Financial crisis (problems with debt, foreclosures, arrears, insolvency)

Advice and a list of money experts and managers offering FREE solutions and aid.

"Don't ignore the problem"

Contact the organisation you owe money to:  Let them know you are having problems.  Thay may be able to discuss options for paying back what you owe.

Get free  help and advice:  Your rights and options depend on the type of agreement, and the law can be complex.  You can get free independent help and advice from a number of organisations - see below for details.

Pay priority debts first:  foe example, mortgage, rent, council tax, or gas or electricity arrears.  A debt advisor can help you to budget to keep your finances under control.

Think long and hard before borrowing money to repay debts:  Get advice before borrowing against your home - you will paymore in the long runand you risk losing your home.

You may be able to ask a court for more time to repay a debt: but only in some circumstanses.  Speak to a debt advisor before initiating court action.  Keep all correspondence, including emails, in case these are needed by the court.

Doing nothing can only make things much worse

The lender may take legal action against you, and you could end up owing even more in interest and charges.  Missed payments will affect your credit rating and make it more difficult to get credit.

Where to get help and advice You can contact the following organisations for FREE, confidential and impartial debt advice, or for further details of where to get advice in your area. Citizens advice For advice an information on debt and other topics, visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau (you will find their address and telephone number in your local telephone book) or visit their web site for England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. National Debtline If you live in England, Wales or Scotland telephone 0808-808-4000 or click here for debt advice and information. Advice4DebtNI If you live in Northern Ireland telephone 0800-917-4607 or click here for debt advice. Money Advice Scotland If you live in Scotland, telephone 0141-572-0237 or click here to find contact details for debt advice in your local council area. Consumer Credit Counselling Service For debt advice throughout the UK telephone 0800-138-1111 or click here. Consumer Direct For a fuller list of independent advice agencies, and informatio about credit and hire, telephone 0845-404-0506 or click here. AdviceUK Member centres offer debt advice to the public, some providing specialist advice for miniority, thnic and refugee communities and people with disabilities.  For further information telephone 0207-469-5700. Other useful organisations Community Legal Advice If you think you may qualify for legal aid telephone 0845-345-4345 for free advice or click here. Financial Ombudsman Service If you have a complaint that you can't resolve with your lender, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to help - telephone 0845-080-1800 or click here. Office of Fair Trading To request the above information in a different format, telephone 0800-389-3158