Earlier this month we wrote about tax returns and included sources of advice and information. Now that the closing date has passed, many people will be faced with the stark reality of what their net income is for the forthcoming year after the tax is deducted.
It cannot be underestimated that in the current financial climate, it is not easy and there can be times when financial help will be sought. While our funding news usually concentrates on applying for grants and awards; this article has a number of sections on what to do if you are experiencing financial difficulties.
Debt affects most of us at some time and there are few people splashing the cash these days. Whilst it can be extremely harrowing it is usually not too late to ask for help.
You can get advice and information from a number of organisations in Northern Ireland. Citizens Advice and Advice NI have numerous offices across the land with trained debt advisers. You can get free help prioritising your debt and negotiating repayments with lenders. If you are too busy to get an appointment during office hours, it is possible to get help online: www.debtaction-ni.net offers budgeting tools and Beat the Recession offers out of hours advice via Skype or via the website chat to an adviser facility.
For mortgage and rent arrears Housing Rights Service have a dedicated housing debt team and advice website http://www.housingadviceni.org.
Advice centres can also ensure you are getting everything that you are entitled to based on your circumstances, so it’s always worth getting a financial health check.
