http://www.moneysupermarket.com Debt News from Moneysupermarket.com 15 en-us /newsandcommunity/img/news/ms-logo.gif http://www.moneysupermarket.com <![CDATA[According to research from Halifax, one in five of us spend half the month worrying that we won't have enough money to see us through until our next payday. And by the time we are a week away from our next wage packet this becomes a concern for half the population.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/make-your-salary-go-further/0013533/ Wed, 08, Feb 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/make-your-salary-go-further_0013533.aspx <![CDATA[Every day in the UK, 331 people are declared insolvent or bankrupt, according to new figures from charity Credit Action. However, bankruptcy is still regarded as an extreme measure to get out of debt. Here we look at steps you can take to help avoid this outcome.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/deal-with-debt-now/0013255/ Tue, 17, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/deal-with-debt-now_0013255.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of people will have run up credit card debts and overdrafts to help pay for Christmas and must now count the cost of their borrowing.<br />]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/best-ways-to-clear-christmas-debts/0012727/ Wed, 04, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/best-ways-to-clear-christmas-debts_0012727.aspx <![CDATA[Thousands of young people struggling with debts are being forced to take drastic action because their money problems have spiralled out of control.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-escape-the-debt-trap/0012716/ Tue, 03, Jan 2012 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-escape-the-debt-trap_0012716.aspx <![CDATA[Almost 10 million UK consumers will take on debt to cover the cost Christmas, according to new research by MoneySupermarket.com.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-keep-christmas-debt-in-check/0012628/ Wed, 14, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-keep-christmas-debt-in-check_0012628.aspx <![CDATA[Millions of people are turning to payday loans to help them cover the cost of Christmas in these difficult times. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-lose-control-of-debts/0012618/ Thu, 08, Dec 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-lose-control-of-debts_0012618.aspx <![CDATA[Christmas is less than a month away, but for many people the festive season can be a financially fraught time.&nbsp; ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Avoid-a-festive-debt-hangover-0012548.aspx Wed, 30, Nov 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Avoid-a-festive-debt-hangover-0012548.aspx <![CDATA[In the face of fresh economic uncertainty and rising living costs, it's little wonder that near three-quarters of us are worried about our current financial situation - but there are things you can do to help ease your money worries.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/ten-tips-to-beat-financial-woes/0012346/ Tue, 11, Oct 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/ten-tips-to-beat-financial-woes_0012346.aspx <![CDATA[Ever-increasing financial pressures mean that one in four of us are now scared about opening our monthly bills, according to MoneySupermarket research. ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/do-you-suffer-from-bill-phobia/0012313/ Wed, 28, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/do-you-suffer-from-bill-phobia_0012313.aspx <![CDATA[One in four British workers spend a massive 40% or more of their wages repaying unsecured debts such as those held on credit cards and loans, according to new MoneySupermarket research.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tips-if-you-are-trying-to-clear-debt/0012303/ Thu, 22, Sep 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tips-if-you-are-trying-to-clear-debt_0012303.aspx <![CDATA[Thousands&nbsp;of people are struggling to pay off their debts and cover steep living costs at the same time.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/take-control-of-your-debts/0011692/ Wed, 15, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/take-control-of-your-debts_0011692.aspx <![CDATA[Borrowers with less than perfect credit scores can find their applications for the best credit card and loan deals rejected, but there are ways to improve your chances of being accepted.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-improve-your-credit-score/0011668/ Wed, 08, Jun 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-improve-your-credit-score_0011668.aspx <![CDATA[What are the steps you can take to help you save or invest&nbsp;those vital pennies?&nbsp;Join Clare Francis&nbsp;and two of moneysupermarket.com's experts&nbsp;plus Pavan Gata-Aura from debt counselling charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) to find out what you need to know... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/webchat-beat-the-rising-cost-of-living/0011505/ Mon, 09, May 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/webchat-beat-the-rising-cost-of-living_0011505.aspx <![CDATA[Britons are running up thousands of pounds in debt before the reality of how much financial trouble they are in hits home.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/debt-have-you-got-a-problem/0011348/ Wed, 13, Apr 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/debt-have-you-got-a-problem_0011348.aspx <![CDATA[Inflation is at a two-year high and wages aren't keeping up. But could managing your borrowing more effectively help free up some cash?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/cut-your-debt-now-to-fight-inflation/0010969/ Thu, 17, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/cut-your-debt-now-to-fight-inflation_0010969.aspx <![CDATA[The cost of living continues to soar, with inflation now at its highest level for two years.