Index Introduction Step 3 Choose your debt solution 43 Is this guide for you? 2 What you need to start Step 3 44 Why use this guide? 3 Why is this step important? 44 Three things to do first 4 How to use this step 45 Hold action on your account sample Deal with your priority debts first 48 letter 6 Summary budget for creditors 49 Extra support if you are dealing with Ways to pay your creditors and make mental health issues 7 offers of payment 51 Other help to deal with your debts 7 Common priority debts 53 Myth busters 8 How to choose a debt solution 70 Debt solutions at a glance 71 Step 1 Know what you’ve really got 11 Can I get credit again? 83 What you need to start Step 1 12 How long will it take to pay my debts Why is this step important? 13 back? 83 Your full budget 14 What to do after you have chosen your Filling in 'Your full budget' 16 debt solution 84 Sole or joint budget? 16 Negotiating with your non-priority Use monthly figures 17 creditors 85 Working out your income 18 Work out offers of payment to non-priority Working out your outgoings 20 debts 86 Savings 22 Pro-rata offers sample letter 88 Know what you owe 23 Token payment or no offer of payment sample letter 89 Sort your debts into priority and No money left to pay your non-priority non-priority debts 24 creditors? 90 Once you have filled in What if your non-priority creditor refuses 'Your full budget' 26 your offer? 90 Can my non-priority creditors add interest Step 2 Maximise your money 29 and charges? 91 What you need to start Step 2 30 Getting a copy of your credit agreement Why is this step important? 30 or account statement 91 Don't miss out 31 What can my non-priority creditors do if I Practical tips to pay less for your don’t pay the debt? 92 everyday living costs 32 If you already have a county court Benefits and tax credits 37 judgment (CCJ) 93 Help from charitable grants 39 Debts with your bank: overdrafts, loans Unhappy with a benefit or tax credit and credit cards 94 decision? 41 Non-priority debts with extra rules 95 Are you having problems with your creditors? 98