The Health Centre

BBC | Health News

2.0RSSBBC News | Health | UK EditionUpdated every minute of every day.'Debt deterring would-be doctors'The prospect of high student debt and increased pension contributions could discourage young people from entering medicine, a senior doctor warns.Sat, 19 May 2012 12:12:52 GMThttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18128637#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-saDieting 'safe for pregnant women'Dieting in pregnancy is safe and does not carry risks for the baby, a review of research has suggested.Fri, 18 May 2012 01:36:38 GMThttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18101423#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-saKids' cardiac service criticisedAn independent panel says cardiac services at Glasgow's Sick Children's Hospital "may be unsafe if critical staffing problems are not addressed".Fri, 18 May 2012 12:25:37 GMThttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-18117882#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Finance

Debt counselling could be the answer to your personal financial problems. Maybe you've lost your job through ill health or been made redundant - the bills keep mounting up and you've no money to pay them.

The longer you leave the problem, the worse it is likely to get
Unopened bills don't disappear

STEPS TO TAKE

Cut down on any overspending
Prioritise your debts
Get specialist help
Don't ignore your creditors - try to negotiate terms with them
Work out what you can afford to repay

LOANS

Consolidation loans may help - but they are expensive
Your bank may also help you

DEBTS TO PAY FIRST

Mortgages - to avoid repossession
Council tax - failure to pay can lead to a court summons and prison

MORTGAGE ARREARS

Even if you are in arrears it may be possible to get a remortgage
This may well be expensive - but better than losing your home

REPOSSESSION

If the lender sells your home for less than you owe them they have several years to start chasing you for the balance - between six and 12 years
It is possible to negotiate a reasonable repayment plan