January is a time for sorting your life and finances out, which is why the Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden (CACE) is gearing up for its busiest week for advice on debt.

The national charity is expecting some 180 people to seek advice on debt in January as it says people are more likely to research financial decisions this month than any other time of the year.

Analysis by Citizens Advice shows that across the country, demand for money and debt advice is highest in January and February, with one person contacting their nearest Citizens Advice for help every 11 seconds and people visiting the Citizens Advice website every three seconds in January.

CACE predicts demand for advice on financial issues will peak next week because trends show the third week in January is its busiest period.

In the week beginning Monday January 18 last year, CACE dealt with 68 new clients experiencncing debt problems.

Andy Auld, chief executive of CACE, said: “January is a great time to take stock of your finances and think about your priorities for the future, not just for the next month but for the next year and beyond.

“Although many people will be focusing on their next paycheck after the busy Christmas period, people can also use the time to review whether they can save money on their bills or set a savings goal.

“Whether you’re looking to deal with debts, cut your costs or budget better, CACE has a skilled and professional team of advisers who can help you review your overall money situation so you can make decisions that improve your financial security.”

January is often associated with squeezed budgets as people put wallets firmly back in their pockets after overspending at Christmas.

CACE expects people to contact them with money queries as they now take stock of their money situation and plan their finances long-term.

Debt worries are also associated with January and CACE anticipates that the most common debt queries will be regarding credit and store cards, and dealing with arrears of council tax, rent and/or mortgages.

Citizens Advice staff in west Cumbria are preparing to offer similar support.

Last year, more than £1.2m worth of debt was written off for clients by Citizens Advice Copeland.

They helped 701 people with nearly 4,000 debt issues – with 162 clients rescheduling debt worth £820,000.


Shelley Hewitson Shelley Hewitson, chief officer at Citizens Advice Copeland, said: “We have a team of advisers ready to help people throughout Copeland make 2017 the year in which they take control of their finances, deal with any debts and plan and save for a more financially secure future.

“Our advice is always to seek advice and support when you first start getting into difficulties and not to ignore letters or demands from creditors.

“In addition to this, our advisers can help you save money on your energy costs, make sure that you are in receipt of the correct benefits, apply to eligible trust funds and offer Pension Wise appointments.’’

Citizens Advice services across the country are expecting to help as many as 2,400 people every working day in January with queries about their finances.

To help meet the surge in demand this month, CACE has introduced a new email debt advice service (advicehub@ca-ce.org.uk); recruited and trained two paid workers to lead on digital inclusion; recruited and trained for new paid money advice workers; and introduced a dedicated phone number (03300 563037) for debt advice.

Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden’s top tips for getting your finances in order:

  • Do a simple budget: Write down your income and take away your essential bills such as gas and electric, food and transport. If you have money left over, plan in advance what else you’ll spend or save. If you don’t, look at ways to cut your costs. Use our online tool to set a more detailed budget
  • Save money on essentials: You could save an average of £300 on your energy bill by changing tariffs or suppliers. Use Citizens Advice’s energy comparison tool to see if you can save
  • Diary the dates of annual contracts that are up for renewal, like your mobile phone or car insurance, and use a comparison site to see if you can get a cheaper deal
  • Check you’re claiming the right benefits: If you have a family or are married, check if you can apply for working tax credits or marriage tax allowance on gov.co.uk. If you live alone, you may be entitled to a discount on your council tax bill. If you claim benefits, visit the Citizens Advice website to check if you are eligible for discounts on your water or energy bills
  • Start saving if you can – it doesn’t matter if it’s 50p or £5 a week, every penny will help improve your finances. Saving is an important part of everyday finances, giving you a buffer for emergencies, helping you buy bigger items and giving you more financial security for the future
  • Keep tabs on your overdraft: Sign up to free text alerts from your bank so you know when you’re close to going into your overdraft. Then make adjustments to your spending if you can
  • Be diligent about your borrowing: If you need to borrow money, it’s important to know that there are different offers with credit cards and loans, from free balance transfers to paying no interest for the first few months
  • Get your debts in order: If you can’t pay all your debts at once, it’s important to prioritise. Rent or mortgage and council tax are more important than credit card debts for example, as the consequences can be more serious if you don’t pay
  • Find out how to prioritise on the Citizens Advice website or contact your nearest service for help.

Invest in your future: Pensions are a great way to save for the future and are also good value, as your contributions are topped up your employer and the government.

If you’re eligible for auto-enrolment, consider paying more than just the minimum.

Those who are self-employed can still set up their own pension but make sure it’s with a regulated company.

If you’re over 50 and have a defined contribution pension you can get free a Pension Wise appointment to learn more about taking your pension.