Key messages:
* Do something NOW — the problem will not go away
* Contact your mortgage lender for help
* Seek advice
* Keep a ' Spending Diary' (see below)
* Do a personal budget
* Tell your mortgage lender what you are doing
Things to avoid
* Loans to repay debts
* Handing back your keys
Spending Diaries
An eye-opener indeed! That seemingly inexpensive 60p daily snack to go with your coffee can
add up to £156 over a year! A daily sandwich at £1.50 is £390 a year!
To create a diary, simply divide a sheet of paper into columns. Label each column with headers
covering ALL your weekly outgoings. Note down every item you buy and its cost. At the end of the
month, total all columns you might be in for some surprises! Especially if you then times your total
by twelve to arrive at your annual spend.
FREE ADVICE
Recognising the need for FREE advice we urge you to contact the following agencies if you are
experiencing financial difficulties.
Credit Unions
These are profit-sharing cooperatives offering local residents an easy way to save and borrow
money, including very low cost loans and insurance. They also help members to manage their
finances.
Website: www.abcul.org
Welfare Rights Service
- A team of Welfare Rights Officers who provide advice, support and information on welfare right
issues for those who are already involved with Social Services.
Website: www.welfarerights.net
National Debt Line
Provides a free, confidential and independent phone service
Helpline: 0808 8084000 (free phone)
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Mortgage Code Compliance Board
For a copy of " You and your Mortgage"
Helpline: 901785 218200
Website: www.mortgagecode.org.uk
Business Debtline
Free, confidential and independent advice for self-employed people and small business.
Tel: 0800 197 6026 (free phone)
Website: www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk
Advice UK
All members provide free confidential advice, but not all provide money advice.
To find your nearest centre Telephone 0207 4074070
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
CCCS offers a structured programme on how to manage your money.
Tel: 0800 1381111 (free phone)
The Community Legal Service (CLS)
Aims to make it easier for the public to get legal help and advice. Look on their website for
details of agencies in this area
Website: www.communitylegaladvice.org
Credit Action
Provides information and guidance for people with debt or money worries.
Tel: 0800 138111 (free phone)
Website: www.creditaction.org.uk
Jobcentre Plus Office
Your local office can advise you if you are eligible for any benefits
Tel: 0800 0556688
Dunstable Branch telephone: 01582 685200
Money Made Clear (FSA)
Consumer Helpline: 0845 6061234
Consumer Website: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Website: www.nacab.org.uk
Advisors from the Citizens Advice Bureau attend the Houghton Regis Neighbourhood Centres on
Friday' s (fortnightly): 9.00 am — 12.00 pm
Call (01582) 867692 or 758023 to book your appointment.
