How to Prepare for Debt Advice

Seeking debt advice is an important first step towards improving your financial situation. Being prepared can help you make the most of your appointment and ensure your advisor can give you the most appropriate advice.

Don't worry if you don't have every piece of information available. An advisor can still help, but having key details ready will make the process easier.

To understand your situation, a debt advisor will usually need information about:

• Your income.
• Your household spending.
• Your debts.
• Any savings or assets you may have.
• Your personal circumstances.

The more accurate the information, the more tailored the advice can be.

Make a list of all money coming into your household, including:

• Wages or salary.
• Universal Credit.
• Pension Credit.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
• Carer's Allowance.
• Child Benefit.
• Maintenance payments.
• Pension income.
• Any other benefits or income.

Having recent payslips or benefit award letters can be helpful.

You should also gather details of your regular spending, such as:

• Rent or mortgage payments.
• Council Tax.
• Gas and electricity.
• Water charges.
• Food and household shopping.
  
• Travel costs.
• Childcare costs.
• Insurance payments.
• Mobile phone and internet bills.

This helps create a realistic household budget.

Try to include:

• The name of each creditor.
• The amount owed.
• Account or reference numbers.
• Monthly payment amounts.
• Any letters or notices you have received.

Debts may include:

• Personal loans.
• Overdrafts.
• Council Tax arrears.
• Rent arrears.
• Utility debts.
• Benefit overpayments.

If you're unsure of the exact balances, provide as much information as you can.

• Debt collection letters.
• Default notices.
• Court papers.
• Bailiff letters.
• Benefit overpayment notices.
• Rent arrears notifications.

These documents can help your advisor understand what action has already been taken.

Before your appointment, consider:

• Which debts worry you most.
• Any urgent deadlines.
• Whether you've received court documents.
• Whether you are at risk of eviction.
• Whether bailiffs have contacted you.

Priority debts and urgent issues may need immediate attention.

Debt advisors are there to support you, not judge you.

Providing complete and accurate information will help ensure:

• Your budget is realistic.
• Advice is suitable for your circumstances.
• Any recommended solutions are affordable and sustainable.

Even if your situation feels overwhelming, sharing the full picture will help your advisor support you effectively.

Your advisor will usually:

• Review your income and expenditure.
• Discuss your debts and financial commitments.
• Identify any priority debts.
• Check whether you're receiving all available benefits and support.
• Explain the options available to you.
• Help you develop a plan to move forward.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.

Don't Delay Seeking Help

Many people wait until debts become unmanageable before seeking advice.

Getting help early can:

• Increase the options available to you.
• Prevent additional fees and charges.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Help avoid enforcement action.
• Improve your financial wellbeing.

The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can start addressing the problem.

Our advisors can help you:

• Understand your debts and financial situation.
• Create a realistic budget.
• Check your benefit entitlement.
• Prioritise urgent debts.
• Explore all available debt solutions.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.