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Real life stories

Our clients share – in their own words – the impact debt has had on them and their journey out.

These stories are from people who were worried about the same things you are worried about. They realised they could not get through this alone and reached out to us for help. And now their worries have gone away.

We can help you too with our free debt advice and support service. Get help now.

These stories prove debt is nothing to be ashamed of

Debt can be hard to talk about. But StepChange has been helped million of people for over 30 years and we know that debt can:

  • Happen to anyone
  • Happen for lots of reasons
  • Impact us in different ways
  • Be dealt with…let’s deal with it together

Are you looking for reviews of StepChange services?

Read Feefo and TrustPilot reviews from people who have shared their experiences of being on debt management plans (DMPs) and individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) with StepChange.

Debt shouldn't be the cost of living

Sophie’s story

“At our worst, we were worried about keeping our roof over our heads. We didn't know if the lights would be cut off or if we'd be able to keep up with all the things our family needed. We were worried about putting food on the table and buying school uniforms for our older daughter. It was absolutely terrifying.”

Find out more about Sophie

Jamie

Jamie's story

When Jamie, 25, lost his job, he had to rely on credit cards and loans to pay his bills and cover his day-to-day living costs:

"Credit cards became my main way of paying bills, buying food. I thought it was only a short term thing and it wouldn't last very long."

Find out more about Jamie

Debt causing problems with mortgage and renting

Matt's story

"At one point, I took out a personal loan to help with a rent deposit, and other large expenses followed. "After a while, things started to get tight and I was struggling to keep on top of my credit commitments. I also slid into rent arrears."

Find out more about Matt

Matt

Carol's story

"I was fortunate that my sister helped out with a couple of mortgage payments, and a friend tried to help me out with some bills – I was just trying to keep a roof over my head and keep myself fed. I had to buy some things on credit cards and borrow money, assuming that when I was back at work I would be earning the same money that I earned before and be able to pay it back easily."

Read Carol's story

Physical and Mental Health

Chris's story

"However, a few years ago I was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition which meant I had to give up the new career I was passionate about. I didn’t have the money to pay off my debts and I needed to focus on my health."

Learn more about Chris

Alannah's story

"I live with a range of different long-term health conditions, which means that for a while I was reliant on ESA and PIP for my income. Things were tight and I was being underpaid due to an error, and therefore I had to appeal this to be able to get my full entitlement."

Read more about Alannah

Sarah's story

"It’s really common for people who are neurodivergent to find financial management difficult... even though some of us are able to work and can look as if we are coping a lot of the time."

Read Sarah's story

Hannah's story

"I loved my job as a care home assistant, but after dislocating my knee and ending up in the office for a short time, I was made redundant because I couldn't drive. I also happened to get pregnant around the same time."

Read Hannah's story

Thomas's story

"When I was in the grips of my addiction every month I would end up spending my income on various bets and games, and would then be forced to take out credit to pay for my essential living costs."

Read Thomas's story

Big Life Changes

Nikki's story

"Before I was in debt, I lived a fairly comfortable life. I had worked abroad and was married with 3 children. However, after we separated, my ex-husband struggled financially and eventually the child maintenance payments stopped when my youngest went to university."

Read Nikki's story

Courtney's story

"I got into credit card debt after being offered a credit card at 18 years old, which I relied on because I was trying to keep up with all of my friends and never wanted to say no to nights out and holidays, which meant I always living above my means."

Read Courtney's story

Salma's story

"A few years ago, the school I worked at decided to undergo a restructuring process and I was suddenly made redundant alongside a large number of my colleagues... I didn’t feel able to tell anyone close to me because of a recent family bereavement and because my mum had her own health issues to be concerned about."

Read Salma's story

Kevin's story

"Debt never used to be something I worried about. I worked in the financial sector in Canary Wharf and was on a really good wage, and because of this, credit was very easy to get hold of. I quickly started using credit cards to support the lifestyle I had, and I made sure to make the payments I needed towards them each month. However, things fell apart when I was made redundant twice in a row."

Read Kevin's story

Emma's story

"We accumulated council tax arrears and fell behind on our rent, and couldn’t find the money to pay for food, gas and electricity. I felt worthless."

Read Emma's story
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Joanna on Feefo says:

"No need to be embarrassed I am at the beginning of my journey to become debt free but StepChange have been understanding and empathetic with my personal financial situation. They have not made me feel stupid or made me feel a failure but have helped put my mind at ease, removed the pressure and helped me to take my first steps forward to get my financials under control."

Get help like Joanna

Debt happens. We deal with it.

We have helped millions of people since 1993.

Find out how.

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"StepChange = stress relief"

"StepChange helped me a lot...every month I used to stress because I knew I would have nothing left over to my name. Now I only give the amount I can really afford to my creditors. BIG THANKS TO STEPCHANGE."

Mohammed, Feefo Review