The Consumer Credit Counselling Service believe that, with their level of debt increasing, men are the new UK underclass

Probably the first thing you need to know if you are in debt is that you are one amongst many. Okay, so the only debt you are worried about is your own but, just sometimes, it helps to know you are not alone.

If you’re a homeowner of 50-55 years and older, equity release schemes are one of many debt solutions you might wish to consider.

Put very simply, debt consolidation involves taking out a loan with which to pay off all your other debts. So, in effect, you replace mutliple regular payments with just one. Seems easy, yes? Perhaps debt consolidation is the best solution for your current situation but it is vital that you take many things into account before going ahead.

Bankruptcy is the official declaration that you cannot repay your debts. This is used only as a last resort, when you have found no other way to get out of debt. For most people, this is not the best option. Bankruptcy can only be successful if you really have tried every other option and none [...]