Author: Craig Stocks

9,000 TrustPilot Reviews Milestone

Posted on by Craig Stocks
Trust Deed Scotland® have more 5 Star TrustPilot reviews than all other Trust Deed providers combined. Trust is everything when you’re looking for help with debt, so we’re extremely proud that Trust Deed Scotland® have more 5 Star reviews than all other Trust Deed providers combined. As a leading Scottish debt solutions provider, we’ve always been proud of our customer feedback. This week has been important for us as we’ve reached a new milestone of 9,000 Trustpilot reviews. Trust Deed Scotland® was founded in 2009 with the goal of becoming the best rated debt solutions company in Scotland, with a philosophy of putting our customers’ best interests at heart and helping them to truly realise their potential to achieve a brighter future. We’ve helped over [volume] people in Scotland by giving them tailored Scottish debt advice. 98% of our TrustPilot reviews were 5 star ratings.   As we approached our 9,000 TrustPilot reviews milestone for debt advice reviews, Amy said: “My experience with Trust Deed Scotland has been amazing – my adviser Soreena was so helpful and friendly and not at all judgemental. She kept me up to date every day of the process. I started the process on Monday and by Wednesday a solution had been put in place. I cannot believe how quick the process was and I wish I had contacted Trust Deed Scotland sooner. I feel a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and would recommend them to anyone struggling with their finances.”   Writing a review of her Debt Arrangement Scheme experience with us, our customer Caitlin wrote: “Shaun was absolutely amazing to talk to. There was no judgement and very clearly only wanted to make sure he was helping me in any way possible.“   Reviewing her experience with Trust Deed Scotland during a Trust Deed, our customer Nicola said: “Amazing support and empathy with my situation. Nothing was too much trouble and even though I found it very distressing at times, Danielle encouraged me to continue and that it would all be ok.“  

What Did Our 9,000th Reviewer Say of Their Trust Deed Scotland® Experience?

Our 9,000th reviewer, Joanne left a review after recently completing her Trust Deed. “The whole process from start to finish was so easy. It was set up in a couple of days and just knowing there was an end date set to be debt free was a massive relief. Having month payments that were manageable off my income meant I could still pay all my other bills and make the payment with out any stress or worry.“ Joanne from Glasgow entered into her chosen debt solution in 2020 after receiving tailored debt advice from Vicky in our debt advice team. Now, Joanne can focus on enjoying a fresh financial start.  

Why Does Good Debt Advice Matter?

We would like to say thank you to all our customers that have reached out to us for debt help and reviewed us. At Trust Deed Scotland®, we invest a lot of time and effort into our own training and compliance with the aim to constantly evolve and enhance our customers’ experience. TrustPilot feedback and customer feedback surveys also help us to further drive these improvements. Customer reviews are also a valuable encourager in helping others to reach out for debt advice. With thousands of relatable stories, we hope that it can help to end the stigma around debt and empower others to seek debt help. Our tailored debt advice is: Non-Judgemental – Debt happens, and we’re here to listen and advise. Not to judge. We know that there are many changes in personal circumstances that lead people into unaffordable debt. For instance, we hear from our customers after experiencing redundancy, divorce, illness as well as over-commitment. Problem debt can happen to anyone; we promise that you are not alone and we are here to help. Confidential – Chats with our debt advice team are confidential. We always respect your privacy and will not divulge your situation to anyone. Safe & Secure – Our debt advice team are based exclusively in-house. So, regardless of whether you choose to proceed with us or not, we don’t share your details with another company. Balanced – We are here to provide tailored advice to you on the risks and benefits of all formal Scottish debt solutions. We help you to understand what your options are and how they will impact your day-to-day life. You will be the one that makes the decision. We will never attempt to persuade you into a debt solution, you are always the one that makes the decision. Choose a debt solution in your own time and on your own terms. Experienced – Not only are we authorised to give debt advice, but our team are also vastly experienced, with knowledge of the inner workings of formal Scottish debt solutions legislation.  

How to Contact Our Debt Advice Team Today

To get in touch with our debt advice team, either contact us via our WhatsApp Debt Advice Service, or quickly check your options using our Trust Deed Wizard® tool. Alternatively, call us on 0141 221 0999.

How to Reduce Food Waste and Save Money

Posted on by Craig Stocks
Love Food Hate Waste report that each month, the average family in the UK could save £83 per month by avoiding food waste. This equates to around £1,000 per year that could be added to our pockets by saving food from the bin.  

Save Money by Saving Food

So, how can you minimise your food waste, and save money by doing so? Here are some simple steps and top tips to follow so that your food budget can last longer; and to see the difference in your wallet at the end of the month.  

1. Check the Fridge and Plan your Meals

Look through your fridge, freezer and cupboards before any food shop. Ensure that any food that needs to be used is eaten before you buy more. This also gives you the chance to plan meals with what you already have in the house. Ask yourself “what will pair well with what I have leftover?”  

2. Meal Plan

Every week, create a meal plan. Our top tip is to ensure your meal plan is realistic. This should help you to avoid nipping to the shops for small impulse purchases at a higher price. With a meal plan, you are less likely to visit the shop later in the week for that last-minute purchase which often leads to buying more than you planned.
Batch Cooking
Choosing to batch cook is a great way to ensure you’re using perishable foods before their use-by date. This also makes it easier for you later in the week to enjoy a home-cooked dinner, without the cooking! Simply store in your fridge or freezer, ensuring the food is in a sealed container.  

