Debt Awareness Week (24–30 March): Support, Advice, and Steps You Can Take

Debt Awareness Week is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset your relationship with money. Whether you’re juggling credit cards, struggling with loan repayments, or just feeling the pinch from rising living costs — you’re not alone. And more importantly, help is out there.

At Quick Mortgages, we get that debt can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re also thinking about buying your first home, moving house, or trying to remortgage for a better deal. It can feel like a lot to juggle at once. But the good news? There are plenty of practical steps you can take to get back on top of things. So, in the spirit of Debt Awareness Week, here are our top 10 actionable tips to help you manage debt and start paving the way toward a more secure financial future.

1. What’s Your Debt Situation Right Now?

Before you can start dealing with debt, you need to understand exactly what you’re up against. This means getting brutally honest about your finances.

Write down every single debt — credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, store cards, car finance, Buy Now Pay Later deals, the lot. For each one, note the balance, interest rate, and minimum monthly payment. Seeing it all in one place might be a bit of a wake-up call, but it’s also incredibly empowering. This is your starting point.

2. Are You Budgeting Properly?

Think of your budget as your financial satnav — it shows you where your money is going and how to redirect it where it’s most needed.

Start by tracking your income and outgoings. You can use a spreadsheet if you’re old school, or try free apps like Emma, Snoop, or Money Dashboard to make it easier. Once you see the full picture, you’ll often find places to cut back — maybe those midweek takeaways or that forgotten gym membership. Every pound saved is a pound that can help chip away at your debt.

3. Can You Tackle the High-Interest Debts First?

This is where strategy really helps. The “avalanche” method means paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while maintaining minimum payments on everything else. It saves you the most money in the long run.

On the other hand, the “snowball” method — paying off the smallest debt first — gives quicker wins and boosts motivation. Neither is right or wrong, it’s about what works best for your mindset. The key is choosing a method and sticking to it.

4. Is Consolidation Right for You?

If you’ve got multiple debts, keeping track of them all can feel like spinning plates. Debt consolidation might help by combining everything into one more manageable monthly payment — and ideally at a lower interest rate.

This could mean a 0% balance transfer credit card, a personal loan, or even remortgaging if you own your home. Just make sure to check the small print — and remember, if you’re thinking about remortgaging to consolidate debt, that’s something we can help with. Pop us a message anytime!

5. Have You Asked for Help?

Let’s be clear — asking for help is not a weakness. It’s smart.

There are brilliant charities out there offering free, confidential debt advice. StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, and CAP (Christians Against Poverty) can support you in setting up affordable payment plans, negotiating with creditors, and accessing schemes like Breathing Space to give you some relief.

6. Are You Missing Out on Benefits or Extra Income?

You might be entitled to more support than you realise. A quick check with tools like Turn2us or EntitledTo can reveal if you qualify for Universal Credit, council tax support, energy bill help, or other benefits.

You can also look into side hustles or part-time gigs to bring in a bit more. Even small amounts can make a difference when you’re paying off debt.

7. Could a Spending Detox Help?

A no-spend challenge sounds intense, but it doesn’t have to be forever. Pick a week or a month where you commit to spending only on essentials — rent, bills, food — and nothing else.

Cancel takeaways, skip the online shopping, and avoid impulse buys. You’ll be amazed how much you can save and redirect toward your debts. It’s a great reset button for your spending habits, too.

8. Are You Reviewing Subscriptions and Bills?

We’ve all done it — signed up for a free trial and forgotten to cancel. Go through your bank statements and look for subscriptions you no longer use. Then take a look at your broadband, mobile, and utility bills. Are you getting the best deal?

Comparison sites like Uswitch and MoneySuperMarket make switching easy and can save you hundreds a year — money that could help you clear your debts faster.

9. Do You Know Your Rights?

If debt collectors are calling or you’re feeling harassed by letters and emails, remember — you have rights.

Creditors must treat you fairly. They can’t chase you at unreasonable hours, and they must listen if you say you’re struggling. Charities like Citizens Advice can help you understand your rights and even step in on your behalf if things are getting tough.

10. Have You Got a Long-Term Plan?

Paying off debt is a huge achievement — but staying debt-free is the ultimate goal.

Once you’ve got things under control, focus on building a financial safety net. Start an emergency fund (even just £10 a week adds up), improve your credit score, and plan ahead for big milestones like buying a home or switching to a better mortgage deal.

The future might feel uncertain now, but with the right habits in place, you’ll be amazed how much control you can take back.

Where Can You Get Help? Key Contacts for Free Debt Advice

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone — and support is just a phone call or click away. Here are some trusted places to turn:

StepChange Debt Charity
📞 0800 138 1111 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm; Sat, 8am–4pm)
🌐 stepchange.org

National Debtline
📞 0808 808 4000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm)
🌐 nationaldebtline.org

Citizens Advice
📞 0800 144 8848
🌐 citizensadvice.org.uk

MoneyHelper
📞 0800 138 7777
🌐 moneyhelper.org.uk

Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
📞 0800 328 0006
🌐 capuk.org

What’s the Takeaway This Debt Awareness Week?

Debt Awareness Week isn’t about feeling ashamed or being told off — it’s about taking control, finding support, and feeling empowered to make a change.

Whatever your situation, know this: there’s always a way forward. Whether it’s trimming your budget, tackling high-interest debts, or just getting advice from someone who understands — you’ve got options. And if you’re thinking about homeownership or want to remortgage but feel like debt is holding you back, we’re here to help guide you through it.

Debt might be part of your story right now, but it doesn’t have to be the ending. Let’s make this the year you turn things around.

——–

Disclaimer:

This article is for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Mortgage products and their terms can vary, and it is important to seek advice from a qualified, regulated professional who can assess your individual circumstances. Please ensure you consider your unique needs before making any financial decisions.

While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided on this blog is accurate and up-to-date, we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The mortgage market can change rapidly, and the information on this blog may become outdated. We recommend verifying any information before acting on it and seeking tailored advice.

THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.