How to deal with debt
The hardest part of being in debt is admitting to yourself that there is a problem. Once you acknowledge it you can work towards dealing with it. So, how to deal with debt?
Don’t let debt defeat you
Once you acknowledge that you are in debt, not only will it release pressure (if you were hiding it) but it genuinely will make it much easier to manage.
- If you are suffering financial hardship for whatever reason, if you tell the person or company you owe the debt to, they may be able to help you.
- If you have a shopping addiction, you may need to be treated for the addiction. Asking family and friends to lend you more money will not solve the real problem.
NEVER bury your head and ignore it, it will only get worse. This will not help you learn how to deal with debt.
This guide does not constitute you taking legal or financial advice. We always suggest that you speak to a professional before making any changes to your financial situation.
Follow our guide:
- Talk to your spouse (if they are not aware of it) or a supportive family member. Let them know the situation so that you are not coping with this alone.
- If your debt issue is caused by your behaviour (out of control spending, obsessive-compulsive disorder or some form of other disorder/addiction) contact your GP. Ask to be referred or self refer for CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). CBT is a talking therapy that can help you change the way you think and behave towards certain situations. Using a mindful breathing technique whenever you feel overwhelmed or the worry tree.
- If you have a credit card, consider switching it to a 0% balance credit card as soon as possible.
- You could write to the credit card company asking them to freeze the interest and stop the card until you pay off the debt if you are in a position to do so.
- Never just pay the minimum on your credit card, always pay more.
- NEVER use a payday loan company EVER. Throwing more money at a bad situation is not going to make things better. Further borrowing will just add to your existing debts.
- If you do have some savings for a rainy day or you are given money by family and friends, try to pay off some of your debts, loans or credit cards with it.
- If you have a large extended family to buy presents for at Christmas time DO NOT spend more than you can afford. Speak to your family, they will understand. You can always do a secret Santa with a set amount of money to spend on one gift each amongst the family. This is a fantastic way to bring an element of fun without breaking the bank. Click here for a great guide on how to budget for Christmas.
Now it is time to tackle each debt head-on, follow this guide:
- On a sheet of paper, write down a list of your debts with the name for each debt and the amount owed next to it.
- Using a monthly expenditure form, go through your household and work-related expenses.
- Once you have set out all of your monthly payments, you will be left with a figure to live on and a figure to pay any debts with.
- Equally divide the amount you have left to pay debts with across all of the debts you have (if you have ten debtors and you have £100 left each month to use to pay towards all of your debts, you can offer each debtor £10 per month). That is how a debt management company would do it except they take a portion of that too from you for organising it!
- Contact each debtor/company/person that you owe in writing and advise each one what you can afford to pay back.
- Make an arrangement to pay by direct debit or standing order to each debtor every month.
- If you make any arrangements with any lenders, you must ensure you make the payments.
- It is as simple as that!
*All our guides come from first-hand experience of helping friends and family in various situations. We are not regulated by the FCA and we are not financial professionals. Using this guide does not constitute obtaining legal advice and we cannot be held liable or responsible if you choose to follow this guide. You follow this guide at your own risk.
We hope you found our how to deal with debt guide useful.
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