Do you feel trapped by debt?
Do you dream of a day where you don’t have to worry about your credit card? Where you can create a decent budget and stick to it easily? Or do you dream big and hope to own your own home?
Know that feeling?
If you do, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. There is support out there to help you reach financial freedom.
Paying off your debts can seem like an enormous task and entering into a plan like the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) might not seem like the most obvious route to take. However, the DAS offers the chance to repay your debt at an affordable monthly rate and stop pressure from people you owe money to, freeze interest and charges and can be a great way to help get your credit score back to good health.
This solution is now at the forefront of debt help in Scotland thanks to regulation changes that came into force in November 2019.
The changes revolutionised the DAS by making it free to everyone that uses it, no matter whether they employ the help of the free sector or organisations such as Carrington Dean. All upfront costs and fees are now charged to the people you owe money to, leaving you to only make the payments set out in your agreement.
By making the scheme accessible for everyone, this has given us the ability to deliver DAS to anyone that could benefit from it and help more people than ever before.
That’s why we’re shedding some light on how the DAS can help lead you to the financial freedom you’ve been waiting for.
A new beginning
When you’re in debt, it can take over your life; leaving you on an ever-spinning carousel of bills and payments as your lenders chase you to pay what you owe.
It’s a common misconception that the ability to be good with your money means being able to live the glamorous lifestyle. But this isn’t exactly the truth and for most, it’s actually leading a simple life that allows them that ability.
The future can seem a long way off, and planning for it can feel scary – even more so if you’re dealing with money worries. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t hit your money goals.
There’s always been a stigma that’s attached to debt and money problems, making it a subject that’s avoided in conversation. But for us here at Carrington Dean, we believe breaking down that stigma and finding the support you need.
What is the DAS?
The DAS is a legal debt management scheme that’s backed and overseen by the Scottish Government. It allows you to apply for a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) to pay back your debts at an affordable rate.
What kinds of debt can be included?
DAS’ are designed to help you pay off your unsecured debts, so could be the right solution for you if you’re struggling with:
- Council tax arrears
- Payday or bank loans
- Utility bills
- Overdrafts
- Credit/store cards
- Catalogues
However, it’s important to note that this solution does not allow you to include secured debts such as your mortgage or hire purchase agreements.
What are the advantages of a DAS?
Finding a way to deal with your debts can feel complicated, but entering into a solution like the DAS does come with its advantages.
It’s a great way for you to pay back your debts over a fixed period of times at a rate that you can afford, allow you to rebuild your credit score and be well on your way to financial freedom.
Advantages include:
- Creditors cannot take legal action against you once your DAS is approved
- It is dealt with by a Money Adviser on your behalf, relieving you of the stress of dealing with your creditors.
- All interest, fees, penalties or charges on your debts are frozen from the date you apply and are written off when it has been completed.
- Assets such as your home or your car will not be affected as long as you keep up with payments to them.
- Sole traders may be able to include business debts in a DAS.
- Payments are based on what you can reasonably afford within your circumstances.
- If your circumstances change during the DAS, it may be possible to vary your payment amount and/or apply for a payment holiday for up to 6 months.
But the biggest advantage of all is that you only have to make your payments. All fees for the administration of your DPP are paid by your creditors directly to the provider.
However…
As with everything in life, it’s important to think about the possible disadvantages that you may come across.
- The Debt Payment Programme (DPP) will last until your debts are repaid in full, there is no fixed time period.
- You cannot apply for a DAS on your own – you must consult an Approved Money Adviser.
- It can affect your credit rating and may affect your ability to obtain credit in the future.
- It is only available to Scottish residents
If you’re looking for help with your debts, make sure to get as much information as possible before making your decision. You can do this by speaking to an expert money advisor, who will guide you through the process and tell you everything you need to know about not just the DAS but other debt solutions as well.
Where can you get help?
Making the decision to sort out your debts is one that comes lightly, but simply having the conversation could be the first step to turning it around. At Carrington Dean, we pride ourselves on being Scotland’s debt specialists, and we’re here to offer you attentive and expert advice when you need it most.
We’re not here to judge, we’re here to help. And so far, we’ve helped 24,000 Scots find their way to financial freedom by hearing them out and give them as much information as possible to allow them to make the decision on their terms.
