Consumeradvice

Debt & Money

Prepayment Meters this Christmas: Staying On Supply & Getting the Support You Need

With many energy suppliers and sources of support closed over the Christmas and New Year periods, it’s important that we get our ducks in a row early enough to make sure that we don’t go off supply. With approximately 300,000 prepayment customers in Scotland, it is important for us to understand how this type of …

Prepayment Meters this Christmas: Staying On Supply & Getting the Support You Need Read More »

Cost-of-Living – Making the Most of Our Energy & the Support Available

Increases to prices and the cost-of-living are affecting us all. With energy costs soaring and inflation making everyday items increasingly expensive, it’s more important now than ever to understand the ways we can reduce our outgoings, and to be aware of the sources of support that are available that can help. It’s not always easy …

Cost-of-Living – Making the Most of Our Energy & the Support Available Read More »

I am in a considerable amount of debt with three credit cards and a personal loan and recently lost my job. I cannot meet the repayments and have been told that a Trust Deed would be the best option for me. Can you help?

Credit cards and personal loans are unsecured debts and are sometimes referred to as ‘non-priority’. Despite the title, it is important that we do not overlook these commitments, as the people we owe money to, sometimes known as our ‘creditors’, can take legal action against us to get their money back. This includes going to …

I am in a considerable amount of debt with three credit cards and a personal loan and recently lost my job. I cannot meet the repayments and have been told that a Trust Deed would be the best option for me. Can you help? Read More »

I have invested money into cryptocurrency and cannot get in contact with the company that I paid to handle my investment. I found them through social media channels, and the profile has been deleted. I think I have been scammed. Can you help?

Scottish citizens are being targeted by crypto asset-related investment scams on a more regular basis. This is in part due to the way that scammers latch on to current events, trending topics, and the latest fads. Some crypt assets, including Bitcoin and Ether, sometimes referred to as ‘cryptocurrencies’ are not regulated in the UK, meaning …

I have invested money into cryptocurrency and cannot get in contact with the company that I paid to handle my investment. I found them through social media channels, and the profile has been deleted. I think I have been scammed. Can you help? Read More »

Making the Most of our Money as Consumers – #simplifyspending

Everyone is seeing the cost of household bills and shopping increase. Whilst some are preparing to weather the storm, for many, the choice between heating and eating is becoming a stark reality. There are things we can do to reduce our outgoings and help stretch our money that little bit further. As part of Advice …

Making the Most of our Money as Consumers – #simplifyspending Read More »

Energy Bills – Demystifying the Jargon & Sources of Support

With all the recent news about energy increases, price hikes, and everything else that is going on in the world, it’s easy to get bogged down and confused by the jargon being used. When it comes to how we spend our money, being in the know and understanding where it is going is more important …

Energy Bills – Demystifying the Jargon & Sources of Support Read More »

I have been having ongoing issues with money and debt since my hours at work were reduced during the pandemic. These have been slowly increasing back to normal but overspending during the Christmas period has set me back again. Can you help?

I’m sorry to hear that the pandemic impacted on your hours at work and your financial situation. Many have found themselves in a similar position, with reduction in hours and loss of employment. Additionally, the festive period can be an expensive time, with January having to be one of the most frugal months of the …

I have been having ongoing issues with money and debt since my hours at work were reduced during the pandemic. These have been slowly increasing back to normal but overspending during the Christmas period has set me back again. Can you help? Read More »

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ – The Truth About Spreading the Cost

On the 2nd of February 2020, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) released the Woolard Review, which included an assessment of the ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) payment options available to consumers, offering recommendations that these lenders should face stricter controls by financial regulators. The Publication ‘The Woolard Review – A review of Change and Innovation …

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ – The Truth About Spreading the Cost Read More »

Green Network Energy & Simplicity Energy Cease Trading – What This Means for Consumers

On 27th January 2021, it was announced that energy suppliers Green Network Energy and Simplicity Energy have ceased trading. Ofgem state that Green Network Energy supplies gas and electricity to around 360,000 domestic customers as well as a smaller number of non-domestic customers. Simplicity Energy supplies gas and electricity to around 50,000 domestic customers. What does …

Green Network Energy & Simplicity Energy Cease Trading – What This Means for Consumers Read More »

Making the Most of What We Have: New Year Planning 2021

We all do it. Well, I know I do. We make that list in the week between Christmas and New Year of all the things that we promise ourselves that we will do over the course of the next 12 months that will fix our lives, make us more financially stable and let us save …

Making the Most of What We Have: New Year Planning 2021 Read More »