News Articles

  • In November 2017, the Northern Ireland Bankruptcy Legislation change and one of these changes meant that a creditor cannot apply to petition a client for personal bankruptcy if the debt is under £5k.

  • The Open Banking initiative commences on 13th January 2018 and was created by the Competition and Marketing Authority, who identified many customers are paying more than they should for their banking activities. 

  • My monthly goals are set for the New Year before Big Ben chimes on New Year’s Eve.  Typically, I set small achievable goals for different areas in my life, so I see small results and I don’t fail by first week in February.  I still like you, assist clients set goals with budgets every day

  • Michael Lyttle explains how the impact of recession, welfare reform, spending cuts and unemployment is severely effecting the already disadvantaged members of society that we serve. Michael explains some superb Apex initiatives. 

  • Financial Capability refers to our ability to manage money well day to day, prepare for and manage life events, and deal with financial difficulties. It also focuses on our financial skills and knowledge as well as our attitudes and motivation.

  • Sometimes useful and sometimes harmful for individuals with short term cash flow issues...... overdrafts explained in a little detail.

  • More vulnerable, poorer borrowers who maybe have zero-hour contacts or self-employed, part time work will be less able to repay the lump sum of their mortgage are likely to be seeking advice, which is why the FCA is ramping up efforts to encourage banks and borrower seek new arrangements.

  • On 9 March 2018, legislation was introduced which allows us to test a new payment plan.

  • TRIGGER FIGURES TO BE USED FOR APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ON AND FROM 1ST MAY 2018

  • Gambling is not an allowable expense for a person entering into a Debt Relief Order, however how does it impact on the self-employed people who earn their income from a form of investing? 

  • Specialist Support has seen an increase in queries from debt advisers regarding clients owing to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) creditors.

  • Advice NI highlights importance of advice services as local government is about to undergo significant change. Ahead of changes to local government in Northern Ireland, Advice NI has called upon local Councils to ensure that the work of independent advice services is recognised and protected.Advice NI leads delivery of independent advice services across the current Castlereagh Borough Council area. The service involves face to face service provision by advisors locally deployed to service the Castlereagh outreach venues. Appeal tribunal representation services and dedicated money advice services are in place, a dedicated Freephone line has been established and an email advice facility is also in place.In April 2015, as part of the reform of local government in Northern Ireland the number of councils will be reduced from 26 to 11. There will be significant changes with the majority of households in Castlereagh merging with Lisburn City Council with 38% of the population of Castlereagh and 21% of Lisburn moving to the new Belfast City Council. The new Castlereagh and Lisburn Council area will have approximately 137,000 residents and approximately 56,000 households.Speaking about the service, Bob Stronge Advice NI Chief Executive said: “Independent advice services are much-needed and highly valued by people across Northern Ireland. Advice NI and member organisations have a proven track record in providing excellent advice services across the community and we acknowledge the support and commitment shown by Councils to advice services. We look forward to working with the new Councils post RPA to similarly ensure that independent advice remains a key community service moving forward.”