Citizens Advice North Herts: Feeling overwhelmed by debt? You're not alone

The good news? You can take steps today to start taking control of your finances. 1. Gather the facts Before doing anything else, get a clear picture of what you owe.

Make a list of all your debts, including: Include everything — rent or mortgage arrears, council tax, credit cards, energy bills, and even money borrowed from friends or family. It might feel overwhelming at first, but having all the information in one place is the first step to getting help. You can also request a free credit report from agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.



Double-check letters and statements from creditors to make sure your list is up to date. 2. Prioritise what matters most Not all debts are equal.

Priority debts are the ones that can lead to serious consequences if left unpaid — such as eviction, court action, or having your electricity cut off. These include: Start by tackling these, even if you can’t afford to pay everything at once. 3.

Look at income and expenses See if there’s any way to increase your income — are you missing out on benefits, grants, or tax relief? If you’re working, check your payslip to ensure you’re being paid correctly. Next, go through your essential expenses. Look for ways to cut back — switching to cheaper tariffs, applying for council tax reductions, or cutting subscription costs can make a difference.

4. Make a plan Once you know where you stand, talk to your creditors. Let them know you’re taking steps and ask them to pause payments or stop adding interest while you sort things out.

5. Get support Talking to someone you trust can make a huge difference. If that’s not possible, you can get free support from Citizens Advice or mental health organisations.

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face debt alone either. Citizens Advice North Herts provides free advice in many local settings. We have offices in Letchworth and Royston.

Find out more about our services on our website at northhertscab.org.uk or about Citizens Advice Stevenage at www.

stevenagecab.org.uk/ .

You can call our Free Advice Line on 0800 144 88 48. Opening hours are 10am to 9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday..