http://www.moneystand.co.uk A blog about money, loans, debt and everything finance Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:27:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en If financial problems wrack you with worry, take comfort in the knowledge you are not alone. In fact, the list of the rich and famous who have struggled with debt is a surprisingly long one. Here is just a small selection; Thinking of buying a whole town? It is not cheap ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2010/03/11/im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-debt/ Instead of declaring bankruptcy, how about trying these commonly used debt solutions.... 1. An IVA. These were introduced by the Government as a way of debt management without resorting to the complex legal process of Bankruptcy. You negotiate a percentage with creditors of how much you can pay back, and if ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2010/02/26/don%e2%80%99t-go-bankrupt-before-reading-this/ Home improvement loans are a definite no go area. I think that home improvement loans are a false economy for the following reason. Most home improvement loans are borrowed money, usually that either increase your mortgage balance or run along side it for the entire duration of the loan. Now then, ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2010/02/15/borrow-to-upgrade-home/ Throughout the recession we have continually been warned to be creative with our money.  However, it is doubtful that the financial experts issuing such warnings had the following in mind when they recommended creativity!  Some people appear to have taken creativity to the extreme by differing origami shapes from bank ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2010/01/29/10-weird-things-to-do-with-your-money/ One alternatively to being bankrupt is not to be in debt in the first place. That’s easy for me to say, since I have this knowledge first hand. There’s so many simple rules that you can live by to ensure this never happens and I will try to outline the ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2010/01/25/how-not-to-go-bankrupt/ As soon as children can understand a little about money, you can start to teach them the value of saving and the dangers of debt. When they get pocket money, encourage them to save a little each week. Then tell them about bank accounts; make it fun, tell them "when you ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2010/01/12/teaching-children-finance/ It really depends on your situation. If you are still in an early and fledgling relationship then I think that you shouldn't have to share your debt problems with your partner. It is more about diverting the actual truth rather than lying. If you're in a long lasting relationship then couples ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2009/12/23/communicate-with-debt/ While we're all hoping Santa Claus will break into our house and leave us a bounty of presents, there are plenty of other yuletide security-breaches that won't leave such a warm glow. And despite credit cards getting savvier than ever, they will never be impenetrable. In fact, Wired ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2009/12/21/keep-your-credit-cards-safe-this-christmas/ The first step is to notice that you have a problem so well down you have completed the first step and hopefully the only way is up! It will take a lot or determination and maybe even some sacrifices however it will be worth it in the end. The second ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2009/12/16/dreaming-of-being-debt-free-three-tips-for-today/ Bankruptcy should only ever be seen as a last resort. The consequences are serious, affecting the person's ability to retain their home or earn a living through their own business, for up to 15 years. The increased pressure from being in such a dire long-term situation puts pressure on the ... http://www.moneystand.co.uk/2009/12/12/three-steps-away-from-bankruptcy/