Don’t Face Debt Alone – We Are Here To Help

Advice NI predicted 2023 would signal the beginning of an extremely challenging year for more people, as the cost of living crisis leaves household finances at trigger point.

Financial difficulties are on the increase. Rising petrol, food, and energy prices have pushed households into an unprecedented cost of living crisis. Sinead Campbell, Head of Money, Debt and Quality with Advice NI said:

“This can be an extremely stressful time for people who have additional needs and we are encouraging anyone experiencing financial difficulties or who are at risk of being in debt to get in touch and speak to our expert advisers and not to face their debt alone. Our Helpline number is 0800 915 4604.”

She explains:

“January is typically a difficult month for many people as bills and debt from Christmas spending become reality, but this year the landscape has changed. Due to the cost of living crisis, people who’ve never experienced debt before are struggling and the unfortunate reality for many this year, is an overreliance on credit cards and loans.

Although it can seem like the easiest option is to ignore your debt, this can lead to further difficulties and additional stress.  Getting in touch with a debt adviser early and sharing your worries will offer more options to finding a solution that works for you.  No one should tackle debt alone and many people are feeling the struggle right now. Debt should no longer be a taboo subject.”

“If you are experiencing financial difficulties, and have been using your credit card or a loan as a crutch to support your household finances and are now worried things are spiralling and you may struggle to repay your bills – we are here to help.”

Advice NI’s free and confidential Debt & Money Service, funded by the Department for Communities, aims to help clients to free their future by providing straight-forward debt advice to tackle the issue head-on. Once service users call the debt service, expert money and debt advisers provide advice and information to help people take back control of their finances, including bespoke support, budget advice, solutions to deal with your debt and negotiating with creditors on your behalf.

Advice NI can also provide a free benefit entitlement check to ensure you are in receipt of all the benefits you are entitled to.

 

How to get help:

Freephone Advice NI’s helpline on 0800 915 4604 -9am and 5pm Monday – Friday.

Email advice@adviceni.net

Webchat www.adviceni.net  to speak to an adviser online.  

Online tools & resources - There are a number of online resources to help with budgeting and money, click here to find out more https://www.adviceni.net/money-debt

To find your local advice centre search https://www.adviceni.net/local-advice