Getting help
You are not on your own. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your situation then you might find the following websites useful.
Keep up to date with DMGT's consumer site, This is Money, which has a wealth of information about credit and loans.
Advice Guide is the Citizens Advice Bureau's online service.
AdviceUK is a network of independent advice centres. To find your nearest member agency, visit their website.
Perform a credit check on yourself before your lender does using Checkmyfile.
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a good place to find free advice. They provide free information and advice on legal, money and other problems. You can find your local CAB on their website. Contact your nearest CAB in England and Wales or Scotland.
Consumer credit counselling service (CCCS) is a registered charity offering free, confidential advice and support to anyone who is worried about debt.
The National debtline provides free self-help advice to its callers and also produces written self-help packs and fact sheets to back this up.
Payplan provides free debt advice and debt solutions.