In this guide
Mis-sold Overdrafts
Mis-sold Mortgages
Mis-sold Credit | Store Cards
Mis-sold PCP Car Loans
Mis-sold Fraud & Scam Advice
Mis-sold Pensions & Investments
Hidden | Undisclosed Commissions
Mis-sold Pay Day Loans
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Mis-Sold Overdrafts
Latest Updates
By David TurnerStruggling with Debt? – Have you been mis-sold a product you didn’t need, or were charged excessive commissions or interest, increasing your level of debt? Our aim is to provide you with the information you need in a simple, straightforward way to help you understand if you have a claim and if you do, how to progress it.
Published: 12/02/2025 – 11:59 | Updated: 12/02/2025 – 16:10
Struggling with Bills & Debts? Here’s How to Get Help
If you're finding it hard to pay your bills and debts, you're not alone. This guide explores priority and non-priority debts and where to get help.
What to Prioritize
When money is tight, you must focus on essential bills first. Use an online budgeting tool, such as the one from National Debtline, to:
- Organize your expenses.
- Identify priority bills (e.g., rent, mortgage, utilities).
- Create a budget to share with creditors or debt advisers.
Priority Bills and Debts
Energy Bills
- Suppliers must offer affordable payment plans under Ofgem rules.
- For help with arrears, ask about extended payment periods.
- Check for grants like the British Gas Energy Trust or funds from suppliers like E.ON, EDF, and Scottish Power.
Rent and Mortgage
- Universal Credit (UC) may help with rent, while SMI can assist with mortgages after 13 weeks on UC.
- Contact lenders for available support and explore Citizens Advice for eviction concerns.
Council Tax
- Councils act fast on unpaid tax. Consider applying for a Section 13A reduction if you can’t pay.
- Speak to Citizens Advice for help with council tax arrears.
Water Bills
- Water companies may offer payment plans or reduced tariffs for low-income households.
Car Finance
- Missing payments risks repossession. Contact lenders for arrangements or advice from National Debtline.
Broadband Discounts
- Eligible for UC, Pension Credit, or ESA? Check for reduced-cost broadband with Social Tariffs.
Non-Priority Debts (Credit Cards, Loans, etc.)
- Contact Lenders Directly: Ask for reduced payments and interest freezes.
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Managed by StepChange, DMPs consolidate non-priority debts into one affordable payment.
- Other Options: Token payments or insolvency solutions like DROs or bankruptcy.
Already Have a Debt Solution?
- DMPs: Request lower payments or breaks if struggling.
- IVAs, Bankruptcy, or DROs: Speak to your advisor about adjustments or switching to a more suitable option.
Where to Get Help
- Citizens Advice: For priority debt issues or emergency support.
- National Debtline: Urgent advice and general debt help (0808 808 4000).
- StepChange: Free DMPs and repayment plans (0800 138 1111).
- Business Debtline: For self-employed individuals.
Avoid commercial firms charging for services available for free.
Help from Benefits
Use tools like Turn2Us to check eligibility for benefits. For advice on Universal Credit or discretionary support (e.g., rent or council tax hardship payments), consult Citizens Advice.
This guide highlights your options and directs you to reliable resources for personalized support. Don’t wait to seek help—solutions are available!
Struggling with Bills & Debts? Here’s How to Get Help
If you're finding it hard to pay your bills and debts, you're not alone. This guide explores priority and non-priority debts and where to get help.
What to Prioritize
When money is tight, you must focus on essential bills first. Use an online budgeting tool, such as the one from National Debtline, to:
- Organize your expenses.
- Identify priority bills (e.g., rent, mortgage, utilities).
- Create a budget to share with creditors or debt advisers.
Priority Bills and Debts
Energy Bills
- Suppliers must offer affordable payment plans under Ofgem rules.
- For help with arrears, ask about extended payment periods.
- Check for grants like the British Gas Energy Trust or funds from suppliers like E.ON, EDF, and Scottish Power.
Rent and Mortgage
- Universal Credit (UC) may help with rent, while SMI can assist with mortgages after 13 weeks on UC.
- Contact lenders for available support and explore Citizens Advice for eviction concerns.
Council Tax
- Councils act fast on unpaid tax. Consider applying for a Section 13A reduction if you can’t pay.
- Speak to Citizens Advice for help with council tax arrears.
Water Bills
- Water companies may offer payment plans or reduced tariffs for low-income households.
Car Finance
- Missing payments risks repossession. Contact lenders for arrangements or advice from National Debtline.
Broadband Discounts
- Eligible for UC, Pension Credit, or ESA? Check for reduced-cost broadband with Social Tariffs.
Non-Priority Debts (Credit Cards, Loans, etc.)
- Contact Lenders Directly: Ask for reduced payments and interest freezes.
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Managed by StepChange, DMPs consolidate non-priority debts into one affordable payment.
- Other Options: Token payments or insolvency solutions like DROs or bankruptcy.
Already Have a Debt Solution?
