Information & News Blog | Fresh Start UK

How To Spot Illegal Money Lenders

It’s essential that if you do borrow money that you do it from a reputable provider, one that’s authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to lend money legally.

What Is Credit Card Debt?

When used appropriately, credit cards can actually be quite helpful and, in fact, they can be used to build up a healthy credit score, which can be very beneficial for gaining access to other financial products, such as a mortgage.

Cost Of Living Crisis Dents UK’s Bank Of Mum And Dad

The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on Britain’s so-called ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, which first time buyers have relied on to help them afford a deposit.

How To Spot Bailiff & FCA Scams

We’ve recently started seeing a rise in calls from clients concerned about scam communications from creditors, bailiffs and the Financial Conduct Authority.

What Can You Do If Your Debt Has Been Sold?

Here is what you need to know about debt purchasing, what your rights are and what to do if your debt has been sold on.

Buy Now Pay Later ‘Proving Popular’ Amid Cost Of Living Crisis

A new study has found that 38% of employees have used BNPL in the past, while 15% have plans in place to use it in the future. See more on the blog now.

How To Get A Council Tax Reduction

Three-quarters of councils around England have plans in place to increase taxes by the maximum amount this month. Find out how to reduce your bills here.

How To Avoid Debt Advice Scams

It may be that the cost of living crisis is leading to an increase in debt advice scammers seeking to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable.

How To Save Money On Your Bills

Though bills are starting to come down, they’re still much higher than they were before the pandemic and experts predict that they’ll stay high until the 2030s.

Cost Of Living Crisis ‘Particularly Acute’ For SEND Children/Families

A new study has found that, on average, a family with a disabled child now has to pay £581 more per month than those with non-SEND children. See more here.

Gambling Now Viewed As Potential Cost Of Living Solution

Research has revealed that 42% of people who are gambling at harmful levels believe it will improve their finances in the next 12 months. See more here.

Debt Help In Scotland

Those of you looking for help with debt in Scotland right now may want to consider the debt arrangement scheme as a potential avenue to financial freedom.

Scottish Debt Help: What Is The Debt Arrangement Scheme?

When it comes to Scottish debt help, you are able to set up a debt repayment plan through a debt arrangement scheme.

5 FAQs About Payday Loans

If you’d like any further help or advice relating to payday loans debt advice, get in touch with us today.

Utility Bills Debt Advice

When it comes to paying bills, it’s important to remember that some should be prioritised above others – and this includes your utility bills.

Lenders ‘Worried’ About Mortgage Defaults Amid Cost Of Living Crisis

Research has revealed that mortgage lenders are bracing themselves for a rise in mortgage loan defaults in the first quarter of 2023. See more on the blog.

What Is Economic Abuse & Coerced Debt?

Economic abuse occurs when someone interferes with an individual’s ability to acquire, use and maintain resources like money, transportation and utilities.

Can Envelope Stuffing Help With Budgeting?

With prices for nigh on everything rising steadily, it can be difficult to keep track of what money is spoken for and what is free to use.

‘Varying Degrees’ Of Money Management Support For Older People

The financial management support provided to older people, many of whom may not have the mental capacity to manage their funds, varies greatly. See more here.

1/4 Households ‘Regularly’ Run Out Of Cash For Essentials

1 in 4 households regularly find they don’t have enough funds to cover the essentials, with almost 40% saying they have no money left at the end of the month.

How To Use Your Credit Card Responsibly

Credit cards can be useful financial tools – as long as you use them wisely. If you’re not careful, you run the risk of falling into credit card debt.

What Is A Trust Deed?

A trust deed is a form of debt management available to people in Scotland that allows those with debt over £5,000 to regain control over their finances.

6 FAQs About Administration Orders

If you’re facing financial difficulties, there are various debt solutions available to you depending on your specific set of circumstances. One potential solution is an administration order

What Is The Breathing Space Scheme?

If you have problem debt, the Breathing Space scheme can give you the time you need to regain financial control, with legal protections from creditors in place.

5 Quick Ways To Cut Back On Spending

To help you claw back some cash so you can start saving, here are some top tips from the team here at Fresh Start.

‘Technical Recession’ Avoided, But Income Pressures Remain

New research from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research has found that household incomes will still feel the squeeze as the cost of living crisis continues to make its presence known.

3 Top Tips For Clearing Credit Card Debt

If you have built up a bit of credit card debt, there are ways in which you can go about clearing it so you can get back in the black and ease your financial pressures.

What Is Fuel Poverty?

