Debt & Debt Management

Understanding debt, managing multiple debts, and knowing when and how to seek help — including free charity options.

⚠ Risk note

If you are struggling with debt, contact a free debt charity before taking on more credit. StepChange: 0800 138 1111. National Debtline: 0808 808 4000.

★ Start here

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Debt Consolidation Loans: A Plain-English Guide

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.

8 MIN →

Guides on this topic

high risk

Debt Consolidation Loans: A Plain-English Guide

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.

8 MIN →

low risk

How To Get Financial Advice: When & Where

A complete UK guide to how to get financial advice: when & where. Plain English, no affiliate links, no financial advice.

6 MIN →

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Early Loan Repayment: Evaluating the Pros and Cons

A complete UK guide to early loan repayment: evaluating the pros and cons. Plain English, no affiliate links, no financial advice.

6 MIN →

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Personal Loans: Understanding Finance Options, Risks & More

A complete UK guide to personal loans: understanding finance options, risks & more. Plain English, no affiliate links, no financial advice.

8 MIN →

Related situations All situations →

I want to consolidate debt → I have bad credit → I'm worried about repayments →

Tools & calculators

Tool

Borrowing Affordability Checklist

A structured checklist to run through before applying for any loan — to make sure you have considered the risks.

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Tool

Debt Consolidation Worksheet

Comparing the total cost of your current debts against a consolidated loan to see whether consolidation saves money.

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Simple Budget Planner

Understanding how much you have left after essential outgoings to safely commit to a loan repayment.

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Key terms Full glossary →

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) The Annual Percentage Rate shows the total cost of credit per year, including fees and int… CCJ (County Court Judgement) A court order issued in England and Wales when you fail to repay money you owe. A CCJ stay… Debt consolidation Combining multiple debts into a single loan, usually to simplify repayments or reduce the … Default A default is recorded when you fail to make repayments for a sustained period — typically … Secured loan A loan backed by collateral — usually your home. If you fail to repay, the lender can repo… Unsecured loan A loan not tied to any asset. If you default, the lender cannot automatically seize proper…

Common questions

Is debt consolidation a good idea? +

It can simplify repayments and reduce your monthly outgoings — but only if the new interest rate is genuinely lower than what you are currently paying. Extending the term to reduce payments often means paying more overall.

What are priority debts? +

Priority debts are ones where missing payments has the most serious consequences — mortgage or rent arrears, council tax, energy bills, and court fines. Pay these before unsecured loans or credit cards.

When should I contact a free debt charity? +

As soon as you think you might miss a payment. The earlier you contact a charity like StepChange or National Debtline, the more options are available to you.

Can a lender take me to court over a debt? +

Yes. If a debt is unpaid a lender can apply for a County Court Judgement (CCJ). A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years and can lead to enforcement action. Take debt letters seriously and contact free advice services early.

Struggling with debt? Free charities are ready to help.

These organisations offer free, confidential, impartial advice — no referral fee, no catch.

StepChange

Free debt advice charity

0800 138 1111

National Debtline

Free, independent debt advice

0808 808 4000

MoneyHelper

Free money guidance (govt-backed)

0800 011 3797