Your next step · 4 MIN READ
What to prepare before speaking to a debt counsellor
A calm, practical way to gather your figures and questions before the first conversation.
Make one list of credit accounts
Start with each provider’s name, the type of account, the latest balance you can find and the scheduled payment. Use a date beside every balance so you know how current it is. You do not need to reproduce full account numbers in a general preparation note.
Store accounts and smaller agreements are easy to overlook. Check your statements and debit orders for anything missing. If a balance is unknown, write “to confirm” rather than presenting a guess as a verified amount.
Explain your income pattern
A payslip may be straightforward; self-employment, commissions and mixed income can need more explanation. Write down what is regular, what varies and whether there are predictable quiet months. The aim is a realistic conversation, not a polished version of the figures.
If your circumstances have recently changed, explain when and how. A new job, reduced hours or a household change can make older statements less representative. Ask the counsellor which records will help them assess the current position.
Keep essential living costs visible
List the household costs that do not disappear when debt becomes difficult: accommodation, food, electricity, transport and any applicable school or medical needs. Include irregular costs that belong in a realistic monthly plan. The budget planner can help with the arithmetic.
Do not reduce a cost on paper simply to reach a payment someone has suggested. Ask what assumptions were used and whether the proposal reflects your circumstances. Keep the distinction between a preliminary discussion and a formal application clear.
Prepare your own questions
The meeting is also your opportunity to understand the service. Ask about the counsellor’s registration, the process, fees, communications and how payments would be monitored. Take notes and ask for written explanations you can review later.
- What else do you need before assessing my situation?
- What would I be agreeing to at the next step?
- Can I see the fee breakdown and proposed timetable?
- How do I raise a question after this conversation?
Keep the preparation private
Use a verified channel to send documents. Do not give anyone your banking password, card PIN or one-time password. This site does not need those details, and its initial assessment does not collect an ID number.
If you choose to request contact, keep the confirmation for your records. A request for a conversation is not a guarantee of acceptance, a repayment amount or a particular outcome. You can take time to read the information before deciding what to do.
Sources & further reading
Check the original guidance for the full context and any later updates.
Found something that needs correcting? Email sales@wizeowl.today. Please do not email account statements or identity documents.
Our editorial approach