After several years of mounting debt, I discovered some solutions that have helped control the problem. 1. Don't get another loan in oder to cover the costs. You will only end up having to pay out more or ending up with another debt! 2. Contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) CCCS -. This is a government run charity that operates a free service to help you manage your debt. They will go through your finances with you and make sure you have enough money to live on and that you pay your secured debts, (mortgage, loan secured on home, etc.) before your non-secured debts such as bank loans, credit cards and overdrafts. They know the law and will help you deal with the scare tactics used by debt collection agencies. 3. Reclaim your bank charges for the last six years. It doesn't matter how careful you are, at some point your bank has charged you for something. Well know is your chance to claim it back. Your charges may not total very much, but it is possible that you may find more than you thought. It is worth a look. 4. Don't give in to pressure. It is hard to handle horror letters when they arrive, but all companies that provide any form of unsecured pre-paid service are restricted in what they can do. As long as you are paying them something that is reasonable compared to your budget, then a court will side with you. (If you are only paying them £2.00 a month, but spending £100.00 a month on drink and cigarettes, then you would probably lose.) However, the CCCS will help you asses your budget and say how much you should pay back. Hope some of this is helpful. I have used all of these routes and my debt has dropped considerably to a manageable amount. Good luck and be careful, but most important, learn from your mistakes and don't do it again. (Easier said than done, I know, but worth trying to remember.)