A reader asked: I want to terminate my PCP car finance. The car's fine, good condition, but we now need a bigger car. According to my contract I can hand it back. But I am going to need to get another car, so I am worried this will harm my good credit record. Would part exchange be better? Your right to end a PCP contract early Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is the most common way to buy … [Read more...]
Other Money
I write about a lot of Personal Finance that isn't directly about problem debts. Those articles are gathered here.
Spending - reducing or controlling it is usually essential if you want to reduce your debts. So Budgeting is another big topic.
Your grandparents used a pen and paper, but now we have Apps to make all this easier.
Mortgages - sometimes thought of as the only good sort of debt!
Credit ratings - important if you have too much debt or very little!
What are your car finance options?
Cash is often the most cost-effective way to buy a car. But this isn’t always possible, especially if you have money problems. In 2018 more than 80% of new cars in Britain were bought on finance - but that doesn't mean it's going to be right for you! The four ways to finance your car a personal loan - a loan from your bank or building society to spread the cost over 1 to 7 years. Here … [Read more...]
Has British Gas added a new default for an old debt?
A couple of questions about British Gas defaults from Debt Camel readers in the last few weeks: I check my credit file monthly. I have just noticed an account that was never on there before from British Gas saying that I owe £179 from 2008. The only thing that is showing is a default issued Jan 2017. I have no recollection of this money. We didn't move from that address until 2010. What can I … [Read more...]
What is the difference between “settled” and “satisfied” on a credit report?
A reader asked: My Credit Karma report shows some settled debts but one is shown as satisfied. I am sure I paid them all off in full. Does it make a difference and should I ask for this to be changed? … [Read more...]
How to cut your water bills
Water bills are going up an average of 28% in April 2025. In some areas, it's even more. You can't change Water Companies but there are ways you may be able to cut your water charges. This article looks at ways to cut your future bills. But if you already have a bill that is too high for you to manage, read What to do if you can't afford to pay a water bill. See if you would pay less … [Read more...]