We use cookies to ensure that we can give you the best user experience. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. Find out more.

What language do you need?

Managing Money & Debts

Five basic rules to managing your debts and money:

1. Don't bury your head in the sand

If you can't pay someone, tell them before the deadline and try to arrange something. It might be the opposite of what you want to do but it will nearly always make it much easier to sort out.

Take the StepChange Debt Charity debt test to see if you need to seek free debt advice.

2. Get good free advice:

3. Prioritise your debts: Who is it most important to pay?

Don't pay people just because they send you the most letters or ring you up. Some payments are more important than others - simply because of what can happen if you do not make arrangements.

  • Mortgage or Rent - most mortgage lenders and social landlords do not want to throw you out. If you approach them in time and are honest about your problem, they will usually come to an arrangement with you that works for everyone.
  • A secured loan - is like another mortgage but the law is slightly different and you may want to get advice about that. Reputable lenders will want to work with you to find a reasonable solution.
  • Council Tax - contact your council tax office and try to come to an arrangement if you are in arrears.
  • Utilities - gas and electricity supplies can be cut off if you cannot pay for them but:
You may be able to get them cheaper by changing suppliers, see Usdaw Energy.
All companies must offer a range of ways to pay so you can pay smaller amounts regularly and avoid getting into arrears.
If you do get into arrears, the companies must let you pay them off at a rate you can afford.

The rest can wait:

First sort out the above debts. Others like credit cards, money lenders, catalogues and most bank loans will have to wait their turn if you cannot pay them straight away. If you can't, write to them to explain your problem, tell them you are getting help and get advice to help you sort it all out. These people might take you to court but it is not a crime to owe money and the court will not order you to pay money you cannot afford to pay - get advice straight away if you get letters about going to court.

4. Don't run up more credit

Talk to the standard reputable sources first - your high street bank and building society and credit unions.

Do not take out more credit on cards. Keep away from high interest lenders and credit sharks. Be very careful about securing loans against your home.

5. Manage your Money

You may find the following websites useful in Budget Planning.

Maximise your income

Make sure you have claimed all the benefits that you are entitled to.

Harassment

People who you owe are not allowed by law to harass you - or chase you in an unreasonable way - like ringing you repeatedly at unreasonable times or making threats. If you feel this is happening, get advice.

Usdaw cannot take responsibility for the content of external sites.

Free prize draw

Enter our free prize draw to win a £100 Love2Shop Gift Voucher courtesy of Usdaw Health and Dental.

The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers