Debt & Money Matters

What can I do to deal with my debts?

For an overview of how to deal with your debts and the options available to you see this section of the Citizens Advice website

I’m struggling to make ends meet – what can I do?

If you're on a low income or struggling to make ends meet, you might need some help to sort out your budget and work out how to make your money go further. To find out more about budgeting, see this section of the Citizens Advice website

I need to borrow some money – what are my best options?

Before you borrow money, it's important to make sure you will be able to keep up the repayments, otherwise you could be taken to court and might even lose your home or other valuable possessions.

Find out about the different ways to borrow money, how to borrow sensibly and how to avoid some of the pitfalls of borrowing which can lead to problems with debt in this section of the Citizens Advice website

To find out about the Northumberland Credit Union, see here

To find out about the Credit Union for South East Northumberland see here

I’m receiving threatening letters/phone calls from my creditors, what can I do?

For information on creditors and how they are allowed to contact you is see this section of the Citizens Advice website

I’m being harassed by bailiffs, what can I do?

For information about what a bailiff is and the process they must follow, how you can prevent or stop bailiff action, what to do if a bailiff is due to visit, what you need to do if you've received a bailiff's notice, and how to complain about bailiffs see this section of the Citizens Advice website

I am struggling with my utility bills, is there any help available?

If you have problems paying your energy bills, want to find out how to choose a supplier or switch to another one or want to know what help might be available, see this section of the Citizens Advice website

For ways to save energy costs around the home, see this useful guide from Age UK

You may be eligible for free or discounted insulation and/or central heating depending on your circumstances. For more information see the Warm Zones website

I am behind with my rent/mortgage payments, what can I do?

There are various options available to you

For information about problems with mortgages, see this section of the Citizens Advice website

If you are in rent arrears, see this section of the Citizens Advice website

Loan Sharks

Have you or anyone you know:

been offered a cash loan without paperwork?
been threatened when you couldn't pay?
had your benefit or bank card taken from you?
had a loan which keeps growing even though you are making payments?

If you can answer yes to the above, you may have been bitten by a Loan Shark. For confidential help and advice contact the Illegal Money Lending Team on 0300 555 2222

Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark

You can watch a video on a victim of loan sharks here.

Sample letters

Citizen's Advice have produced a range of sample letters to help you with your debt & money problems. To view and download the letters please click here.