Are debt charities really impartial?

Mike Thomas, the DebtWizard, has always been an ardent supporter of debt advice charities. But recently he came across two cases that made him have second thoughts.

As a result of what happened Mike now questions whether the debt charities are impartial and why there seems a reluctance to process DROs.

You can read Mike's blog and form your own opinion, plus see the comments from others at;

Are debt charities really impartial?

Government announce more plans for Financial Services for Post Office

The latest move by the Government in its development of financial services within the Post Office was announced this week with the news that it will soon begin to offer financial products from its branches.

As well as children's savings accounts and mortgages there will also be bank accounts for businesses.

More here

Debtwizard 6 option guide to controlling your debt

You have six options available when debt problems arise.

Not all will apply, it depends on your level of debt, your assets and how much spare money you have after paying bills.

All these options, except for No.4 where you pay creditors in full, will affect your credit rating. All options can be found at:

Debtwizard 6 option get out of debt guide

Debtwizard Forum

The forum is gathering pace and we now have over 80 members, 41 topics, 217 postings and 5,000 total global views offering help and advice for those in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and UK residents overseas (ex pats). We only officially launched on 24th March, some two weeks ago!

Simple to join, just sign up or log in to debtwizard.com then go to forum and select your nickname. That's it, you are then able to post.

You don't have to be in debt to post, you may have an experience that you wish to share or just wish offer support to those in debt. All will be welcome.

Go to the DebtWizard forum

Basic bank accounts for all, is this the end of free banking?

Alistair Darling has announced bank accounts for all in his Budget, a move that some experts warn could spell the beginning of the end for free banking.

The measure is aimed to help 1.75million people who don't have a bank account and are financially excluded from society.

More here

How to track down money in lost accounts

An estimated £400 million of forgotten money is sitting in dormant bank accounts in the UK.

Moneywise TV explains how you can boost your income by tracking down 'lost' money.

Click here to watch "How to track down money in lost accounts".

From Moneywise TV

Mike's recent blogs

Press 3 to wipe out your debts....

Just a few days ago I was busy in the kitchen, when the phone rang. Picking it up I was genuinely shocked by the caller's opening line: "This is a public announcement on behalf of the government." Crikey, I thought, what's all this about - an outbreak of the plague? The call went something like this: "We have been asked by the government to make you aware that, under legislation, you can have... Continue reading

Stolen handbag reveals more problems than first thought

Lindsey was down for the weekend to catch up on University days with my daughter when I overheard her say, "When I got my handbag stolen it cost me a fortune to get new car keys cut, strangely though I got my driving licence back, so it wasn't that bad after all". Alarm bells started ringing "So I take it that you are now a fully signed up member of CIFAS?" I quipped. Lindsey replied, "Never heard of it, what on earth is it?" Oh dear I thought and, being an ex copper, went into police mode. The interrogation was brisk and I then spelled out exactly what my concerns were... Continue reading

Are debt charities really impartial?

I have always been an ardent supporter of debt advice charities. But in light of two cases that I recently came across, I am beginning to have second thoughts. In both cases, the debtors sought help from debt charities as they were eligible to propose a debt relief order. The criteria for this includes having unsecured debts of under £15,000, assets below £300 and no more than £50 per month left after paying for normal living expenses. The first case was that of Fred McCarthy, a respected 73-year-old ex-serviceman who was struggling to pay £8,500 of credit card debts... Continue reading

Free Budget Wizard

The Budget Wizard can be used to help you avoid getting into debt.

If your finances are out of control then this unique form will quickly establish your position and predict how much your debt will increase over the next month, 12 months or five years.

Completely free, web based and private. You can log in and work on your budget wizard anywhere there is an internet connection. Budget Wizard

10 tips to get a better mobile deal

With mobile phone bills making up a big part of many people's monthly expenditure, it's important to make sure you're on the right deal - and don't get stung down the line.

We give you 10 top tips on how to get that great deal and hopefully save you money along the way!

See top 10 tips for mobiles

Latest Debt News

The latest debt related news since the last email.

- How to find money lost in the bank

- DebtWizard Forum

- Post Office goes banking crazy

- Are debt charities impartial?

- 6 options to getting out of debt

- Basic bank accounts for 2 million

- Top 10 tips for a mobile phone

- Free budget wizard

- Mike's blogs

See the news archive

Future Shows

Radio and television appearances can often be at short notice.

If you are interested in Mike's shows then keep checking the home page for details, homepage.

Confirmed shows

BBC Shropshire 'Extravaganza'

10.00pm Sunday 9th May 2010

BBC Essex - Steve Scruton

2-4pm Friday 14th May 2010

Quick Links

DebtWizard Budget Form - free

Designed to identify exactly what is going on with your finances. This form is unique with its built in debt predictor. If things look grim you can send it to us for further help.

- Start your own budget form

Radio/television/press

As well as radio and TV, Mike is involved with some of the national newspapers; you will find all these on our media page.

Last few shows:

BRMB Radio - The Sanctuary

Mike takes call and texts from listeners with debt problems.

BBC Essex - Steve Scruton

Mike takes calls and texts on debt live in the studio.

More - DebtWizard media page

UK Debt statistics issued Apr 10

The average car will cost £15.13 to run today

390 people today will be declared insolvent or bankrupt. This is equivalent to 1 person every 3.69 minutes

The average cost of raising a child from birth to the age of 21 is £26 a day. £1.08p per hour!

- View more credit stats here

Blog & Twitter

Mike is blogging and twittering, just click on either link

- blog - follow Mike on twitter

Top 5 sections on website

1. Bank charges latest updates
2. Budget wizard - free
3. Unenforceable credit agreements
4. The Limitation Act (Old debts)
5. Six options to getting out of debt

We want to hear your story

If you're happy to share, we have numerous TV stations and newspapers looking for your story.

Have you been made bankrupt? Applied for an IVA?

Do you have a horror story about dealing with a lender or company that you owe money?

Are you harassed by debt collection agencies?

We are interested in your story, can we help you?