If you are in debt you may feel a sense of shame even looking at this page. Perhaps just a few months ago you would not have dreamt that you would have a financial problem of any kind. But things can change. And quickly.
There are many reasons why people can be in debt and sometimes it may be through no fault of your own. Yes, a lot of debt is brought on people by their own actions and maybe greed but what if you are a person whose spouse has left them in debt and then left home? Or a person who gave up a good, well-paid job to care for a sick relative only to discover that benefits stopped and the situation changed? Or perhaps you had an accident yourself and can no longer work.
The global economic situation is highlighting the financial difficulties that countless millions of people have and this includes Christians.
So whether you are a Christian or not, if you are in debt, are worried about money or are trying to help others who are having financial problems, what can you do about it?
Here are a few practical suggestions to try and help just a little:
1. Tell someone.
It may seem like an embarrassing thing to do but sharing a problem really can help. Don't fear being judged. Simply having someone to talk about it with can enable you to clarify your thoughts and new ideas are often generated. If you have noone to talk to - or even if you do - let us know by
clicking here and we will pray for you. You don't need to tell us your real name or the extent of your debt unless you wish to share that.
2. Get the full picture
You may think you know the full extent of the problem but do you really? If you have not already done so, write a list of everything you owe and also when it is due. The timing is important. You may owe £1000 but if that is not due for another month there is time to do something about it. On the other hand if you owe £1 and it was due yesterday, that is more of a problem.
3. Make savings
We can all make savings of some kind - even if you think you have saved everything you can. How? Look at your expenditure and research both what you can cut out (Could you walk to work instead of taking the bus? Could you take the bus instead of drive? Do you really need to buy lunch each day or could you make sandwiches and take them with you for a fraction of the cost?); what you can buy at a reduced rate (If you shop at a high end supermarket, try a lower cost one. If you shop at a budget store already, try the market. If you shop at the market, try growing your salad, fruit and vegetables in tubs on the window sill).
4. Loyalty Points
Many stores have loyalty schemes of one kind or another and it usually pays to use them. Never be tempted to buy things you would not normally buy just to get the points but if you can buy the same item with points or without, get the points. If these eventually turn in to money off vouchers use them - particularly at Christmas or birthdays when expenditure can be higher and if you can only use them to gain items you do not want, get the item and sell it to raise additional cash.
5. Sell what you don't need
Do you have books you have already read and don't intend to read again? Sell them on
www.amazon.com or
www.amazon.co.uk. Other items cluttering up your house that you don't need? Unwanted gifts you don't know what to do with? Try auction sites such as www.ebay.co.uk . If you don't have a computer ask a friend to help you or go to the local library where you can often use one for free.