Research by the Money Advice Service (now the Money and Pension Service) found that 1 in 6 adults in the UK is at risk of crisis debt, yet only 20% seek help. 

People with problem debt often feel ashamed & embarrassed about it. It’s not like they’re going to shout about it, so how can we help them?

1. Difficulty Paying Bills: Regularly struggling to pay bills on time or having to choose which bills to pay is a primary indicator of financial strain.
   
   

2. Increasing Debt: If your debt levels are steadily increasing, and you find yourself relying more on credit cards or loans to get through the month, this is a sign of financial pressure.
   
   

3. Insufficient Savings: A lack of savings or the inability to save regularly can indicate financial health issues. Ideally, you should have an emergency fund that covers 3-6 months of living expenses.
   
   

4. Financial Anxiety: Constant worry about money, feeling stressed when thinking about finances, or experiencing anxiety when bills arrive can be symptoms of financial strain.
   
   

5. Overdrafts and Late Fees: Frequently incurring overdraft fees, late payment charges, or bounced checks are signs of financial mismanagement and strain.
   
   

6. Making Minimum Payments Only: Regularly only making the minimum payments on credit cards or loans can indicate that your financial obligations are too high relative to your income

Even if you spot a few signs, it might not mean that someone has problem debt, so you will need to start a conversation first. 

People do not tend to wear an ‘I’ve got Debts!’ sandwich board around their neck, but they do usually display some tell-tale signs.

• They have had an obvious income shock

• Avoid answering the door

• Avoid phone calls

• Avoid opening the post

• Stops repaying money you loaned them

• Lots of credit cards

• Not sleeping well

• Acting secretly 

• Avoids conversations about money

• Noticeable weight gain or loss

• Avoids social events

• Working excessive hours

• Anxious, depressed or distant

• Poor performance at work

• Not taking holidays

• Never any food in the cupboards

• Irritability or confrontational behaviour

People experiending money problems often find it embarassing to disclose that they are struggling. If a conversation is not flowing well, try talking generally about an article you've read recently. Normalising being in debt and higlighting that there are always options to deal with it can help.

• Use our search tools to find helpful free organisations specialising in debt advice.

• Remember to keep the conversation open on money problems.

One of our clients told us recently that getting debt advice literally saved her life, she had seriously thought about suicide. Imagine the difference you could make to someone’s life by being proactive?