Debt guides
Clear, plain-English articles to help you understand your options and take the next step.
Debt solutions
6 min read
What is an IVA? A plain-English guide to Individual Voluntary Arrangements
How an IVA works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who it suits, how long it lasts and what happens at the end.
5 min read
IVA pros and cons: what to weigh up before you apply
The main benefits and drawbacks of an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, so you can decide whether it fits your situation.
6 min read
What is a debt management plan (DMP) and how does it work?
A clear guide to debt management plans: how they work, what they cost, which debts can be included and how they affect your credit.
5 min read
Debt management plan vs IVA: which is better for you?
Compare a DMP and an IVA side by side — cost, length, debt write-off, credit impact and who each one suits.
5 min read
What is a Debt Relief Order (DRO)? Eligibility and how it works
A guide to Debt Relief Orders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: who qualifies, how long it lasts and what happens to your debts.
6 min read
Bankruptcy explained: what really happens when you go bankrupt
An honest look at bankruptcy in England and Wales — costs, what happens to your home and possessions, and how long it lasts.
5 min read
Debt consolidation explained: loans, plans and what to watch out for
What debt consolidation means, the difference between consolidation loans and consolidation plans, and the risks to avoid.
6 min read
Debt solutions in Scotland: Trust Deeds, DAS and sequestration
Scotland has its own debt solutions. Learn how a Protected Trust Deed, the Debt Arrangement Scheme and sequestration work.
4 min read
Which debts can be written off in the UK — and which can't?
Find out which types of debt can be included in an IVA, DRO or bankruptcy, and which usually have to be paid regardless.
Urgent debt problems
6 min read
Bailiffs at the door? Your rights with enforcement agents
What bailiffs (enforcement agents) can and can't do in England and Wales, and the steps to take if you get a bailiff letter.
5 min read
Got a County Court Judgment (CCJ)? What it means and what to do
How CCJs work in England and Wales, how long they stay on your credit file, and how to deal with a claim form or judgment.
5 min read
Council tax arrears: what happens if you fall behind
The council tax arrears process explained — reminders, liability orders, bailiffs — and how to stop things escalating.
4 min read
The Breathing Space scheme: pause interest and creditor action for 60 days
How the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) works in England and Wales, who qualifies and what it protects you from.
5 min read
Received a debt collection letter? Here's what to do next
How to respond to letters from debt collectors, how to check a debt is yours, and what collectors are and aren't allowed to do.
4 min read
Priority vs non-priority debts: which should you pay first?
Learn which debts are priority debts, why they matter most and how to decide what to pay first when money is tight.
Money & budgeting
5 min read
How to make a budget that actually works when you're in debt
A simple, step-by-step way to build a realistic household budget, spot savings and see what you can afford towards your debts.
4 min read
10 signs your debts are becoming a problem
Recognise the early warning signs of problem debt and what you can do before things get worse.
5 min read
Debt and mental health: how to cope when money worries take over
The link between debt and mental health, practical ways to cope, and where to find support.
4 min read
Cost of living: practical ways to stop debts spiralling
Everyday steps to ease pressure on your budget and avoid falling further into debt as prices rise.
5 min read
How debt solutions affect your credit score — and how to rebuild it
How DMPs, IVAs, DROs and bankruptcy show on your credit file, and practical ways to rebuild your score afterwards.
Types of debt
5 min read
Struggling with credit card debt? Your options explained
Ways to deal with credit card debt — from balance transfers and persistent debt rules to debt management plans and IVAs.
4 min read
Stuck in your overdraft? How to get out of overdraft debt
Practical steps to reduce and clear an overdraft, what your bank should do if you're struggling and when to get help.
4 min read
Payday loan debt: how to break the cycle
How to deal with payday loans you can't repay, your rights on rollovers and charges, and how to stop borrowing again.
4 min read
Buy now, pay later debt: what happens if you can't pay?
How buy now, pay later works, what happens if you miss payments and how to deal with BNPL debts.
3 min read
Catalogue and store card debt: your options
How to handle catalogue and store card debts, why they are often expensive and how they fit into a debt solution.