Debt Archives

Getting out of debt

Practical articles about the different debt options, which might work for you and different ways of dealing with creditors

Buying too much online? 5 ways to cut back

A few taps on your mobile and that handbag, those kids' clothes or this kitchen gadget is on its way to you. Very convenient with busy lives and little time to go to the shops. Or when the shops are shut because of lockdown! But when money is tight or you want to save for something important, or you are just bored with being at home all the time, it can be just too easy to overspend. … [Read more...]

Payday lenders – email addresses for complaints

If you want to get a refund for "unaffordable" payday loans, the first step is to complain to the lender. Often it's simple as the lender has a Complaints section on their website, but some have been taken over or the website isn't there anymore, so here is a list of their email addresses. For all these emails put AFFORDABILITY COMPLAINT as the subject of the email. If you haven't already … [Read more...]

I’m in a DMP – can I get a mortgage?

A reader asked about applying for a mortgage when she is in a Debt Management Plan (DMP): "I have been in a DMP for 8 years and still have 6 to go as I still owe £16,000. With hindsight, I should have gone bankrupt! My parents will give us a 20% deposit in 2021, but they don't know about my debts so I can't use their money to end the DMP. Will I be able to get a mortgage?" I've written before … [Read more...]

Will you get a Bankruptcy Restriction Order (BRO)? Does it matter?

Here are some recent questions from people worried about going bankrupt and possible Bankruptcy Restriction Orders (BROs): I gambled a lot but stopped over a year ago. I want to apply for bankruptcy, but will I get a bankruptcy restrictions order? I have credit card debts which I can't pay as I have had to stop work because of a disability. I went bankrupt in 2003 and had a DRO in 2015. Will I … [Read more...]

Is gambling wrecking your finances?

A gambling habit often starts small, some fun with your mates or a bit of excitement when you are bored at home. But soon you may be spending more than you can afford. Then your cards and overdraft are maxed out. It is so tempting to hope to win back enough to clear the debts and pay your bills. You need money to do this, so you get a loan. But you lose more... Soon the only credit you can … [Read more...]

“Will partial settlement make it hard to get a mortgage?”

Ms F asked: "I have been in debt management for five years after my marriage breakdown. After an inheritance, I want to pay off my DMP as it will carry on for years. I could pay in full but my house needs some urgent work and my car is on its last legs. I asked about my credit score if I offer a partial settlement and was told this would show as partially settled on credit score file. Will I … [Read more...]

“Will a credit builder card improve my score?”

A reader asked: I’ve recently paid off my 2 defaulted credit cards and I have been paying into Loqbox for the past 4 months (£70). I got an email from Clearscore saying I can get a Capital One credit card. This is the first time in a long time that I have been offered a credit card because my credit has been so poor but it is slowly improving. Should I apply for this? If I do what is the best … [Read more...]

Sunny – some loans written off & the rest sold to a debt collector

The administrators say people may be allowed to submit claims in November 2020, if sufficient funds are available in the Administration for a distribution to be made to unsecured creditors. The administrators will also explain then what people who have already submitted claims, or who had claims agreed but not paid when the company went under, need to do. But that "if" clause is important. The … [Read more...]

Lloyds & Halifax overdraft fees higher if your credit record is poor

In July 2020, Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland (BoS) increased their overdraft charges and a month later people are starting to see the full cost on their monthly statements. This is the fourth change to the banks' overdraft charges since 2017. The new fees are higher for customers with a bad credit rating. This is unfair in several ways. So what can you do if you can't afford these … [Read more...]

“Will paying off debt improve my credit rating?”

A reader asked if his credit score would improve if he paid off some debt. First a useful warning from Experian: There’s no one credit score or magic number – different lenders score differently. But a good place to start is by looking at what exactly is on your credit records. There are three credit reference agencies in Britain and you have to check all three as they may have different … [Read more...]