Talk About Debt Survey

Questions that help us to help you and others in debt

Please complete the answers to these questions. Answering them enables us to learn more about you and your debt and offer you our best advice.

So little is known about people in debt and surveys like this one help us understand more, which in turn helps us to help others. This is an optional section and provides us with some answers to questions that tell us about the psychology of debt.

Q.1

How long did it take you to take action to tackle your debt problem? *

Q.2

Once you admitted you had a problem - how long was it before you talked about it with friends / family / spouses / colleagues? *

Instantly - I needed someone to talk to
Several months - I didn't want to admit it to them
A long while - I was ashamed
I still haven't talked to anyone about it
Don't know

Q.3

Why do you think people are uncomfortable talking about debt issues?

We don't want friends / family / colleagues to see us any differently
We're British - we don't talk about these things
It's still not acceptable to talk about money
It's admitting a weakness
Being in debt is irresponsible
Many people are simply ashamed
Other:

Q.4

What do you perceive are the biggest problems you will face by declaring using a debt solution like debt management, an IVA or bankruptcy?

My credit rating will be affected
I won't be able to get a bank account
I will never be able to get a loan / credit card again
I'll never be able to get a mortgage
it will be harder for me to get a job
Other:

Q.5

How has debt affected you over the long term?

I am always worried
It's stopped us starting a family as we can't afford it
It's stopped me getting on with my life
I've been unable to buy a home
Unable to set-up my own business
Unable to send my child to university
Other:

Q.6

Being in debt is often hard for people to talk about - would you rather admit to any of the following than admit you're in debt?

Having an STD
Cheating on a partner
Lyiing to a friend/family member
Coming out/being gay
Other:

Q.7

What is the most frightening part of being in debt?

Fear of long-term credit problems
Fear of the unknown
Fear of having your belongings repossessed
Fear of having everyone know about your bankruptcy
Fear of losing your home or eviction
Fear of your families reaction
Fear of imprisonment
Other:

Q.8

Has your debt affecting the way you act towards your family?

Yes
No

Q.9

Are you waiting for or expecting a windfall e.g. deal to land, pay rise, or bonus to pay your debts?

Yes
No

Q.10

When chased for missed repayments, have you ever been unrealistic about when you’ll make a payment to get them off your back?

Yes
No
Don't get calls

Q.11

How has your debt experience effected future borrowing habits?

Never Borrow Again
No Effect
Will Borrow Again

Q.12

Do you drink more or less alcohol because of your debts?

Being in debt makes me drink more
Being in debt makes me drink less
Debt does not affect my drinking habits

Q.13

Has being in debt kept you awake at night?

Yes
No

Q.14

Has being in debt affected your appetite?

Yes
No

Q.15

Are your debts affecting your work?

Yes
No

Q.16

Is being in debt affecting your self-esteem?

Yes
No

Q.17

What effect has debt had on your health?

Q.18

What effect has debt had on your relationship with your spouse or partner?

Q.19

Has being in debt affected sex / love-life?

For the Better
For the Worse
Not Applicable

Q.20

Who are you afraid may learn about the full extent of your debt?