30k in debt on part time earnings

Bullford07

Hi

My auntie has asked for help to solve her serious debt problems, we haven’t had chance to speak in detail as it’s a big secrete from rest of our family.

So far I know she’s in roughly £30k worth of debt from bank loan £11k, rest credit cards with high interest as she used them mainly to draw cash. Due to healthy problems she only works part-time and takes home around £900 per month, her out goings are coming close to £800 per month. She’s in a vicious circle of using her credit cards to live due to having nothing left each month. I’m aware she also had a gambling problem which contributed. Her partner of 20 years is not aware of any it or her son, she’s to scared to tell him for risk of losing him and the house they own. I’m really worried, she is now on depression tablets and doesn’t know where to turn.

Due to the secrecy aspect she doesn’t want letters or calls going to her home. And is worried about phoning advise lines etc from home incase her partners notices numbers on the phone bill.

Where do I start in helping her?

She has spoken to debit line who mentioned using a company to manage her debits, how does this work?

I would appreciate any advice offered.

Many thanks

Got2change

Just wanted to bump this up so it doesn't get missed.
There are people on here who are waaaay cleverer than me but just a couple of immediate words of advice:

CCCS - Consumer Credit Counselling Service
National Debtline - or
Citizens Advice Bureau - this will be a wait, I would fear so the other two (phone calls for initial advice) may be speedier.

Any of these will be able to help her look at the situation and possible directions to take - be it a Debt Management Plan or personal Bankruptcy.
She should also look at the gambling problem - Gamblers Anonymous maybe?

Meanwhile, she will also need to draw up detailed figures of what/who she owes (a Statement of Affairs) and details of her Income and Outgoings
(I & E) - these will be needed by anyone offering debt advice and certainly what anyone who might be able to help on here would ask for.

Good for you for caring.

Conor_3

TBH, she's not got any choice in the letters going to her home from her creditors and if she does tell her partner then chance are they could help out. Either way, if the house is jointly in her name or any of the finances are then the partner is going to find out eventually, usually when they go to apply for soemthing on credit or a mobile phone and it's declined because if they're linked by joint account or mortgage, what happens to her impacts on his credit rating too.