Let’s talk money — online, face-to-face or wherever you are
We helped over 300,000 people with debt problems last year
At Citizens Advice, we know the impact that money-related issues can have on people’s lives. Last year, we helped over 300,000 people with problems relating to debt.
This Talk Money Week, we’re highlighting how we offer debt advice — online, over the phone, and in person, for free — to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to get their finances on track.
Dealing with debt
Debt and money issues can feel complicated or intimidating — like working out which debts need to be paid back first.
Thousands of people come to us for good quality, independent advice on issues ranging from parking fines to mortgage arrears.
We do this through our online advice, our specialist advisers on our chat service — a quick and convenient way to get advice at the click of a button, over the phone and in person across England and Wales.
Giving people the information they need
Finding the right advice, knowing what information to trust and trying to work things out on your own can be stressful. Every day we support people to understand what their choices are and what the next steps might be.
Citizens Advice Swindon is one of our local Citizens Advice that offers services to support people with money issues. They recently saw a client who suffered with poor health for many years, and ended up with £3,500 of debt on 2 credit cards. He was struggling to pay his bills and was scared he’d be taken to prison over these debts, which added to his stress levels.
Our advisers explained he wasn’t at risk of being arrested because credit card debt is a less serious type of debt.
“Sometimes the smallest piece of information or legal understanding can completely change a client’s outlook on their situation,” says Claire Newport, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Swindon.
Our adviser also found that the client was entitled to additional benefits, and within weeks he received the backdated payments. These were enough for him to settle his credit card debt and even put some money aside.
At Citizens Advice Shropshire, as in many places across England and Wales, clients are dealing with debts related to rent and council tax arrears.
“We see people who owe hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of debt because they’re behind in paying their rent or council tax”, says Jackie Jeffrey, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Shropshire.
There can be serious consequences for not paying these kinds of debts, which means people are also often worried and stressed.
“For them, being able to speak to an adviser gives them the tools they need to find their way forward,” says Jackie.
Getting help
At Citizens Advice, we believe no one should have to face money problems without good quality, independent advice. That’s why we’ve made our advice available wherever you need it.
For debt and money advice, our friendly specialist advisers are available through our chat service from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday. You can also visit our website or contact one of our local Citizens Advice.
We’re here for everyone — so if you have a money problem, let’s talk.
