An overdraft is a type of borrowing facility, it lets you borrow money through your bank account. It’s typically used for an unexpected bill or an essential repair. It’s a convenient way of accessing extra money when you need it quickly.
This option of borrowing is usually offered by banks to customers who have more money going out of their accounts than they have coming in. It’s widely seen as a short-term fix and should not be used for long term borrowing.
If you are in debt or your income has reduced and the bills are getting on top of you, this can seem like a quick easy way to maintain your standard of living until you find a longer term solution or increase your income.
Types of overdraft
Authorised overdrafts are arranged in advance. You agree a borrowing limit with your bank, and you can spend money up to that limit through all the normal payment methods.
Unauthorised overdrafts, also known as unplanned overdrafts, happen when you spend more than you have in your bank account without agreeing it in advance, or if your bank has agreed an overdraft for you but you go over the limit they’ve set. You will pay extra charges and these can mount up very quickly.
I am in debt and I need help
I'm in debt!! How do I handle this? What should I do? It seems to be getting worse.
Okay, so if you are reading this page your creditor(s) are currently trying to contact you. They've told you to pay up or face the consequences. But you just don't have the money to pay. They might even have passed your debt over to a debt collection agency.
Phone calls, Letters and Home Visits
The debt collection agency are now harassing you constantly with phone calls. They are sending you letters and threatening to visit you at home.
What are you going to do?
Well, the first thing you need to know is that you are not alone.
There are many people all over the country that are in the same situation as you are. The more affluent they are, they more trouble they seem to be in. There are various reasons why people get into debt. From being made redundant from your job, a reduction in working hours, welcoming a new baby to the family, sudden illness, your business not doing as well as expected, struggling to adjust your household expenditure to the current climate of austerity or just over spending and living beyond your means.
Is there a solution?
Yes!
There are various solutions available to help you pay your debts off in a way that ensures your repayments are affordable.
In most instances, the interest charged on your debts can be frozen so the debt doesn't continue to increase.
You can then agree a repayment plan with your creditors at a sensible amount that ensures you can still cover your living costs within reason.
