Financial advice
Being unemployed, for whatever reason, can be difficult not least of all because of the suddenly restricted income. It is never too soon to get financial advice so that you get control of your finances.
East Renfrewshire Council’s Money Advice Team offers a few simple rules to follow if you find your circumstances are difficult to manage:
Accept you’re in debt – don’t bury your head in the sand!
Prepare a personal budget – you will need this when negotiating with your creditors.
Contact your creditors – and explain your personal circumstances. The sooner the better!
Identify your priority debts – your main priority is to keep a roof over your head.
Calculate what you can afford to offer as repayment to your creditors.
Keep a record of all your documentation and details of all telephone calls to and from creditors.
If you receive court papers – don’t ignore them, complete and return them to court quickly.
Do not be tempted to borrow to pay off your existing debts, it will only add to your problems.
And lastly: don’t panic – seek advice.
Contact a money adviser to arrange an appointment.
Money Advice Team
The Money Advice Team offer free confidential, professional and practical advice on money matters. They can negotiate with creditors on your behalf and help fill in court forms.
Clients can be seen at the main office in Barrhead, but also at East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters in Giffnock, at the Social Work department in Clarkston, or any other Council office or venue suitable to both client and adviser. Out of hours and home visits can be arranged by appointment.
Money Advice TeamEast Renfrewshire Council,
Finance Department,
211 Main Street,
Barrhead
East Renfrewshire
G78 1SY
Telephone: 0141 577 8420
Email: moneyadvice@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Opening hours: Mon–Thurs 9.00 am–5.00 pm, Fri 9.00am–4.00 pm.
Debt advice
East Renfrewshire Income Maximisation service
East Renfrewshire Council offer an Income Maximisation service which aims to check your financial situation and help you to claim for any benefits. The service also offers guidance with the appeals process.
Outreach clinics run throughout the area on an appointment basis, for more information or to book an appointment call 0141 577 3081 / 3071.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8.45am–4.45pm.
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