Debt help * stop repossession * debt consolidation * money problems * financial solutions * cheaper mortgages * debt help * low interest loans * avoid bankruptcy * cheap finance

With interest rates rising and fixed term mortgages coming to an end, more people are seeking help with debt problems. Solutions to stop house repossessions are often available though cheaper remortgages, low cost loans and cheap finance.

Start of article about debt problems

So, are they right those people who say that we bring our debt problems on ourselves? Well, I have to say that if you recognised yourself and your shopping habits when you were reading that stuff about impulse purchases, then you do need to accept a degree of responsibility if you want to try to rid yourself of your debt problems.

If you really want to clear your credit card debts then the first thing you need to do is to stop taking your credit cards everywhere with you. Either cut them up, or put them away in a safe place for genuine emergencies. Then, whenever you go shopping, decide beforehand what you need to buy and what you can afford to buy.

Let's suppose you decided you could afford to spend £100. Once you get to the shops, go to the cash machine and withdraw £100. Once the cash has run out, go home. If you manage to finish all your shopping with money left over, then (and only then) should you consider buying yourself some kind of treat that wasn't part of your original budget.

Trust me: if you shop like this, you'll stay within your budget.

Meanwhile, you need to do something about that outstanding balance on the credit card(s) that you no longer use. Have a look in the money section of the weekend papers, or use an online comparison website, and see if you can find a credit card that is offering a 0% balance transfer.

Apply for the card and as soon as it arrived, cut it in half. Then, move all your existing balances onto it. Usually you can do this with a simple phone call. You also need to make sure that you set up a direct debit in favour of the new credit card company so as they will automatically take the minimum payment from your bank account each month. That will ensure you don't get stung for any further late payment fees.

At the end of each month, if you have got any money left over come payday, then use it to pay off some of the money on your credit card.

Stick to this regime each month and eventually you will clear your credit card debts. If the interest free period on your credit card runs out before you have cleared the balance, then look around for another card offering a similar deal and move your credit card balance again.

As well as those who blame consumers for the mounting levels of debt in the UK, there are also those who blame the banks, credit card companies, and other finance companies for what they class as irresponsible lending.

Certainly it does seem to have become much easier to borrow money these days. There are far more lenders in the market now than there were ten or twenty years ago, and this has led to increased competition and a wider range of borrowing choices for consumers.

Banks and credit card companies spend vast amounts of money on TV advertising, junk mail and other marketing initiatives to try to get new customers or to encourage existing customers to take out new loans.

Debt advice