Do you think you might have a debt problem? Through our experience in helping people with debt and research from the University of Bristol we’ve uncovered the key warning signs that may indicate if you have a debt problem.
By answering five simple yes/no questions about your finances we’ll be able to help you assess your situation, and let you know the next steps you should take.
If we think you have a problem and need debt advice, our StepChange colleagues will help you every step of the way.
Take the test now.
Worried about debt?
If your situation is filling you with dread, answer 5 quick questions to find out what you should do next.
Be honest – this will just be between us, and we′ll not record any of the
answers you give.
Do you use credit, loans or an overdraft until your wages or benefits come in?
Have you been making minimum repayments on debts or even missing repayments
on them?
Have you received any charges for late payments, or fees for your overdraft
recently?
Are you currently using credit cards to cover your repayments?
Have you been using credit to pay your household bills or fallen behind on
paying them?
Things are looking pretty good
Don′t worry, things are looking pretty good
From what you′ve told us, you don′t have a debt problem.
Make sure you keep on top of your money. You can use our budgeting guides to get started. If anything changes and you can′t pay your bills as
easily in the future, this will help you.
If you′re worried about money, don′t wait to come back to us for free and impartial debt
advice. We′re here to help you whenever you need us.
You should act now to avoid bigger problems later
From what you′ve told us, you may have a debt problem. Don′t worry, there′s lots you can do. And taking
action now means you start to sort it out quicker.
You can get debt advice online, and switch to the phone if you want to talk with someone. Either way, we
won′t share your details with anyone.
Or, if you′re not ready to get help, make sure you keep on top of your finances. You can use our budgeting
guides to start.
It looks like you need help with your debts
From what you′ve told us, your debt has become a problem. You may be worried about this, but we can help
you.
Get debt advice
online now, and you can switch to the phone if you want to talk with someone. Either way, we won′t
share your details with anyone.
We′ll help you to create a budget. This will show you how much you can afford to pay towards your debts.
We′ll also help you deal with the people you owe money to and recommend ways to start to sort out your debt.
We′re here for you online 24/7 and by phone Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 8-4. If you need to stop and come back later,
that’s fine.
You need help with your debts
From what you′ve told us, your debt sounds a big problem. You′re probably worried about this. We can help
you.
Get debt
advice online now, and you can switch to the phone if you want to talk with someone. Either way, we
won′t share your details with anyone.
We′ll help you to create a budget, which will show you how much you can afford to pay towards your debts.
We′ll also help you deal with the people you owe money to, and recommend ways to start to sort out your
debt.
We′re here for you online 24/7 and by phone Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 8-4. If you need to stop and come back later,
that’s fine.
Sarah
“It didn′t matter how many times I re-worked my finances – I would just keep overspending.
I just kept telling myself that I had it all under control, but my debts were creeping up over time.” Sarah′s story
Jamie
“I hid it from my friends because I didn′t want to be judged. I didn′t want to seem like
that person who didn′t know how to handle money.” Jamie′s story
Carol
“When I found StepChange Debt Charity, they didn′t want anything from me except the truth.
When I spoke to the first advisor on the phone I was in a bit of a state, but she made me feel a lot better
and that I wasn′t being judged in any way, which made a huge difference.” Carol′s story
John, Greater Manchester
“StepChange don’t judge you. They’re here to help. I feel a lot less stressed
thanks to them.”
Beth, Devon
“The service has been amazing, I feel a massive weight off my mind and no longer worry
about my finances.”