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/inflation-rockets-to-4-per-cent/0010932/ Tue, 15, Feb 2011 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/inflation-rockets-to-4-per-cent_0010932.aspx <![CDATA[Most of us end up over-spending at Christmas, but it's worth working out how you're going to pay off what you owe now rather than worrying about it well into next year.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-clear-your-debts/0010740/ Wed, 29, Dec 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-clear-your-debts_0010740.aspx <![CDATA[Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year, making it easy to slip into the red.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/avoid-christmas-debt/0010462/ Thu, 25, Nov 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/avoid-christmas-debt_0010462.aspx <![CDATA[The cost of Christmas is already weighing heavily on the minds of cash-strapped families up and down the country.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/avoid-post-christmas-misery/0010375/ Wed, 03, Nov 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/avoid-post-christmas-misery_0010375.aspx <![CDATA[More than six million British people have had an outstanding balance on their credit card for a year or more, costing them a small fortune in interest. Here, we look at the best ways to tackle your debts head on... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-be-debt-free/0010265/ Thu, 07, Oct 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-be-debt-free_0010265.aspx <![CDATA[The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has threatened 129 debt management companies that they could lose their consumer credit licenses unless they take immediate steps to improve their standards.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/debt-management-firms-warned-to-clean-up-their-act/0010224/ Tue, 28, Sep 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/debt-management-firms-warned-to-clean-up-their-act_0010224.aspx <![CDATA[With credit card, loan and mortgage providers becoming more choosy about who they'll lend to it's more important than ever to know what information is held on your credit file. The good news is it's getting easier to access that information.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/instant-access-to-your-credit-report/0009778/ Wed, 14, Jul 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/instant-access-to-your-credit-report_0009778.aspx <![CDATA[If you're drowning in debt, you may feel as though there's no way out and nowhere to turn. However, that is not the case.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-can-you-do-if-you-re-drowning-in-debt/0008231/ Wed, 27, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-can-you-do-if-you-re-drowning-in-debt_0008231.aspx <![CDATA[We're all worried about how the government's going to tackle the country's national debt, but do we pay enough attention to our own borrowing?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-get-on-top-of-your-debt/0008111/ Thu, 14, Jan 2010 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-get-on-top-of-your-debt_0008111.aspx <![CDATA[While the festive period can cause us to be more generous than usual and encourage us to have a good time, the New Year is when reality sets in and we look at how much that bit of Christmas indulgence has cost us.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-to-clear-christmas-debts/0007911/ Thu, 31, Dec 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-to-clear-christmas-debts_0007911.aspx <![CDATA[Are you concealing a debt from your loved ones? Research by AXA suggests that a staggering 12.2million people in the UK are hiding some sort of debt from their partner, family or friends.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-seven-deadly-sins-of-debt/0007413/ Tue, 17, Nov 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-seven-deadly-sins-of-debt_0007413.aspx <![CDATA[Moneysupermarket.com today called upon the Treasury Select Committee to improve transparency and fairness within the credit search industry in order to allow consumers to shop around for unsecured lending products without it impacting their credit score.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-cant-you-shop-around-for-a-loan/0007027/ Tue, 27, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-cant-you-shop-around-for-a-loan_0007027.aspx <![CDATA[The human face of this recession has undoubtedly been the families whose homes have been repossessed and those desperately struggling with mortgage arrears.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/its-your-home-keep-it-that-way/0006653/ Thu, 08, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/its-your-home-keep-it-that-way_0006653.aspx <![CDATA[Debt advice is a murky, unregulated world, with horror stories about people already struggling with their debts ending up in an even worse position after approaching a debt adviser.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/get-help-to-end-your-debt-worries/0006573/ Fri, 02, Oct 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/get-help-to-end-your-debt-worries_0006573.aspx <![CDATA[Most people would agree that bankruptcy is best avoided at all costs - especially if you own your home or business, as these will be taken from you to pay your creditors.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-to-do-if-youre-in-debt/0006398/ Thu, 24, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-to-do-if-youre-in-debt_0006398.aspx <![CDATA[Until very recently, bankruptcy was the only option available to people whose debts had become so out of control the only option was to wipe the slate clean and start again.