Struggling with debt? Learn which debts to pay first, what happens if you miss payments and where to get free, confidential debt advice from services like StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice.
Avoiding post, borrowing to pay bills, or using credit for food are early warning signs. Spotting them early means more options — and free help exists.
Priority debts first: rent/mortgage, council tax, energy, TV licence, court fines. Then non-priority like credit cards, BNPL and overdrafts.
Contact creditors early. Explain, ask for breathing room (like freezing interest), and only agree what you can actually afford.
In a crunch: sort priority from non-priority, contact creditors, and use the free help available — including your uni's hardship fund.
Budget first. Pay essentials and priority debts, then share what's left fairly (pro rata) between non-priority creditors.
Breathing Space (England & Wales): a 60-day pause on most interest, fees and enforcement, applied for through a debt adviser. A longer version exists for people getting mental health crisis treatment.
Proper debt advice is free. Charities, Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper can help — and so can your uni's money advice team.
Options range from informal payment plans to formal legal solutions. They work differently in Scotland. Always get free advice before choosing.
Bailiffs must follow strict rules. Never ignore court papers. Get free advice the moment a serious letter arrives.
Debt and mental health are linked. You can tell creditors, ask an adviser about extra protections, and talk to someone any time.
No genuine service will cold call you, demand upfront fees for advice, or promise to wipe debts instantly. Free advice is always available.
Open everything. Spot fakes. Deal with priority debts first. Get free advice — and your uni's hardship fund — early.
GameDebt & Getting Help: quick answers
Mo realises he's using his overdraft for rent every month. What's the most useful first step?
List everything coming in and going out, then talk to free debt advice or the uni money team. Yes. Seeing the full picture plus free, confidential help = way more options.
Mo has £300 spare. He owes £300 on a credit card (texting him daily) and £300 council tax arrears. Which first?
The council tax arrears, then contact the card company. Right. Priority first, then explain to the card company and offer what's affordable.
On the phone, the card company asks Mo to pay £200 a month. He can afford £40. What does he say?
'I can afford £40 a month — here's my budget showing why'. Yes. An offer based on your real budget is more likely to stick, and creditors should consider it.
After the game: Priya's birthday is Saturday and Mo has £15 spare. What's kind AND sensible?
Be honest, suggest a cheaper plan or a homemade card and a cuppa. Real friends get it. Loud budgeting: 'I'm skint this week, can we do pres at mine?'
Mo has £60 a month left for non-priority debts. He owes £1,200 on a credit card and £600 on an overdraft. Shared fairly by size (pro rata), how much goes to the card?
Total debt £1,800. Card is £1,200 ÷ £1,800 = two thirds. Two thirds of £60 = £40 to the card, £20 to the overdraft.
Mo lives in Scotland. Can he get Breathing Space?
Scotland has its own separate protection, so he should ask a debt adviser what applies. Right. Scotland has its own moratorium and debt solutions. A free adviser will know the details.
Which question tells you most about whether a debt help service is legit?
'Are you free, and are you FCA-authorised or a recognised charity?'. Yes. Debt advice firms must be FCA-authorised. Free charity services exist, so you never need to pay for advice.
Mo's flatmate in Glasgow asks about a Debt Relief Order. What's true?
Scotland has its own set of debt solutions, so advice should be Scotland-specific. Exactly. Scottish advisers know the local options.
Debt & Getting Help: in-depth guides
Related topics
- Benefits & SupportUniversal Credit and help you might not know exists.
- BorrowingOverdrafts, BNPL, cards and loans: the real cost.
- BudgetingMake the money last longer than the month.
Browse the whole money library or play the free money games.