BBC West Midlands - Ed Doolan On Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Mike will be live in the studio with Ed Doolan helping listeners deal with debt issues.

You can listen to the show on BBC West Midlands 95.6 FM & DAB or on-line

Contact the show by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , text: 07786 202 956 or call: 0845 300 9956

Callers do not need to use their real name on air if they do not want to!

BBC Shropshire - Keith Middletons Extravaganza 10pm On Sunday, 19 September 2010

Mike Thomas aka 'the DebtWizard' will be live on the show with Keith Middleton offering advice on how to manage debt issues. The Extravaganza' can be heard via the local radio frequencies, on DAB or online at www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire to 'Listen Live' or 'Listen Again' throughout the following week!

If anyone wants to be part of the programme and have a chat then they can call/text the show from 9pm on Sunday or email/post/message Keith throughout the week by...

Calling - 44 (0)845 303 9303
Texting - 44 (0)778 620 0096
Emailing - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Posting - in 'Keith's Corner' on Facebook - www.facebook.com/keithscorner

Callers do not need to use their real name on air if they do not want to!

BBC West Midlands - Ed Doolan On Monday, 16 August 2010

Mike was live in the studio taking helping listeners resolve those debt issues. Topics covered - Debt relief orders, triggers for debt, loan sharks and can consumers sell their debts, plus much more.

You can listen to the whole show or just Mike's bit on the the BBCiPlayer on this link BBC West Midlands Ed Doolan Show, for Mike set timer to 01.18.00, runs for approx 40 minutes.

Remember this is a BBC recording therefore any competitions or prizes are no longer applicable. Will drop off the BBC iPlayer Monday 23th August 2010

BBC Essex - Dave Monk Show On Friday, 06 August 2010

With bankruptcy figures down 20% Mike explains how and why some debt advice firms steer debtors prime for bankruptcy to other arrangements such as IVAs and debt plans. He also staggers Dave Monk when he reveals what the fees are for advising bankruptcy compared to an IVA, which by the way, numbers are up 10%.

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BBC Essex - Steve Scruton 2-4pm On Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Mike was live in the studio with Ken Crowther, who's sitting in for Steve, and explains how IVAs can work for consumers detailing how lenders vote and who pays the fees. Mike also helps one listener plan a way forward after he had been made redundant and could no longer afford to pay his credit card bills. Another subject covered is how you cannot sell your debts to avoid payment and unenforceable credit agreements. Plus lots more!

Remember this is a BBC recording therefore any competitions or prizes are no longer applicable.

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BBC Tees - Cash Clinic 10.30am On Monday, 26 July 2010

Mike was commenting on the benefits of paying off your mortgage early as apposed to saving. He also explained a simple and cheap process of how parents can safeguard their money that they give to their children for deposits on homes.

You can listen to the whole show or just Mike's bit, for Mike click on the BBCiPlayer - BBC Tees - cash clinic and move the timer to start 01.36.00 ends around 01.42.30

Remember this is a BBC recording therefore any competitions or prizes are no longer applicable. Will drop off the BBC iPlayer Monday 2nd August.

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BBC Shropshire - Keith Middletons Extravaganza 10pm On Sunday, 25 July 2010

Mike Thomas aka 'the DebtWizard' spoke live to Keith Middleton offering advice on how listeners can manage debt issues. Topics covered include Debt Relief Orders (DROs), bankruptcy, fee charging debt management companies v debt charities and how to deal with a debt collection agency chasing a debt over 6 years old, plus lots more.

Remember this is a BBC recording therefore any competitions or prizes are no longer applicable.

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BBC Radio Wales Phone-in at 12.45pm On Monday, 19 July 2010

Mike was talking live to Jason Mohammad about whether banks are ripping off consumers with continuing bank charges. Also on the programme, representatives for the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and British Bankers Association (BBA).

You can listen to the whole show or just Mike's bit, for Mike click on the BBCiPlayer and move the timer to start 0.53.46, ends around 01.28.10.

Remember this is a BBC recording therefore any competitions or prizes are no longer applicable. Will drop off the BBC iPlayer 26th July 2010.

BBC Essex - Dave Monk Show 9.10am On Friday, 16 July 2010

Mike helps one listener deal with a debt collection agency chasing her for a debt over 10 years old. He explains what this lady should do and how to respond, basically it is statute barred and cannot be enforced through a court of law.

He offers template letters consumers can use and clarifies harassment. Finally he explains how debts are often sold on by lenders for a fraction of the price.

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BBC Three Counties - Jonathan Vernon-Smith - Consumer clinic On Friday, 25 June 2010

Mike comments on the LloydsTSB decision to cut bank charges for going overdrawn from 2 December 2010. He also explains about the new challenge on bank charges in Scotland concerning Jennifer Sharp and the Bank of Scotland.

