Articles

Budgeting

9 practical tips for cutting your household expenses

We all want to save on our household bills and have more money in our pocket for the fun things in life. While bills are an unavoidable fact of life, here are some ways you can help to reduce them:

How can I keep my gas and electric bills low in 2024?

With constant changes in energy costs make sure you known what you are paying for your gas and electricity throughout 2024.

Trust Deed

Can you pay off a trust deed early?

A trust deed is a formal debt solution for people in Scotland who are in unmanageable debt. It helps them to escape the relentless creditor pressure that can be experienced in this situation, and allo...

Personal Debts

What reason should I give when applying for a personal loan?

When you apply for a personal loan it’s important to be open with the lender and tell them exactly what the loan is for.

Credit Score

How can you contest a default on your credit file?

If you’ve had a default placed on your credit file it can affect your financial situation in a number of ways. The drop in credit rating makes it more difficult to obtain borrowing, and in some case...

Personal Debts

What happens if you lie on a credit card application?

When credit card companies make a decision about you as a potential customer, they use the information on the application form to assess your credit-worthiness, and establish the most appropriate leve...

Bailiffs and Legal Action

What is a decree or CCJ and how could it affect me?

In Scotland, County Court Judgments (CCJs) are referred to as a decree.

Bailiffs and Legal Action

Council Tax Arrears and Sheriff Summary Warrants Explained

Set procedures exist for the recovery of council tax arrears in Scotland. If the initial and final council tax reminders are not paid, or you do not respond to the communication, it is likely that a S...

Personal Debts

5 Inspirational Stories Of People Who Defeated Their Debt

When you have large personal debt, it often feels as if there’s nothing you can do to get out of that situation. You throw away bills, ignore phone calls, and often feel overwhelmed and scared.

Personal Debts

Moving abroad to escape unpaid debts – what happens?

If you are drowning with unmanageable debt, you may be tempted to try and escape this for good by leaving the country. You may be considering a move abroad for other reasons, such as to be closer to f...

Personal Debts

Dealing with high property factoring fees in Scotland

High factoring fees are placing an increasing financial strain on many property owners in Scotland, with some property factoring companies being criticised for huge price rises for what is often only...

Bailiffs and Legal Action

What powers do bailiffs (Sheriff Officers) have in Scotland?

Sheriff officers work on behalf of companies, government departments and individual creditors to enforce court orders relating to unpaid debt. This may be unsecured debt such as Council Tax arrears or...