CHRISTMAS is the most wonderful time of the year for millions of UK families – but the festive season can leave a hole in your wallet too.
With the cost of living crunch set to intensify past the New Year, many people are feeling the pinch.
1
Energy bills are at their highest in living memory, with the average household bill set to pass £2,000 this year.
Dozens of energy firms have already collapsed under the weight of higher wholesale gas prices and more are forecast to follow.
UK homeowners are likely to face even costlier gas and electricity soon and rising inflation means the cost of everything from groceries to school uniforms are set to increase too.
If you need help with bills or debt as the January blues kick in, there are various places you can go.
Some charities offer advice and assistance, while there are a number of government-backed schemes that can help with the cost of your supermarket shopping, home rent and utility bills.
Here’s where to get help if you’re struggling to keep up with debts.
Most read in Money
Citizens Advice
First, you need to find out what your debts are and how much you face paying off.
These could include arrears on payments like your council tax and rent, credit agreements, court fines and more.
They’re unlikely to be in one place, so look through your emails, bills and any official letters for more information.
When an organisation is owed money, they’re usually pretty good at telling you, so you shouldn’t have to look too far.
Citizens Advice has a really useful debt help page packed with more information.
You can also contact a personal finance expert at the non-profit via the Citizens Advice online chat tool, which is available 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
Just remember, regardless how frightening the scale of savings to be made, it’s never too late to start paying off your debts.
That’s not to mention the relief you’re likely to feel once you get on top of the issue.
StepChange
Last summer, StepChange warned of a “debt crisis” under the pressure of the Covid.
Since then, millions of families have seen their financial situation improve little.
The charity claims almost three-quarters of those now in debt weren’t struggling before the pandemic.
You can use StepChange’s free expert debt advice via its easy-to-use web app.
The advice is completely free and confidential.
You can save your progress to finish later, if it’s too much to tackle at once.
Once the adviser knows your situation, they’ll write you a personal action plan with detailed and practical advice with next steps.
It’s never too late to get the process moving.
National Debtline
Staff at National Debtline are contactable over the phone if you need help.
You should contact them online or at 0808 808 4000 between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.
The organisation even has a Coronavirus hub for specific financial advice relating to the pandemic.
Debtline’s web chat service is also slick and straightforward, which can help minimise the stress of what can be an arduous process.
Just keep in mind that, regardless how daunting it might seem, dealing with your debts is always good value.
Other ways to get help
A number of schemes exist at the local and national level offering financial help if you need it.
Under a Section 13A application, you could have thousands of pounds wiped off unpaid council tax.
Your local authority’s Household Support Fund could also provide you with up to £285 if you’re struggling to pay essential costs – what help you can get depends on when you live and your personal circumstances.
And if you took out a loan with Provident or Satsuma, you may have had your entire debt written off.
Both firms collapsed earlier this year, with their outstanding balances written to zero on December 30.
Scottish Power debt enforcers break into Glasgow woman’s flat – and she’s not even a customer
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Money team?