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SunTalk - Internet radio arm of The Sun newspaper On Friday, 25 June 2010

Mike will be talking to Jon Gaunt about the credit card binge of UK consumers that will force thousands into bankruptcy. Mike also raises his concerns about the effects the emergency budget will have on consumers.

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BBC Radio Wales Phone-in at 12 noon On Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Mike was on a selected panel of experts to help listeners and callers to the studio understand the impact of the recent emergency budget.

Unfortunatley this show is no longer on the BBC i Player

Heart FM - Drivetime On Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Mike is asked by Heart FM to comment on the budget and says, "My initial feelings are it's going to be difficult.  It's going to be tough for a lot of people but we could not have carried on the way we were."

He goes on to explain how this will affect consumers and raises his concerns about the VAT rise for some households and what they need to do to control their spending. Mike also reveals his highs and lows of the budget and questions why footballers for example earning £120,000 per week are still entitled to child benefit. 

LBC 97.3 FM with James Whale On Monday, 14 June 2010

Mike is asked to comment on a report that females are spending more money than males and many run out of cash just a week after being paid. Mike explains how and why some people get into debt and offers a theory to James why some people need debt to make them get up in the morning and go to work.

SunTalk - Internet radio arm of The Sun newspaper On Friday, 04 June 2010

Jon Gaunts calls up Mike for his views on the theory that Derrick Bird was under pressure with debts.

BBC Essex - Dave Monk Show On Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Mike comments on the reforms for consumers in the Queens speech focussing on aggressive bailiffs and how the coalition government intends to protect homeowners from losing their homes through unsecured debts. Mike also reveals a new bank charges test case in Scotland which is due to be heard on 11th June and why he feels this has a greater chance of succeeding.

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BBC Essex - Steve Scruton 2-4pm On Friday, 14 May 2010

Once more Mike Thomas was live in the studio with Steve Scruton taking your calls, texts and emails on any debt questions.

Topics covered - New case due in court on bank charges, the procedure of going bankrupt from how to fill out the forms and what happens at court, the dangers of 0% balance credit card transfers, can a bankrupt be discharged after six months, why Mike thinks a million consumers need to go bankrupt and what you can do about loan sharks.

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LBC 97.3 FM with Jeni Barnett On Monday, 10 May 2010

Mike spoke to Jenny about the recent insolvency figures detailing record numbers of consumers going bankrupt.

BBC Shropshire - Keith Middletons Extravaganza 10pm On Sunday, 09 May 2010

Mike Thomas aka 'the DebtWizard' was live on the show with Keith Middleton taking calls, texts and emails offering advice on how to manage those debt issues.

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BRMB Radio - The Sanctuary 11.15 pm On Sunday, 09 May 2010

Mike Thomas aka DebtWizard was live on the show with Caroline Martin taking calls, texts and emails about how to resolve those debt problems. 

We will have a copy of the show soon. Please come back.

BBC Wales - Good Morning Wales 8.15am On Thursday, 08 April 2010

Mike was live on the show talking about a failed government strategy that was initially set up in 2004 to help consumers with unmanageable debt. Mike also refers to the problems facing Sarah, a caller that was on the show earlier.

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BRMB Radio - The Sanctuary 10.30pm On Sunday, 28 March 2010

Mike Thomas aka DebtWizard as talking to Will Batchelor about debt and took calls from listeners as well as answering emails and texts.

Some of the callers that were helped; Jay who has lsot his job a year ago and need help with debts of £2,500. A lady expecting her second child who had debts of £15,000. Then there was Paul from Rugby who had credt card and loans nearer the £190,000 and had lost £300,000 in his pub business, plus the home was repossessed! Lisa had catalogue debts of £3,000, Kevin had £30,000 of unsecured debt and needed direction. Near the end came Steve from Kings Norton who managed to borrow thousands of pounds. Just click on the launch player to the right.

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BBC Essex - Steve Scruton 2-4pm On Friday, 26 March 2010

Mike was live in the BBC studio with Steve Scruton taking calls, emails and texts on any debt problems.

Mike is one of the guests that features throughout the entire show which starts at 2 pm until 4 pm. Topics covered; how to claim Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), how to check and amend your credit rating for free, how one caller has reduced his debt from £27,000 to £10,000, Jackie wanted to know how to get a loan for £2,000 to clear her four store cards, how Terry reduced his credit card debt form £15,000 to £6,000, how Steve is paying back a debt until the year 3456! Simon from Braintree wanted advice on an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) and Martin on how to save his house from repossession.

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LBC Debt Clinic Sunday 6 - 7pm On Sunday, 14 March 2010

Mike is due in the LBC studio with James Max at 6pm and will take calls, emails and texts on any debt problems.

You can listen to LBC on 97.3 FM or on-line at lbc.co.uk.

Email your debt query to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or phone: 0845 60 60 973 or text: 84850

BBC Essex - John Hayes On Tuesday, 02 March 2010

Mike comments on a why he feels Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) are above the national average for Essex and explains how an IVA works for consumers in debt. 