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/is-a-debt-relief-order-right-for-you/0006274/ Fri, 18, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/is-a-debt-relief-order-right-for-you_0006274.aspx <![CDATA[In this article, National Debtline takes a look at credit debts, such as credit card balances and personal loans. Once you've paid your essential bills and priority debts, any remaining income should go on settling these debts.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/what-are-credit-debts/0006235/ Mon, 14, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/what-are-credit-debts_0006235.aspx <![CDATA[Bankruptcy is generally viewed as a last resort for people with serious debt problems. But the recession, and the job losses it has caused, has pushed more people towards this drastic measure.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-real-impact-of-going-bankrupt/0006218/ Thu, 10, Sep 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-real-impact-of-going-bankrupt_0006218.aspx <![CDATA[You can write out this example letter and send it to your creditors with a copy of your personal budget if you are making pro-rata offers.We have used [square brackets] to suggest different points you may want to make. Choose the ones that fit your circumstances, and make any other changes you need to explain your situation to your creditors.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/national-debtline-pro-rata-template-letter/0005931/ Tue, 18, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/national-debtline-pro-rata-template-letter_0005931.aspx <![CDATA[Certain debts need to be treated as priorities when you're struggling, according to National Debtline. In this article, the charity takes a look at which debts are critical and offers advice and guidance.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-prioritise-your-debts/0005889/ Tue, 11, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-prioritise-your-debts_0005889.aspx <![CDATA[If you are struggling to repay what you owe, National Debtline recommends working out which debts are priorities and meeting them first. In this article, the charity outlines which bills are the most important.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/why-some-debts-are-more-important-than-others/0005888/ Tue, 11, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/why-some-debts-are-more-important-than-others_0005888.aspx <![CDATA[If you're finding it difficult to repay your debts, National Debtline recommends prioritising some arrears and bills ahead of others. Council Tax is one of these debts and in this article it outlines your rights if you're struggling.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/Tips-if-you-re-struggling-with-council-tax/0005887/ Tue, 11, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/Tips-if-you-re-struggling-with-council-tax_0005887.aspx <![CDATA[National Debtline urges troubled households to repay certain debts ahead of other credit agreements. It considers gas and electricity arrears to be a priority debt, so what should you do if you're finding it hard to pay?]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tips-if-you-can-t-pay-your-energy-bills/0005886/ Tue, 11, Aug 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tips-if-you-can-t-pay-your-energy-bills_0005886.aspx <![CDATA[If you're one of the 54% of people in Britain with non-mortgage debt, you probably want to get out of the red as quickly as possible.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-join-the-debt-busters/0005805/ Fri, 31, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-join-the-debt-busters_0005805.aspx <![CDATA[In this article, National Debtline offers help working out a personal budget, to allow people to&nbsp;keep track of what money is coming in and going out,&nbsp;meaning they can&nbsp;show&nbsp;creditors exactly&nbsp;what they can afford to repay.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/working-out-a-personal-budget/0005757/ Tue, 28, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/working-out-a-personal-budget_0005757.aspx <![CDATA[National Debtline helps people to budget in order to repay their debt more easily, but if you aren't receiving all the money you should be, then managing your finances becomes much harder. In this article, the charity suggests ways to check if you could increase your income.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/could-you-increase-your-income/0005738/ Fri, 24, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/could-you-increase-your-income_0005738.aspx <![CDATA[National Debtline provides anyone with debt difficulties in England, Wales and Scotland with free, confidential and independent advice. In this first article in a series from the charity, it outlines some golden rules for coping with debt.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/golden-rules-for-dealing-with-debt/0005641/ Wed, 22, Jul 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/golden-rules-for-dealing-with-debt_0005641.aspx <![CDATA[Barely a day seems to pass without another message on the answer phone from an unnamed 'debt help' company offering it services. Indeed the cold calling has got so out of hand for so many, that 10 firms were told to stop by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/where-can-you-turn-for-debt-help/0005067/ Fri, 29, May 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/where-can-you-turn-for-debt-help_0005067.aspx <![CDATA[Industry watchdog, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), has taken action against 13 companies which set up repayment plans for people struggling with debt. It stated that the businesses were deliberately misleading customers by using website addresses similar to those of non-profit organisations when they are in fact commercial enterprises. A total of 27 websites have been shut down.