Free advice, who you gonna call?
Lesson 7 of 12 in our free Debt & Getting Help guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.
Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.
This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.
The story so far
Mo: I googled 'debt help' and the top results all want a fee.
Nana: The good stuff is free, love. Charities and government-backed services won't charge you a penny.
Chip: Free debt advice options include StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice (Adviceline 0800 144 8848) and MoneyHelper — plus your uni's student money team.
Questions you'll answer
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.
Quick facts
- A national debt charity's helpline → Free & trustworthy. Free, confidential and regulated.
- Your local Citizens Advice → Free & trustworthy. Free and independent.
- An ad promising to 'write off 80% of your debt today!' → Caution. Too-good-to-be-true promises often mean big fees or the wrong solution.
- Your uni's student money / hardship team → Free & trustworthy. Free, and they know student finance inside out.
- A cold caller who 'heard you're in debt' → Caution. Legit advisers don't cold call you. Hang up.
- Myth: “Paying for debt advice gets you a better result than free advice.” — Free charity advisers are fully trained and regulated. Fees just mean less money for your debts.
- Fact: “Debt advice is available by phone, webchat or online tools.” — Pick whatever feels least scary. Webchat counts!
- Myth: “You can only get advice if you're already in arrears.” — You can get advice if you're worried about coming months too.