Debt and loan advice

Turn on the television; tune in the radio or open a newspaper and the deluge of financial service providers soon makes your head spin. For anyone seeking debt advice or looking for a loan it can be an extremely confusing time. Luckily there are some genuinely independent sources of help.

Advice UK

Founded in 1979 Advice UK is the country's largest free independent advice network. With approximately 1000 members they aim to put you in touch with the right people to help. Visit www.adviceuk.org.uk or Tel: 020 7407 4070

Citizens Advice Bureaux

The CAB is often the first port-of-call for anyone seeking independent advice. They provide free information an all aspects of the finance industry and can be contacted via their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk where you'll find contact details of your local bureau.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

The CCSS operates a free telephone helpline aimed at helping people to get to grips with debt. Through a tried and tested program of counselling, budgeting and advice the CCSS provides a lifeline for many people with credit problems. Tel: 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk.

National Debtline

National Debtline operates free and confidential helpline for anyone with debt problems. Advice given over the phone is backed-up with written material and they can also help organise a Debt Management Plan. Tel: 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.

If you're looking for a secured loan; visit the FSA before making any firm commitments:

Financial Services Authority
The FSA is appointed by The Treasury to regulate the financial services industry in the UK. To check your supplier is authorized by the FSA use their online Firm Check Service at www.fsa.gov.uk or Tel: 0207 066 1000