Where can I get free debt help in Scotland?

Scottish residents are able to benefit from free money advice services that can help borrowers manage multiple accounts. While some solicitors can provide the service for a fee, free debt help services are available through one of the four major money advice services.

Borrowers commonly wait until their financial situation is so bleak that they have few options. By getting help now through a free, objective and confidential service that is backed by the government, any borrower has a chance to avoid bankruptcy and other adverse consequences of financial distress as long as the solution is feasible.

A money advisor will evaluate budget items and liabilities to determine what is possible. In some situations, clients may be recommended for an informal debt management plan or even a formal debt arrangement scheme (DAS). Both can be alternatives to bankruptcy and legal action, but it is necessary to speak with a qualified counsellor to initiate such an arrangement.

Citizens Advice Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) provides a network of local Citizens Advice Bureaux that can provide free budget counselling and money advice. This is an objective service that does not steer clients into any single outcome. It is also free.

A counsellor can help each client manage their finances and incorporate any tools necessary to make it easier for the client. In situations where a creditor or collection agency behaves improperly, the Financial Ombudsman Service can investigate the situation to look for any improprieties.

While each local office has its own contact information, a main hotline is provided at 03454 04 05 06 which can connect directly with the local bureau.

Money Advice Scotland

Glasgow-based Money Advice Scotland also provides free money advice to local residents who are unsure about their options. This charitable organisation provides a hotline for clients to use to find a local counsellor. Consumers may call 0141 572 0237 to make an appointment with a local money advisor.

Continuing education is provided to each money advisor through Money Advice Scotland. This ensures that each highly trained counselor may continue to stay abreast of the latest developments in personal finance.

Scottish Debtline

This service of StepChange Debt Charity provides free counselling services to those who need help managing debts. This national charity provides objective and confidential advice for personal finance concerns.

StepChange offers the Scottish Debtline as a free hotline, with no charges to mobile phone users either. Scots may call 0800 138 1111 to speak with a money advisor immediately. Calls average about 20 minutes but often last longer to accommodate questions or gathering of information.

National Debtline

The National Debtline is another national charity that provides free and unbiased money advice. There are a couple of primary methods for a client to get help through this organisation.

First, an online “My Money Steps” service helps a debtor self-diagnose certain problems. Secondly, a national hotline is established at 0808 808 4000. This number is shared with England and Wales, although the online site is separated for Scottish residents.

Solicitors

Other debt advice services are available which advertise in many communities. The effectiveness of these services vary by provider as do their fees.

Most solicitors can be expected to be competent and fair as long as they abide by regulations. Each is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). While all counselling sessions are confidential, there is guarantee that all are unbiased, since there may be an incentive for a paid solution to be recommended over other unpaid alternatives. Choosing one of these paid services may be fine as long as it has been compared with a national charity or other organisation. A second opinion never hurts.