Citizens' Advice Bureau & debt - what sort of thing do they say?

[UnquietDad]

I know everyone's situation is different but what kind of thing do the CAB tend to recommend doing if you go to them? Is it stuff you can work out for yourself if you have half a brain? Or is it more that they take all the pressure off and do the ringing-round for you?

I know people say they do a great job, but in our situation there is not much that can help beyond either a) more money coming in or b) less going out. And as there are various ways of doing that it's surely in our own hands. I don't expect anyone to wave a magic wand and make everything suddenly balance better.

I used to work at the CAB. In my day we'd write up all the details of the debt and that often took a while then we'd really help to try to stop legal proceedings, condense debt and assist people in calculating re-payment schedules that were affordable. TBH I often felt people felt better just because they'd confessed all. Also people often broughts hundreds of unopened letters that they just couldn't face.

YOU SHOULD GO....it's a brilliant free service and I'd put money on the fact that they can and will help you.

My proudest years were spent at the CAB.

Good luck.

As you say CAB do a great job! If it is monetary concerns they can negotiate with lenders on your behalf to work out a repayment plan you can afford and if you're being threatened with Legal Action can let you know where you stand legally.

They're fully trained in consumer law and practices and can make sure you're receiving your full entitlement to tax credits/benefits etc.

If you're worried, it's worth a phone call.

I had mountains of debt at one time and I didn't go to CAB but that's because I had tons of support and looked up a lot on www.debtquestions.co.uk.

If you wanted to go I strongly urge you to make an appointment with their debt advisor - rather than just any advisor - each branch has one and you may have to wait a while for one.

CCCS are also a great free place for negotiating with your creditors. One of the best things I was ever told was how little power credit card companies have over you and how terrible some of the tactics debt collection companies use - people who get into debt can sometimes be very vulnerable and feel guilty (I know I did) so I started off by being very polite to debt collectors - once they started being really harassing and calling me names I posted on debtquestions and got a great run down on what to do.

If there's any specific advise you need I can try and help

that's advice not advise

Thanks. I think I have missed CAB's window today but I will give them a call tomorrow. Will look at that website too.