Most Scots in Problem Debt ‘Wish They’d Sought Help Sooner’

Most people who contact Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) for help and guidance in dealing with their debts ultimately wish they had reached out for that support sooner than they did.

The charity has revealed that 51 per cent of its clients who were struggling with debts regret not seeking help sooner.

Those figures have been released by the CAS in support of its newly launched campaign aimed at encouraging Scots not to let their financial worries worsen for long periods or to assume that they will somehow resolve themselves.

According to the charity, it could be particularly important for people to seek debt advice during summer 2021 because so many government-backed financial support schemes associated with the pandemic are due to be ended in the coming weeks and months.

CAS’ new campaign is based around the idea that ‘Money Advice Matters’ and that people who are finding it tough to cope financially should seek third party support whenever they need it.

“It’s really understandable that people struggling with bills, debt and money may avoid facing up to it and instead seek to put it off, but our message to people is that money advice matters, so don’t delay and seek advice,” explained Myles Fitt, a financial health spokesperson for CAS.

The CAS’ own statistics show that during the year after the start of the Covid pandemic its teams provided some form of service to almost one million people, with 70 per cent saying that reaching out for help had a positive impact on their mental health.

According to Mr Fitt, a key part of what its advisers can offer their clients is simply the chance to discuss personal finance issues in confidence and to provide an external perspective on the associated problems.

“A problem shared with one of our money advisers is a problem halved and this alone will start to relieve some of the pressure before taking the practical steps to get your finances back on track,” Mr Fitt said recently.

If you live anywhere in Scotland and you are worried about your personal debts then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. You can contact us any time to arrange a FREE and completely confidential consultation.