Welcome to Wallet Doctor: the UK's dedicated banking, debt and financial community. Use this site to help give first aid to your finances!

Have you been mis-sold PPI?

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Have you taken out a loan, credit card or mortgage? If so you may have been mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) and you may be entitled to claim £000's in compensation. Click here to find out more
DIY or Professional Help?
The trappings of debt bring serious consequences that need immediate action. Whether you are confident of handling your individual debt scenario or you understand that you need help with your debt problem, you need to be aware this is not a quick fix. The following organistions offer free help and advice to assist you.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service is a registered charity who help people who are having difficulty with debt. The service is free and they offer impartial advice.

They also offer a free phone service and will carry out an immediate assessment of your debt problems. Most creditors trust the judgement and recommendations of the CCCS and will often accept the proposals of the CCCS without disagreement and without many further requirements.

www.cccs.co.uk

National Debt Line 

The National Debt Line is a national telephone helpline which assists people with debt problems in England, Scotland and Wales. It is free and completely confidential.

The National Debt Line are experts in the field of debt problems and will be able to identify very quickly which are the best options for you. Their advice is mainly given over the phone but they also offer self-help materials which are also free.

Phone: 0808 808 4000

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau is also a registered charity which will help you with legal and money problems. Each office is mostly run by volunteers.

You will probably need to make an appointment and to provide them with all your financial papers, bills, court papers, credit agreements, letters etc. You should also let your creditors know that you are in touch with your local CAB and are waiting for an appointment after which either CAB or you will be in touch.

Your local CAB office can be found either through the telephone directory or via your local council or library.

The Samaritans
 
The Samaritans provide people who are worried, depressed or confused with emotional support and are contactable 24 hours a day every day.

They can be contacted on 0845 790 9090

 

Debt Management Plans

A Debt Management Plan is an informal process of negotiating with your creditors to:

  • Freeze interest
  • Negotiate payment terms
  • Provide peace of mind that you are taking action against your debts

 

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy was traditionally seen as the ultimate financial humiliation for people with debt problems. but more recently people declare themselves bankrupt for much smaller sums of money. In fact, since 1997 when labour came into power there has been a 100% increase in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy

 

IVA's

The offical debt repayment plan. Reduce your debt by upto 70% , freeze the interest and get legal protection from the companies you owe. IVA's

Trust Deeds

Trust Deeds are dealt with more privately unlike a bankruptcy which is formally published. All interest and charges will stop and after 3 years you are debt free!  Trust Deeds