On being an ostrich

There are a number of approaches to dealing with debt, but burying your head in the sand is unlikely to be a successful one. However - it is popular. Faced with competing claims on our meagre financial resources the temptation is to hope it just goes away. It rarely does!

Debt and putting it off

Well - we know we have to face our growing debt problem, but not today. Maybe not tomorrow either! Life is busy and anyway I can't cope with the distraction of dealing with debt and trying to earn money at the same time. So we put it off - and sometimes, at least for a while, we succeed in putting the problem to the back of our mind. And then comes a particularly strong-worded letter, an embarrassing refusal when we try to pay for something by credit card, a court summons, a knock on the door etc.

Debt and feeling helpless

One of the reasons for the ostrich approach is a sense of helplessness. We know what the letters are going to contain, we know we can't pay what they're going to be asking for - so why open them. We have a convenient drawer, and out of sight is out of mind. But - the longer we leave it, almost certainly the worse it becomes.

Debt and the first step

It may sound like a cliche, but the first step towards sorting out our debts is the hardest. It may mean opening all those letters; it may mean compiling a list; it could involve picking up a phone and asking for help. But the first step does need to be taken. Knowledge is a powerful thing. We need to know the realty of our situation - debts, assets, income, outgoings. And then we need to know the potential solutions - cutting our outgoings, increasing our income, speaking to our bank, contacting a debt advisor.

Debt and finding help

It may be small comfort, but we are definitely not alone. However bad we think things are, there are solutions. Action to sort out the debt may be uncomfortable or even painful - but also reassuring and very satisfying. People speak of the relief of a plan that puts them back in control again; that means they can sleep properly again without hours of restless worrying. Find out about expert help and speak to several people to find out and confirm best options for us given our circumstances. Help is at hand.