More than half (51 per cent) of people who sought debt advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau wish they had done so sooner, reveals new data published by Citizens Advice Scotland.
Their findings show that for all clients, 4 in 10 people wish they had sought advice sooner.
Citizens Advice Scotland is publishing the data as they launch their ‘Money Advice Matters’ campaign, encouraging people to not delay and seek advice about financial worries, particularly as support schemes implemented during the pandemic are set to ease off before ending, such as furlough, the weekly £20 uplift to Universal Credit and the Self Employment Income Support scheme.
The research also shows that 17 per cent of clients surveyed believe they will need advice on debt in the future.
The charity is encouraging people to not let debt and money worries build up by sticking their head in the sand about problems.
Citizens Advice Scotland Financial Health spokesperson Myles Fitt said: “It’s really understandable that people struggling with bills, debt and money may avoid facing up to it and instead seek to put it off, but our message to people is that money advice matters, so don’t delay and seek advice.
“Half of our debt clients wish they had sought advice sooner. With various financial support schemes introduced during the pandemic set to expire, now is the time to seek advice particularly those struggling with their finances due to the economic effects of the pandemic.”
People can get advice from the Citizens Advice network in a variety of ways to best suit their needs.
The online advice website and Money Map tool both provide useful information including ways to boost incomes and cut costs.
These are useful for people who can self-help, but for people in more complex or precarious situations their local Citizens Advice Bureau can help.
Myles continued: “CAB advisers offer advice on paying bills, dealing with arrears and tackling debt, but they are also a friendly voice. A problem shared with one of our money advisers is a problem halved and this alone will start to relieve some of the pressure before taking the practical steps to get your finances back on track.”
For more information, visit the Citizens Advice Scotland website here.
Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletter here .
