Free Debt Help in Wales

Free money advice services are available to residents of Wales who are experiencing difficulty making all debt payments. When the ability to make on-time monthly payments is threatened, getting help before going into default can prevent legal action and permanently damaged credit.

Knowing where to turn for help can be tricky given the number of solicitors that claim that they can help you regain control of your debts. Sometimes though simply turning to the confidential services of charity and government-funded programmes can be the best option.

Agencies that provide free money advice

• Citizens Advice Cymru provides a general telephone hotline at 08444 77 20 20. This is for general financial advice, including benefits and other issues. You may be transferred to a local office for further assistance. Citizens Advice Cymru is the official Money Advice Service representative for Wales. While counsellors at the hotline can help with a wide variety of financial needs, you may be ultimately transferred to the in-house Money Advice service at 0300 330 05 20, where advisers may focus more on debt resolutions. There are face-to-face counselling opportunities at one of hundreds of locations throughout Wales. Advice is free but there may be telephone charges.
• National Debtline is the primary government-approved resource for helping the citizens of Wales manage consumer debts. By pairing each client with a money advisor, the agency is able to provide confidential counselling without regard to income level or need. By calling the National Debtline at 0808 808 4000 anyone may receive free advice and information about their situation. If solutions are needed, those can also be provided free of charge. The Money Advice Trust pays for the cost of each counselling session. All sessions are conducted via telephone.
• StepChange Debt Charity provides a freephone hotline in Wales at 0800 138 1111. Welsh and English speaking advisers are available to help clients determine how best to keep creditors at bay and deal with any bills that need to still be paid. Free implementation of debt management plans, debt relief orders, equity releases  individual voluntary arrangements, partial settlements and temporary payment plans can be arranged.

Other services such as Fresh Start UK and Lightside may provide some forms of advice, but there is generally a fee for some products. It can be helpful to compare at least one free option prior to engaging in any counselling session with a solicitor.

Prior to telephoning an organisation for help, it is recommended to first gather the necessary documents to provide advisors with the most recent information. These documents can include any pay statements, bills and creditor statements recently received. Since a budget may be calculated, up-to-date utility statements can also be beneficial.

Getting free debt help can make the difference between making on-time reduced and possibly consolidated payments, or falling desperately behind on bills and facing legal action. These free and confidential counselling services make it essential for anyone with financial problems to seek advice before the situation deteriorates.