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BBC Essex - Dave Monk Show On Friday, 26 February 2010

Mike explains why he believes the Government’s increase in bankruptcy fees, due on April 6^th, cannot be justified. He details how the Government can still earn money from bankrupts through income payment arrangements, a nil tax code and by selling cars and houses of the bankrupt. Mike covers what happens to the bankrupt if he/she borrows money with no intention of paying it back.

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SunTalk - Internet radio arm of The Sun newspaper On Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Jon Gaunts calls up Mike for his views as he knew he was a Metropolitan Police Dog Handler before he went into debt counselling and wanted his comment on the Nottingham Police Dog Handler PC Mark Johnson. The officer had just pleaded guilty to animal gruelty after his two dogs died in his vehicle during a heatwave. Mike gives the run down on Police Dog training, how much a Police Dog is worth and what concerned him about the case.

Mike closes the show with some important news about a bank charge case being revived in Scotland and the implications this could have.

You can listen to the whole show by clicking 'launch player' to the right, if you just want to hear Mike's bit of the show then slide the counter to 53.00 and end at 01.00.53

Listen to Mike on SunTalk

BBC Three Counties - Jonathan Vernon-Smith - Consumer clinic On Thursday, 18 February 2010

Mike explains how easy it is to claim back Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) yourself without the need to employ a firm and pay additional fees. He details the two template letters you may need, both on www.debtwizard.com and what to do if the insurance provider rejects your claim.

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Mirror.co.uk - 900 families lose homes every week... and it could get worse On Friday, 12 February 2010

Mike comments on why he feels the CML figures masked the true total of repossessions which would spiral higher again this year.

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BBC Essex - Dave Monk Show On Monday, 08 February 2010

Mike was live in the studio and talking about how to deal with debt collectors chasing you for a debt that you do not owe. He details how and why you need to respond in writing and to send your letter by recorded delivery. He then offers ways of preventing this from happening again by giving tips on what letters to shred and how easily it is to look out for secure websites before inserting data.

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BBC Three Counties - Jonathan Vernon-Smith - Consumer clinic On Friday, 05 February 2010

Mike explains bankruptcy procedure, what income payments orders and bankruptcy restriction orders are. He also gives an example of how a bankrupt can still keep their home, even if it is mortgaged, and why he feels the true insolvency figures should be nearer the million mark and not 134,000 for 2009.

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BBC Essex - John Hayes on Drivetime 4.50pm On Friday, 05 February 2010

Mike explains why he feels the true insolvency figures should be nearer the million mark and not 134,000 for 2009. He then reveals that some debt advisers steer vulnerable and desperate consumers to IVAs and debt management plans so that they can earn fees, even if this is the wrong option for the consumer. He also comments on why the industry needs to be regulated and that it could happen this year.

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Times - Debt industry in disarray On Saturday, 23 January 2010

Mike is asked to comment for the Times on their article about a 73 year old pensioner who received miss-leading advice on how to resolve his debts, which demonstrated that the debt industry is in disarray.

You can read the article 'Conflicting debt advice offers no relief' at the timesonline.co.uk.

timesonline

Guardian.co.uk - live debt clinic On Monday, 18 January 2010

Live debt clinic on guardian.co.uk/money. The debt clinic was on their Money blog from 1pm on Monday, 18 January, it will stay up on the site so that people can use it for reference. On the panel of experts responding to questions were Mike Thomas aka 'Debtwizard' and the Consumer Counselling Services (CCCS).

Money blog

BBC Radio Wales - Phone in - 1.40pm On Monday, 11 January 2010

Mike was asked by Jason Mohammad whether the 'Pound shop' is really any good for consumers. What he said will surprise you!

You can hear Mike's contribution to the show on BBC Radio Wales - phone-in about 'Would you shop at Poundland?' by clicking on the 'launch player'

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LBC - Debt clinic with James Max 6 - 7pm On Sunday, 10 January 2010

Mike was live in the LBC studio at 6 pm on Sunday 10th January with James Max on a New Year debt clinic.

He managed to get through twelve phone calls to the station and delivered real no nonsense advice covering bankruptcy, IVAs, what happens to a house in a bankruptcy, how to improve your credit rating and two callers needed help on how to deal with firms chasing them for debts that were more than six years old.

More can be found on his blog dated 13th January 2010 plus details of how to listen to the LBC podcasts.

BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast 7am - 9am Festive Finances Surgery On Tuesday, 29 December 2009

Festive Finances Surgery with 5 Live. Mike was in the studio live with presenter Andrew Verity giving advice on several topics including student loans, the importance of budgeting, touching on debt options such as debt management plans, IVAs and bankruptcy. Mike gives an example when not to go bankrupt as well as  how to keep your house in a bankruptcy. You can listen to the show by launching the media player to your right.

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