Suggestions for saving money

• Only buy on a cash basis - if you can't afford something save.
• When you go to buy something ask yourself whether you REALLY need it. Try waiting for thirty days before you buy anything and if you decide you are going to buy it try and obtain one or two quotations to compare prices.
• When you go shopping prepare a list and stick to what’s on the list.
• Keep your financial statement up to date and again stick to it.
• Look for ways to improve your income whilst trying to reduce your expenditure.
• Keep your own accounts.
• Budget for non-regular bills and expenses. By paying some bills by direct debit you automatically receive a small discount.
• Educate all members of your family in managing their own finances.
• Start a regular savings plan - no matter how small the amount.

• REMEMBER - if debts start to build up again seek immediate help and advice.
• DO be realistic - face up to the situation you are in and resolve to deal with it.
• DO take advantage of the help available to you.
• DO get in touch with your creditors immediately to explain your difficulties.
• DO give priority to those debts which may result in you losing your home, fuel supplies or your liberty. i.e. priority debts first and deal with secondary debts after.
• DO remember that your creditors prefer small payments regularly rather than larger, irregular payments that you cannot sustain.
• DO reply to creditors' letters and court summonses within the time period specified and provide detail of your situation.
• DO keep copies of all correspondence, financial statements, debt schedules etc and make sure anything that is confirmed verbally is also confirmed in writing.
• DO attend and/or be represented at court hearings and take all relevant correspondence with you.
• DON'T ignore the problem - it won't go away. i.e. do not bury your head in the sand!
• DON'T give up trying to reach agreement with your creditors even if they are difficult and refuse your initial offers.
• DON'T be threatened into making promises and payments that you cannot action.
• DON'T borrow more money to pay off your debts, especially by taking on more credit or store cards.
• DON'T be afraid to ask for specialist advice - it's FREE call the Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800 1381111 or contact Credit Action (www.creditaction.org.uk).