Money & budgeting · 4 min read

Cost of living: practical ways to stop debts spiralling

Higher bills have pushed many households into debt for the first time. These practical steps can help steady things.

Check your entitlements

Use an online benefits calculator — many people miss out on Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction or Pension Credit. Ask your energy supplier and water company about support schemes and social tariffs.

Avoid high-cost borrowing

Payday loans and repeated buy now, pay later purchases can quickly snowball. If you need to borrow, a credit union is often a cheaper option.

Act early

The sooner you deal with debt, the more choices you have. If you can't keep up with repayments, a debt solution can bring payments down to what you can afford.

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This article is general information only and may not reflect your circumstances. Rules and limits can change, so always check the details with an authorised provider before making a decision.

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