Our financial stability can be fragile at times and when circumstances don’t go to plan it can be difficult to cope with things on your own. Ross and Cromarty CAB Money Advice service can help individuals, couples or families who are struggling with or worried about debts, we can help you decide the best course of action for your personal circumstances. 
When dealing with problems around debt always remember that it won’t go away and that early action is always the best course of action. If you would like to contact our Money Advice team for help then download and return the Money Advice Pack and we will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Options for dealing with Debt
There are many different options for dealing with debt. What is applicable will be determined by your own circumstances. Our national website, www.adviceguide.org.uk has produced information outlining options including Debt Arrangement Schemes, Trust Deeds and even asking for the debt to be written off.

 
Priority Debts
It is important when discussing options though to identify what we call ‘priority debts’. These debts are categorised because not paying them would result in particularly serious consequences. Examples of priority debts are:

• Mortgage or Rent Arrears: If these aren’t paid you could lose your home
• Child or partner maintenance: If this goes unpaid a a wages arrestment could be sought or your bank account frozen, ultimately you could be sent to prison if the arrears continued to be unpaid.
• Utility Bills: If you don’t pay your utility bills you could be cut off.

Budgeting
Whatever else it’s always a good idea to work out a budget for you or for your household. Sitting down to work out a budget can help you to understand more about where you are spending your money. Remember though that you need to be completely honest with yourself about your budget otherwise it will never work. If you spend £2.50 on lunch at the shop every work day then forgetting to include this can have a big impact on your weekly or monthly budget.