- DMPs: Request lower payments or breaks if struggling.
- IVAs, Bankruptcy, or DROs: Speak to your advisor about adjustments or switching to a more suitable option.
Where to Get Help
- Citizens Advice: For priority debt issues or emergency support.
- National Debtline: Urgent advice and general debt help (0808 808 4000).
- StepChange: Free DMPs and repayment plans (0800 138 1111).
- Business Debtline: For self-employed individuals.
Avoid commercial firms charging for services available for free.
Help from Benefits
Use tools like Turn2Us to check eligibility for benefits. For advice on Universal Credit or discretionary support (e.g., rent or council tax hardship payments), consult Citizens Advice.
This guide highlights your options and directs you to reliable resources for personalized support. Don’t wait to seek help—solutions are available!
Latest Mis-sold Finance Guy Overdraft News
The latest mis-sold overdraft advice...
If you have been lent an overdraft you cannot hope to repay, never asked for, or face excessive fees then you may have a claim against your lender.
Mis-sold CAR PCP Loans
Did you drive away with more than you could afford? If you were sold PCP finance and it had hidden commission affecting the choice of loan you might be entitled to a claim.
Mis-sold Store cards?
Repayments on many store cards can be too high to manage, often leading people deeper into debt!
Unsustainable Credit Card Debt?
High costs, unsuitable terms, or long-term financial strain?
Mis-sold An Excessive Pay Day Loan?
Long-term Pay Day Loan interest issues?
This guide will help you make an affordability complaint.
Pay Day Loan Distress?
Faced with unreasonable debt and unable to make headway?
This guide will help you make an affordability complaint.
Latest Mis-sold Finance Guy Overdraft News
The latest mis-sold overdraft advice...
Have you been lent an overdraft you cannot hope to repay or never asked for, then you may have a claim?
Mis-sold CAR PCP Loans
Did you drive away with more than you could afford? If you were sold PCP finance and it had hidden commission you might be able to claim.
Mis-sold Store cards?
Repayments on many store cards can be too high to manage?
Unsustainable Credit Card Debt?
High costs, unsuitable terms, or long-term financial strain?
Mis-sold An Excessive Pay Day Loan?
Long-term Pay Day Loan interest issues?
This guide will help you make an affordability complaint.
Pay Day Loan Distress?
Faced with unreasonable debt?
This guide will help you make an affordability complaint.
Recent Posts on this Topic...
What my readers say...
“Thanks to the clear and detailed information on this website, I was able to identify that my mortgage had been mis-sold. With the step-by-step guidance provided, I successfully claimed compensation that lifted a huge financial burden off my shoulders. I can't recommend this resource enough!”
Emilia GardinerDebt Advice Guy Reader 
“After reading the section on overdraft mis-selling, I realized I’d been charged excessive fees for years. The advice here helped me file a formal complaint, and I received a significant refund from my bank. The process was much simpler thanks to this site!”
Ewan ReyesDebt Advice Guy Reader 
“This website opened my eyes to the unfair terms hidden in my PCP car loan. With their advice, I was able to challenge my lender and reduce my balloon payment. I feel empowered and more financially secure now—thank you!”
Darlene KleinDebt Advice Guy Reader 
Where you forced to take out additional loans due to irresponsible lending?
How much interest are you paying?
Please remember there may also have been fees added to the finance too.
There are three less common debt solutions to consider. Full & Final Settlements are ideal if you’ve been on a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or unable to make payments for some time and now have access to a lump sum to negotiate settlements. Write-off debts are usually only an option in exceptional circumstances, as creditors rarely agree to this. Administration Orders, once more common, are now extremely rare, with only 16 issued in England and Wales in September 2016.
Find the potential cost of your PCP finance
£
**Note: For exceeding 120 no. of payments, a group of 12 payments will be combined into a single payment number for better chart visibility.
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Calculator Disclaimer
The repayment amount shown using this calculator is an estimate, based on information you have provided. It is provided for illustrative purposes only and actual repayment amounts may vary. To find out actual repayment amounts, contact us. This calculation does not constitute a quote, claim approval, agreement or advice by Financial Claims Experts. It does not take into account your personal or financial circumstances.
✔ How this forum works
How this forum works
It’s important you are clear on the purpose and limitations of this site. We’re an information sharing website, aiming to help people who may have been mis-sold financial products. We base our information on over 20 years of experience in financial services and claims sectors, but we can’t guarantee our insights are perfect for everyone. So do note you use the information at your own risk and we can’t accept liability for the outcome of your actions.
- The information contained within this forum/website does NOT constitute financial advice as we are not authorised/regulated by the FCA and we cannot be held responsible for any acts or omissions.
- This is our personal forum/website and the views on here are our personal views on the claiming industry.
- We do not make any money from this forum/website and the information contained within it is to help you to navigate the claiming and complaints industry.
- We often link to other websites, but we can’t be responsible for their content
- Always remember anyone can post on the Mis-sold Financial Experts forums, so it can be very different from our opinion.