Beginner's Guide to Debt

A short video aimed at children aged 9-12 explaining what debt is.

Debt Advice Foundation

Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt.

http://www.debtadvicefoundation.org/

0800 043 40 50

Samaritans

If you are feeling down, useless, even suicidal, the Samaritans is a wonderful organisation that is there to listen to your problems, no matter how big or small. They will not judge you, they will not tut tut at your past mistakes of perhaps over spending and getting in debt. They will simply let you air your concerns, worries etc. Talking to someone can be a great help, rather than bottling up all your stresses and strains, and you can stay anonymous. Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you do not know rather than family members who might worry, or react to what you have to say. If you are very down even go to see your GP, try and stay strong and remember tomorrow is another day, just keep fighting and never give in. Good luck.

http://www.samaritans.org/

Pay Day Loans

A lot of people are using pay day loans as they struggle to meet costs of living and Christmas. If you can avoid at ALL COSTS, they charge shocking interest and are making big profits out of peoples hardship.

First of all see if you can save money by cutting back, call your energy suppliers to make sure you are on the cheapest deal, use online comparison sites. Also, there are local credit unions that offer small temporary loans, do a google search 'your home town/city credit union' they often work out of local council buildings. They are highly ethical and charge minimum interest and are owned by members who pay a small fee to join. (more about credit unions later)

In the meantime, here is a good Q&A page about pay day loans on the Telegraph website. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/8940249/Payday-loans-your-questions-answered.html