Struggling with debt?
Liz Chadwick
Families in Northumberland left counting the cost of the school holidays should think seriously before turning to payday loans or illegal moneylenders to cover their bills, warns the boss of a leading debt advice service.
Liz Chadwick, Chief Executive of DAWN Advice, which operates the Northern Debt Line, has warned parents worried about increased financial pressures to seek professional help before entering into credit agreements.
Liz said that the so-called advantages of these types of short-term loans, including no credit checks and instant approvals, can lure people in without them really considering the bigger picture.
She said, “At the end of the summer break, many families may be starting to feel the burden of the extra financial pressures caused by the school holidays. They have to find extra funds to meet the cost of entertainment, additional childcare and increased food bills, all of which can put a real strain on already stretched household budgets.
“Anyone who is struggling financially as a result of the summer break should seek professional and independent advice before entering into any loan agreements to ensure they won’t be making their financial situation even worse.”
The Northern Debt Line, which is supported by the Northern Rock Foundation and Citizens Advice, offers free, confidential and independent financial advice to people living across the North East and Cumbria.
Anyone who is concerned about debt should contact them for free and impartial advice on 0300 3333 445 or visit www.dawnadvice.org.uk.
DAWN Advice is a social enterprise which offers free advice on issues relating to debt, housing, welfare benefits and family law – it is part of the national Citizens Advice service.
