A way forward
As day-to-day living costs continue to rise, it can be difficult to manage your personal finances. A first option is to make use of our bpha benefits calculator to check if you can get any help. And if you are struggling to meet your living costs, please get in touch. Our free Money Advice Team will do everything they can to make life easier.
Find out how our Money Advice service helped bpha customer Mr G
“I was going through a really difficult time and was homeless. Before I was lucky enough to be housed by bpha I was sofa surfing, it was a dark time for me, and I fell into debt and depression.
“I had always worked and was proud of my career, but due to unforeseen circumstances I found myself unemployed and drowning in debt.
“When I received housing from bpha it was a lifeline, but the debt was still mounting up and no matter how I tried to make ends meet the debt collectors were relentless. All of this impacted my mental health.
“I saw an advert for bpha’s Money Advice Team offering free confidential advice, when I called and spoke with Amanda, she was so helpful and non-judgemental. All she asked for was information of my debts and the creditors.
“Two weeks went by, and I was nervous, then I received a phone call to say that she had been able to negotiation my outstanding debt of over £13,000 to a single monthly repayment payment of just £5 a month.
“I was in shock, all this time I was struggling to make ends meet when all I needed to do was make a phone call. I now had £300 surplus each month which meant that I was able to overpay and clear my debt quicker without struggling.
“I always had a sense of pride in working and paying my way, so it was difficult to ask for help. But I would say to anyone who is struggling, not to suffer in silence, reach out for help, it is free and confidential.”
bpha Money Advice Manager, Amanda said: “Any change in circumstance whether it be lifestyle or financial can sometimes become overwhelming. This was where Mr G had found himself. By Mr G reaching out for support, I was able to look at his situation realistically, as an adviser I do not have the overwhelming emotions that Mr G had worrying about his debts.
“I was therefore able to put together a clear plan for Mr G, which enabled him to pay something to his creditors but also be able to live and keep on top of his priority bills. By removing the stress of negotiating with creditors from Mr G I hope we were also able to help him to feel more in control.”
bpha is supporting people who are struggling financially or need support to manage the rising cost of living through its Money Advice Team
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