The cost of living crisis may see growing numbers of households in fuel poverty, where it becomes unaffordable to heat or cool homes to suitable temperatures.

What Are Bridging Loans?

There are many different avenues you can go down when it comes to accessing the finance you need for various ventures and ideas you may have

What Powers Do Bailiffs Have?

If you are unable to pay your debts, whether that’s council tax or other priority bill. it’s possible that a bailiff will visit your home in order to collect the debt.

4.7 Million People Behind On Bills, Report Reveals

The study found that the households on the very lowest incomes are the ones struggling the most

Setting Up A Debt Management Plan

If you are in debt, knowing that you aren’t alone and that there are solutions out there that can help you can ease your worries.

UK Household Incomes Predicted To Fall £2,100

New research has now revealed that typical household disposable incomes for working families is on track to drop by three per cent this financial year.

What Happens After You Declare Bankruptcy?

Once the dust has settled and the order has been completed, what actually happens after you’ve declared bankruptcy?

Is Debt Consolidation The Right Way To Manage Debt?

There are several options available, some of which involve the courts, and each of them can be the right choice depending on your circumstances.

‘Technical Recession’ Avoided, But Income Pressures Remain

The likes of Klarna and Clearpay are fast becoming household names, providing retailers like Asos, Marks & Spencer and other big brands with the facility to offer BNPL.

What Is The Difference Between Secured And Unsecured Debts?

The concept of debt security is one that is often obfuscated and misunderstood, but it is a very important aspect of debt to understand

Secured Loan Debt: What Can Happen?

Whenever you take on any type of debt, it’s generally advisable to do some reading and research first so you’re aware of the pros and cons.

How To Avoid Energy Scams

Being aware of the different scams being used by criminals is a good idea, as it will help you be on your guard, while familiarising yourself with the warning signs is another way to ensure you won’t fall victim to fraud.

5 FAQs About IVAs

To help you work out whether an IVA would be the best solution for you and your situation, here are some FAQs about these agreements that may steer you in the right direction.

Are Payday Loans Dangerous?

For people with a bad or limited credit history, payday loans can help them bridge the financial gap, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

Payday Loan Debt Problem Affects Professionals Too

People from all walks of life are struggling at the moment and, as such, may now resort to payday loans.

8 Top Tips For Working Out A Budget

Without keeping account of everything, it can be very easy to overspend – but it can also be difficult to track everything, which is why budgeting can be a useful strategy to employ.

Could An Individual Voluntary Arrangement Help To Pay Off Debts?

The most important fact to bear in mind when deciding between several possible debt solutions is that no two circumstances are entirely alike.

What Does New Jeremy Hunt Budget Mean For You?

The last few weeks have seen a huge number of economic changes in the UK, with a mini-Budget published at the end of September and then, subsequently, being overturned.

A Quick Guide To IVAs

Dealing with debt can be tough, but the good news is that there are many solutions out there made to help you get out of your debt.

Top Tips To Help Cope Mentally With Debt

If you are dealing with severe debt to the point of receiving final demands and phone calls, it can take an immense toll on your mental health.

Inflation Fall may Be Too Late For Those In Debt

Even the jobs market, where unemployment is presently at its lowest since 1974, is expected to deteriorate in the coming months.

Can Cash Help With Budgeting?

Many people find it all too easy to spend money on their bank or credit cards, whether online shopping or…

How Can You Navigate The Cost Of Living Crisis?

As of 1st October, the UK Government’s Energy Price Guarantee will take effect, meaning that for the next two years a typical household will pay an average of £2500 per year

Best Credit Counselling Service Award For Fresh Start UK

Fresh Start UK has been named as the Best Credit Counselling Service in northern England in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022.

What Are Priority Debts And What Should You Pay First?

Priority debts are the ones that should be focused on first, as they have the most serious and significant consequences if they are left unpaid.

Consumers Ditch Spending During COL Crisis

Shoppers have waited a long time to be able to hit their favourite stores without having to face Covid-19 restrictions….

Outgoings To Exceed Incomings By Third

Millions of households in the UK are set to be hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, with those on the lowest incomes having to spend a third more than they earn on their monthly outgoings.

Inflation Hits 40-Year High

According to the latest figures from the ONS, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 10.1 per cent between July 2021 and July 2022.

What Are Priority Debts?

It can be difficult to know what to do and where to turn if you are in debt and struggling financially, but it’s important not to ignore the problem, even if you’ve only missed one or two payments.

What Is Breathing Space?

It’s important to remember that, if you are struggling financially, you’re not alone and there is help available out there to get you back on a more even keel.

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