Debt
There are a range of free local and national services available to help.
Credit Unions in Cornwall are local financial organisations providing a range of affordable and fair services:
Cornish Community Banking 0800 0556873 www.cornishcommunitybanking.co.uk
North Cornwall Credit Union, 01208 812447, Council Offices, College Road, Camelford, PL32 9TL
Kerrier & the Fal Credit Union. 01326 373603, 23 Telegraph Street, St Day, Redruth
SECCURE Credit Union, 0800 7316030, C/o Citizen's Advice Bureau, 21 Dean Street, Liskeard, PL14 4AB
Cornwall Citizens Advice Bureaux and Jobcentre Plus are also providing free independent debt and money management advice through St Austell Jobcentre (01726 294080) and Bodmin Jobcentre (01208 254230). Or contact Cornwall CAB on 0844 499 4188. Cornwall Citizens Advice Bureaux provide 10 top tips for making the most of your money:
• Keep track of your money. Know how much you have coming in and what your outgoings are.
• Don't ignore the everyday bills. Not paying your rent or mortgage, your council tax or your utility bills can have serious consequences.
• Be organised. List when your payments are due, and make them on time to avoid extra charges.
• Keep things simple. If you can afford to pay cash, or by cheque or debit card, then don't be persuaded to take out an extended credit agreement or a store card.
• Don't run up unauthorised overdrafts. Talk to your bank if you need more money. Going into the red is a very expensive way of borrowing.
• Join a Credit Union. Local community organisations that offer their members safe, low cost personal loans.
• Read the small print on any credit agreement before you sign. Check for hidden extras and snags. Work out the total amount you will have to pay, and check that you can afford the monthly instalments. Interest free credit is only interest free as long as you pay on time.
• Doorstep lenders can cost you many times what you have borrowed in high interest charges. Find out about your local credit union before you take out a loan.
• Get advice and help from a free, independent adviser. There is no need to pay for money advice when there are many organisations that will give you professional support free of charge.
• Don't be an ostrich. Money problems do not solve themselves, and the longer you leave them the more difficult it is for you to sort things out. Get help from a free adviser.
More information and contact details can be obtained by clicking on the attached leaflet: 
Debt Advice Leaflet [64kb]