Martin Hale
Debt and risk reviewer
Martin Hale writes the pieces people read when they're worried about money. His brief at Jolly Good Guide is to make the risks of a borrowing decision visible before the benefits — and to point readers to free debt help every time the topic warrants it. He covers debt consolidation, missed payments, bad-credit borrowing, secured loans and high-cost credit. He never tells readers what to do; he makes the safer paths obvious.
Debt consolidation, bad credit, missed payments, secured borrowing, payday loans and high-cost credit, risk panels, content for readers under financial pressure.
High-risk topics include free-debt-help signposting (StepChange · 0800 138 1111) on every page.
A plain-English UK guide to borrowing options if you have a poor credit history. Covers what bad credit means, loan types, risks, and free help.
A plain-English UK guide to debt consolidation loans. Covers what they are, when they may help, the risks, what to compare, and where to get free debt help.
A plain-English UK guide to the main debt solutions, from budget reviews and informal arrangements to debt management plans, Debt Relief Orders, Individual Voluntary Arrangements, debt consolidation, bankruptcy and the Scottish equivalents. Free debt help signposted throughout.
A plain-English UK guide to guarantor loans. Covers how they work, the risks for both borrower and guarantor, alternatives, and where to get free help.
A plain-English UK guide to homeowner loans. Covers how they work, how interest rates are structured, the key risks, and where to get free debt help.
A plain-English guide to payday loans and high-cost short-term credit in the UK. Covers how they work, the risks, alternatives, and where to get free help.
A plain-English UK guide to secured loans. Covers how they work, the risks, what to compare, and free help if you are struggling with debt.
The FCA has raised concerns about claims management companies making debt situations worse, and opened new regulatory support for financial firms. Here is what UK borrowers under…
If a loan payment is looking impossible this month, acting quickly and contacting your lender is usually the safest first step. Here is what UK borrowers should know.
Bad credit is not a single score or a permanent label. This update explains what the term actually covers in the UK, which lenders check, and what a bad credit record can mean for…
If you applied for financial assistance in any form to help fund your summer getaway, it’s important to begin effectively managing your debt straight away. Luckily, we’re here to help, showing you how to manage debt accumulated over summer to ensure you’re financially secure by the winter months.
We’re taking a look at what you can do when your debt gets too much - providing a variety of debt management tips to help you tackle your debt along the way. From considering getting free debt advice to ensuring your bills are paid on time as not to harm your credit score, read this post here.
Today, we’re looking at debt consolidation loans & providing you with the key benefits of taking one out like reducing stress & confining debts into 1 payment.
Simply put, bad credit loans are loans for people with bad credit. In this blog post, we'll take you through what you need to consider before applying for one. From the factors that are considered in your application to the types of bad credit loan available to you - discover what's right for you.
In this blog post, we're helping those of you who have been refused finance turn your personal finances around and improve your credit score in 7 simple steps. From tying up loose ends and ensuring you're signed up to the elecoral roll to limiting your credit applications, discover more here.
In this blog post, we’re providing 5 tell-tale signs that your financial debts are getting out of hand to help you get back on the road to becoming debt free. From how you feel and realising that your total debt is increasing instead of reducing, to borrowing money from loved ones - find out more.
This quick guide will have you on your way to fixing your bad credit rating & starting afresh, by offering actionable advice & letting you know what to avoid. From considering getting a credit card to knowing exactly what lenders are looking for, this blog post will help you help your future.