finances.
Kelly said: “You, [Quids in! coaches], were not judgmental, even when I didn’t want to pick up your first call – so glad I did. Your wealth of knowledge is amazing, and I never felt like I was being told what to do. I truly felt like we were a team.”
And if we need formal debt support, money coaches guide us through the process and help us get ready.
Quids in! Money Coaching
Money guidance services like Quids in! are here to help us get back on track. If we live in Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire or London, we can pop along to a Quids in! drop-ins or access remote support– they can help us maximise our income and bring our costs down.
Find a drop-in near us: Quids in! Drop-ins
Request remote support: Quids in! Remote Support
Image: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock