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-choose-a-debt-management-company/0004312/ Fri, 13, Mar 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-choose-a-debt-management-company_0004312.aspx <![CDATA[If you are one of the many thousands of workers up and down the country to be told you're out of a job, help is at hand. With money tight, making sure you are getting everything you are entitled to is paramount.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/been-made-redundant-here's-what-to-do/0003999/ Fri, 30, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/been-made-redundant-here's-what-to-do_0003999.aspx <![CDATA[Christmas bills will now be dropping through the letter box, but for many people the prospect of how they're going to cover the cost of their spending will be filling them with dread.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-to-clear-your-christmas-debts/0003870/ Fri, 16, Jan 2009 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-to-clear-your-christmas-debts_0003870.aspx <![CDATA[Debt problems are becoming a stark reality for an increasing number of people. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has told moneysupermarket.com that they've seen a 30% increase in the number of people seeking advice in the last six months, and with recession looming the situation is likely to get even worse.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/top-tips-if-you're-struggling-with-debt/0003384/ Thu, 30, Oct 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/top-tips-if-you're-struggling-with-debt_0003384.aspx <![CDATA[As many as 600,000 people in unmanageable debt are not included on official insolvency figures, according to a trade body.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/debt-plans-missing-from-data/0002980/ Mon, 29, Sep 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/debt-plans-missing-from-data_0002980.aspx <![CDATA[People now owe more than the income generated by the country as a whole for the second year running, which is threatening a marked increase in bankruptcies.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/debt-threatens-more-insolvencies/0003184/ Tue, 26, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/debt-threatens-more-insolvencies_0003184.aspx <![CDATA[Forget Britain's famous three peaks in England, Scotland and Wales&nbsp;- there are debt mountains cropping up throughout the British Isles.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/the-debt-map-of-great-britain/0003210/ Thu, 21, Aug 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/the-debt-map-of-great-britain_0003210.aspx <![CDATA[As a nation we've developed a laissez-faire attitude to debt in recent years and for many people the flippancy with which they happily bought things on credit, is now coming back to haunt them.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/avoid-a-lifetime-of-debt/0003280/ Thu, 19, Jun 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/avoid-a-lifetime-of-debt_0003280.aspx <![CDATA[There's a high price for high living&nbsp;and in recent months, many of those living the middle class fantasy have seen their world tumble around them.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/middle-class-debt-crisis/0003284/ Thu, 22, May 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/middle-class-debt-crisis_0003284.aspx <![CDATA[In case you are wondering what your tax allowances will be for the next tax year, we have compiled some easy-to-read tables for you. These should provide all the information you need.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/tax-allowances-for-2008-2009/0003264/ Thu, 13, Mar 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/tax-allowances-for-2008-2009_0003264.aspx <![CDATA[Money worries are no longer a taboo subject and the increasing strain of higher living and borrowing costs is taking its toll. But it is not just the heavily indebted who are concerned about making ends meet.]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/majority-of-consumers-fear-for-their-finances/0002961/ Thu, 13, Mar 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/majority-of-consumers-fear-for-their-finances_0002961.aspx <![CDATA[What if your debt problems are extensive?&nbsp;You still have options but you must be very careful about the choices you make...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/are-you-facing-debt-problems/0003318/ Thu, 31, Jan 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/are-you-facing-debt-problems_0003318.aspx <![CDATA[If you feel you're in over your head then don't panic - there are solutions&nbsp;for every&nbsp;situation...]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/dont-panic---debt-help-is-available/0003330/ Thu, 24, Jan 2008 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/dont-panic---debt-help-is-available_0003330.aspx <![CDATA[Up to 75% of consumers feel they are not to blame their massive debts, according to a survey. Yet taking charge of your debts is the first step on the road to sorting out the problem. If you are struggling to cope with your debts, don't bury your head in the sand - I'll help you get back on track... <p></p>]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-beat-debt/0002967/ Fri, 23, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/how-to-beat-debt_0002967.aspx <![CDATA[More than 20,000 people a day are apparently being turned down for personal loans following the crisis in the financial markets. Multiple rejections risk further harming credit ratings and making the problem for consumers worse - but there is a solution... ]]> http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/boost-your-credit-rating/0003015/ Fri, 23, Nov 2007 00:00:00GMT http://www.moneysupermarket.com/newsandcommunity/news/boost-your-credit-rating_0003015.aspx