help with repayments

We understand that your financial circumstances can change, making it difficult to maintain your monthly financial commitments. Make a list of essential spending on food and entertainment, budget for gifts and stick to it. Keep track of your spending. Join supermarket mailing lists for special offers and vouchers

Have a clearout, take things to the car boot sale or sell on-line.

Use price-comparison sites for the best deals as there is generally a lot of competition for customer business.

Don't overspend on credit cards

Don't go overdrawn. If you think you might, it's best to warn the bank in advance and check whether they can agree to a temporary arrangement.

You may also want to download and print our budget planner. This provides you with a simple and effective way to see where your money goes each month. It can help you identify your essential and non-essential spending and can give you clearer picture of your financial situation. You may also wish to use some of the following independent information regarding your own financial situation:

• FSA's Financial Healthcheck
• CCCS' Debt Remedy Service

As a Firstplus Homeowner Loan is secured against your property, it’s important to make sure that if you do come up against any difficulties, your monthly secured loan repayments are prioritised and maintained.

That’s why we have a dedicated money, advice and support (MAST) team who are on hand to help you with your finances and who will try and ensure that your Homeowner Loan repayments are covered within your monthly budget. If you are currently experiencing any financial difficulties or have any concerns about your future ability to repay your Homeowner Loan, then please contact us as soon as possible.

You can either:

• Call us Monday-Friday 9am-5pm on 0845 848 0124*.
• Email us at MAST@firstplus.co.uk with your contact details and we'll call you back within 24 hours.

Please make sure that you have your account number and details of your incomings and outgoings to hand before contacting us.

Free advice is also available from the following organisations:

• Citizens Advice Bureau - They provide independent advice about your rights and the website has details of your nearest CAB office
• Consumer Credit Counselling Service - They provide free, independent and impartial advice. Call 0800 138 1111
• The National Debtline - Provides free, confidential and independent advice about debt problems. Call 0808 808 4000
• Advice UK - For your nearest information and advice centre, call 02074 074 070

Please be aware that Firstplus is not responsible for the content of external websites.