Political party manifestos let down consumers already in debt

Which political party is most likely to help people struggling with debt?

In my blog I examine the election manifestos to see what's on offer and have to report that they make somewhat disappointing reading.

You can read my blog and the five key points I would like to see the new government instigate to help over indebted consumers at;

Will the new government help people with debt?

FSA slams banks over poor service

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is taking action against five high street banks over the way they deal with complaints.

Two of the five will face further investigations and may face large fines.

We also show you how to complain to your bank if you receive poor service.

More here

The DebtWizard guide to IVAs

Individual Voluntary Arrangements, IVAs, can be a very useful tool when resolving your debt issues, but you really need to know the advantages and disadvantages.

We detail the pros and cons and answers to what happens to your home, your car, interest on the debts how the voting works.

All can be found at DebtWizard guide to Individual Voluntary Arrangements

Debtwizard Forum

The forum is gathering pace and we now have over 100 members, 56 topics and 346 postings offering help and advice for those in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and UK residents overseas (ex pats).

Simple to join, just sign up or log in to debtwizard.com then go to forum and select you 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.

Meet the DebtWizard panel

How to avoid those incorrect energy bills

Are you one of the 3 in 10 households that have been billed incorrectly by their energy supplier?

We give you useful tips on how to check if your supplier is over charging you.

More here

Mortgage company is fined for poor treatment of customers in arrears

Kensington Mortgage Company Limited (Kensington) has been fined £1.225 million by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for what it describes as poor treatment of some customers facing mortgage arrears.

More here

Mike's recent blogs

Your credit card wants you, dead or alive...

Over the past few weeks I have had a number of telephone calls and forum enquiries about what happens to your debts when you pop your clogs, peg it, roll over or as most people generally say, pass on. What has amazed me is the extent of consumers' complete lack of knowledge about death and debt, the majority actually thinking that debts die with you! Well let's get the record straight. Whilst this may be the case if the person who has died has no assets, savings, investments or insurances. If they did have any of these then they are likely to be sold to clear any outstanding debts. Continue reading

Will the new government help people with debt?

Which political party is most likely to help people struggling with debt? In my blog I examine the election manifestos to see what's on offer. Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to meet both Gordon Brown and David Cameron in the House of Commons. Although the meetings were short they gave me enough time to voice my concerns about the number of consumers suffering from unmanageable debt. Continue reading

Free Budget Wizard

If your finances are out of control then this unique budget 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

Millions at risk of fraud

The security of millions of bank accounts is being put at risk because people write down their PIN numbers.

Banks and credit card firms can refuse to pay compensation if they can prove a cardholder has been negligent with their PIN or other security details, so keeping it to yourself is twice as important.

You can read more on this article here

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They deal with the key financial issues affecting you including: cutting down on your everyday bills; planning for retirement; investing or saving a lump sum; paying for your children's education; taking out private health insurance; or getting the best mortgage deal.

Find out more about this special offer.

Latest Debt News

The latest debt related news since the last email.

- Mortgage company is fined £1.225m

- New Gov fail to help those in debt

- Moneywise special offer

- DebtWizard Forum

- FSA slams banks over poor service

- The DebtWizard guide to IVAs

- How to avoid incorrect energy bills

- Millions at risk of fraud

- 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:

BBC Wales

Comment on the failed government strategy for consumer debt

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

1,000 people are seeking some form of formal debt rescheduling every working day

- 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?