Free debt advice is most effective when you arrive with the right information. This guide helps you collect paperwork, build a budget and write down questions, so the adviser can quickly explain your options. It also covers what to expect and how to spot services that are not genuinely free.
Step by step
Choose a free advice service
Contact a free, regulated service such as Citizens Advice, StepChange or National Debtline. Be wary of companies that appear in adverts and charge fees for services charities provide free. MoneyHelper has a tool to help you find free debt advice.
Collect your paperwork
Gather recent statements for all debts, letters from creditors, bailiffs or courts, and your last few bank statements and payslips or benefit letters. Include your tenancy or mortgage details and your latest household bills. Put them in date order by creditor.
Prepare a draft budget
Write down your monthly income and essential spending, using your bank statements for real figures. Do not leave out irregular costs such as school expenses or car repairs. The adviser will refine this, but a draft saves time.
Note urgent deadlines
Highlight anything urgent, such as a court date, a notice to leave your home, an enforcement agent visit or an energy supply warning. Tell the adviser about these at the start of the appointment. They may deal with the most urgent problems first.
Write your questions down
List what you want to know, such as how a debt solution would affect your home, job or credit file. Ask whether Breathing Space could pause interest and enforcement while you work out a plan, if you are in England or Wales. Take notes during the appointment.
Follow up on the plan
After the appointment, do the tasks you agreed promptly, such as sending documents or signing forms. Keep copies of everything and note any reference numbers. Contact the adviser if your situation changes.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Free advice service chosen
- Creditor statements and letters gathered
- Bank statements and income evidence collected
- Draft budget prepared
- Urgent deadlines highlighted
- Questions written down
- Follow-up tasks noted after the appointment
Practical tips
- Be completely open about your income and spending, as advisers can only help with the full picture.
- If you find paperwork overwhelming, ask whether the service can help you sort it.
- Keep a notebook for all calls and appointments related to your debts.
Common problems
I have lost some letters from creditors.
Check your credit file and bank statements for details, and ask creditors for up-to-date statements. The adviser can still start work with what you have.
A company offered to write off my debts for a fee.
Be cautious. Check the firm is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and compare its offer with free advice from a charity before signing anything.
I feel embarrassed to ask for help.
Debt advisers deal with situations like yours every day and will not judge you. Getting advice early usually leads to more options.