Money help guides

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions people ask us most. Free help is always a phone call away.

Bailiffs

Bailiffs can't take essentials. If there is nothing of value, the debt goes back to the creditor.

A car on hire purchase or PCP belongs to the finance company, so bailiffs should not take it.

Yes. If the deductions leave you short for essentials, you can ask for them to be lowered.

Deductions follow set rules. If they leave you without enough for essentials, you can challenge them.

A DEA is how the DWP takes back benefit overpayments from your wages — without going to court.

Lots of working people struggle. Sort priority bills first, then look at the options that fit you.

Council tax arrears move fast and costs add up. Talk to the council before the court date.

Being in work doesn't mean you can't get help. Here's what to do when wages don't cover the bills.

Lots of people miss out because they assume they won't qualify. A free check takes a few minutes.

Your payment can drop because of advance repayments, overpayments or bills paid direct. You can ask for less to be taken.

A legal protection that pauses creditor action for as long as you're in mental health crisis treatment, plus 30 days.

If debt is affecting your mental health, you can ask creditors to pause and treat you fairly.

Money worry is loudest at night. Nothing has to be solved right now — here's a plan for tomorrow.

Food, heating and housing come before credit cards and loans. Here's where to get emergency help.

Secret debt is more common than you think. You're usually only liable for debts in your own name or joint names.

Raising children on one income is hard. Check discounts, benefits and maintenance before anything else.