Do Nothing
Doing nothing when you are in debt can be the worst option of all.
Research shows that 50% of people wait a year or more before they take steps to sort out debt problems. This shows that those first steps are quite often the most difficult to take but they really need to be taken if an easier resolution is going to be created and reached.
If you’re struggling to deal with your debts, it can be really difficult to open letters or talk on the phone, but ignoring the situation is going to make things harder.
What Can Happen If I Ignore the Situation?
If you have arrears on your debts, it’s important that you don’t ignore letters or emails from your creditors.
It’s easy to put off opening letters but that doesn’t help at all. The more they pile up, the harder it’ll be to deal with them, so get into the habit of opening and reading letters as soon as they arrive. If you don’t you may miss something vital.
These important pieces of communication could include:
- Court action or letter of claim
- A statutory demand, which is the first step for a creditor to make you bankrupt
- Your creditor advising you that they’ve passed your debt to a debt collection agency
You have a strict deadline to respond to some of these notices if you want to avoid your creditor taking further action, so please don’t ignore them.
You also need to make sure that your creditors have your most up to date address, otherwise these important letters may be sent to your old address and you may only find out about court action when it’s too late.
Ignoring Phone Calls?
A creditor can’t insist on you dealing with them by phone, and you won’t get in any trouble if you refuse. But if you don’t take the phone calls it makes it even more important that you read and respond to letters and emails promptly.
In this section you’ll find advice about:
- What Happens if I Ignore the Situation?
- Ignoring Phone Calls
Our Work
We work closely with several local debt charities including adviceni.com and ruralsupport.org.uk providing training and support. Linda Wilson, our Voluntary Sector Services Manager, works closely to ensure that our services are accessible to those most in need.
Thanks for taking away the hassle and worry of dealing with my creditors and I am determined to see this through. Everything was easier than I thought it was going to be, and it was nice to know that when you said we would get the paperwork that day we got it that day!
John, Belfast
It all started with a phone call from a strange number that I was reluctant to answer but am thankful I did. My IVA was sorted in a few weeks after struggling for years. You have been lifesavers and a massive weight has been lifted from me. Thank you thank you thank you.
J&S C, Antrim
Absolutely amazing, big thanks to the IVA team especially Darren who done amazing work on getting my IVA approved then getting my full and final offer accepted. These guys have taken a huge weight off my shoulders, anyone that is struggling with debt should 100 % contact these guys.
Mark
Yes, it was stressful in places, yes it took longer than I hoped and yes I sometimes wondered if it was not going to end but we got there and I’m now out of the IVA and debt free. Keep up the great work guys you are desperately needed to help others in the same position.
Anon
Fantastic service from Tom and his team. Tom has a wealth of knowledge and knows the industry really well. He really listened to my concerns and prepared lots of solutions for me.
Maria
Talking to professionals about your debt worries is the first difficult step. Right from the outset Tom Cardwell was understanding, sympathetic and immediately removed my worst fears and put my mind at ease.
Anon
Finally have a light at the end of a long tunnel as my IVA to clear my negative equity has been approved. It was not stress free and has taken years to get here but it is sorted and that’s the main thing.
Anon
