Money

Ql I had always worked since leaving school 3
years ago, but now my job has ended I have
loads of debts. What can I do?

Al The best thing you can do is get down to your
local advice service or CAB for some free and
confidential advice. Before going, it will
help if you get a few details together:

- Get details of all your creditors (people
you owe money to) including name, address,
account number, how much you owe, and what
your normal repayments would be.

- Check if you have any insurance that may
cover some of the debts when you are out
of work.

- Do a rough ‘financial statement’ or budget
of what money you have coming in, and what
you are spending money on (rent, food, gas,
etc).

Your local CAB will be able to give you free
and confidential advice about how to deal with
debts. At Stockton, the Youth Advice Service
will also do a benefit check to see that you
are getting all the benefits you are entitled
to.

The service can also help to negotiate with
creditors on your behalf when necessary.