A new, free debt advice website has been launched to help people who are struggling to pay their monthly bills.

The website – www.fddebtsolutions.co.uk – has been set up by independent accountancy firm, French Duncan, to help tackle the growing problem of personal debt in Scotland. Operated by a team of specialist advisers who have been providing expert debt advice since 1989, the new website and corresponding hotline – 0800 652 0002 – offers free and confidential options to help people who are suffering with debt problems.

Director of Business Recovery and Insolvency at French Duncan, Linda Barr said:

“Getting into debt can be easy regardless of social status or financial position. Debt is an increasing problem in Scotland and there is no easy way to overcome it. According to the Money Charity, the average debt per adult in UK is well over £29,000 which accounts to 112.9% of average earnings – we wanted to do something to help tackle that.

“The best way to avoid running into problems is to take a few simple, preventative measures. Here are a few of our recommendations:

“1. Budget, budget, budget. Try to budget for all essential payments on a monthly basis and try to save for one off costs like car servicing, boiler issues and the like so that you don’t have to borrow for these.

“2. Ensure that you are claiming all that you are entitled to in terms of Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credits.

“3. Don’t automatically renew utilities, insurance or other contracts without comparing all other options on the market. Think about using cashback sites in relation to all purchases and contract renewals and don’t keep subscriptions that you don’t use like gym memberships.

“4. Don’t throw away old items – sell them through car boot sales or online local sale sites.

“5. Don’t take out loans, pay day loans or credit cards with exorbitant interest rates, these can lead to an unbreakable cycle of borrowing and payback. If you budget properly then these shouldn’t be required.

“6. It may sound simple, but pay off debts before saving as debts usually cost more than savings can generate.”

The new www.fddebtsolutions.co.uk website contains a number of essential tips and FAQ sections on the key issues surrounding debt and will be continuously updated with new information, help advice and information about the newest regulations.

Established in 1902, French Duncan has offices located all over central Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Hamilton and Dumbarton.