With debt in Britain rising to incredible levels many families are suffering extreme distress as a result. Many people feel embarrassed and too ashamed to discuss the problem with their partner and allow the problem to escalate.

Red demand bills, bank statements loaded with charges, and phone calls from creditors become the everyday norm. The worse it gets the more you try to hide this distressing situation from your partner and family, feeling they would ridicule you. This causes intolerable stress and arguments arise, especially between partners as they don’t understand the reason you are so tense.

The only solution is to ‘bite the bullet’ and admit your debt. By opening those dreaded statements and letters you can take positive action. Calculate your level of debt and seek help. The CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) can advise in a non-judgemental way. If you tell your partner how much debt you have, adding that you have taken steps to solve the problem, he will possibly help to get back on the straight and narrow.