3. Make A Shopping List

Make a shopping list and make sure to stick to it. A shopping list not only ensures you won’t forget anything but will also help you to avoid impulse buys and overbuying. Tip: if you are struggling with shopping lists, take a quick picture of your fridge, freezer and cupboards as a reminder of what you have at home whilst you are out shopping.  

4. Budget

A budget is one of the most importance steps in money management. Set your budget before visiting the store and stick to it. Supermarket own brand food can be an easy way to stick to a budget without cutting down your shopping list. Often, supermarket own brand tastes just as good as branded food and at a more affordable price. We recommend taking a second look at any deals that may be enticing to you. Consider if the food on offer is an item that you need and will use. Deals often sway us into buying what we don’t need or too much food. Remember that if it ends up in the bin, money has been wasted rather than saved on a deal. Tip: we know that adding the cost of what is going into your trolley as you go can be difficult. Try Quick Scan to help you keep track of the total price as you go.  

5. Food Storage

Keeping certain food chilled can help it to last longer. By making sure you are storing your food correctly, it will be much easier for you to avoid food waste. Fresh food can be stored in the freezer if you aren’t ready to cook with it yet. Tip: Bread is one of the foods we waste the most. It can be kept in the freezer to last longer, allowing you to toast straight from the freezer whenever you’re ready.  

Help with Unaffordable Debt

If you’ve been struggling with your finances, Trust Deed Scotland® may be able to help. The Trust Deed Scotland® team of experienced debt advisers can help you to understand the debt solutions available to you. Call today to find out how you could reach a fresh financial start: 0141 221 0999 Alternatively, try the Trust Deed Wizard® Tool and see what your monthly payments could be in a Protected Trust Deed, Debt Arrangement Scheme or alternative Scottish debt solution.

Trust Deed Scotland TikTok

Posted on by Craig Stocks
Keep up to date with the latest news and advice by following our official Trust Deed Scotland TikTok account. For many people with unaffordable debts – Watching one of our TV awareness campaigns, or listening to one of our radio ads is the first step in the process of making their debt repayment more affordable and looking forward to a brighter future. More and more people are finding out about Trust Deeds and the Debt Arrangement Scheme through social media and word of mouth recommendations on platforms such as TikTok. Find out more about us and contact us with any questions, concerns, or ideas. You can also reach Trust Deed Scotland on 0141 221 0999. Official Trust Deed Scotland® social media feeds? Trust Deed Scotland Instagram feed. Follow. Trust Deed Scotland Facebook feed. Follow. Trust Deed Scotland X feed. Follow. Trust Deed Scotland TikTok feed. Follow.

Trust Deed Scotland TikTok – Our Other Media Channels

As heard on Radio Clyde, Real Radio and as seen on commercial TV channels throughout Scotland, we’ve been at the forefront of Trust Deed and Debt Advice awareness campaigning since 2009. We have become the recognised choice in Scotland for debt solutions having given a route to financial freedom to over [volume] people. Why not join us and let us hear your voice using any one of these tags #trustdeedscotland #debthelpstories Our main Trust Deed Scotland media accounts: Facebook. Instagram. Twitter / X. TikTok. Trustpilot. Google. Messenger. Blog.

New Scottish Debt Help Statistics Released

Posted on by Craig Stocks
According to the latest Scottish government statistics, every 40 minutes someone uses a formal debt solution in Scotland to write off all, or part of their debt… or just repay what they owe with no more interest or charges. The three main formal debt solutions in Scotland are Protected Trust Deeds, the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) and Sequestration. Some other informal debt solutions exist such as Debt Management Plans but aren’t included in the statistics.

Debt Advice in Scotland

Trust Deed Scotland® is the No.1 debt solutions provider in Scotland in 2024, specialising in setting up Trust Deeds and the Debt Arrangement Scheme and also giving tailored debt advice on all alternative solutions including Sequestration (the Scottish equivalent of Bankruptcy). 98.6% of our proposed Trust Deeds gain protection status last year – making us No.1 in Scotland¹. 99.8% of our proposed Debt Payment Programmes (DPPs) under the Debt Arrangement Scheme are approved by creditors². The latest statistics for 2024 show that this year, Trust Deed Scotland® have helped more people enter into one of these formal debt solutions than any other Scottish debt help company.  

Trust is Everything

Since 2009, we have given over [volume] people Scottish debt advice. You can trust us to recommend the best solution for you too. As an employee-owned company, Trust Deed Scotland® truly care about providing outstanding service throughout our customers’ debt help journey. Ensuring the best outcome for our customers is of the utmost importance to our staff. This care for our customers is reflected in our TrustPilot and Google reviews. With over [reviews] 5-star TrustPilot reviews, we have more 5-star reviews on TrustPilot than all other Trust Deed providers combined. 98.1% of our customers rated our service as Excellent on TrustPilot³. “Val has supported us through the process in an extremely understanding, professional, and empathic way. There is no judgement, each member of the team helps provide information to allow you to assess which debt plan is appropriate for you. Thank you very much for all of your help Val, we urge anyone who is experiencing debt issues to please don’t hesitate to contact Trust Deed Scotland. I will certainly sleep better tonight thanks to Val and the team.” Pamela “I would just like to say thank you to Soreena and the team at Trust Deed Scotland for everything they/she has done for me and my family. The first step is the worst but with compassion and understanding she put my mind at ease and talked me through every step and assured me they/she where there to help, she was like a guardian angel for me and can’t thank her enough for that.” Steve “I have to say a huge thank you to Matthew for being so caring and understanding. I suffer from mental health issues and was really upset about having to go through all this but Matthew made the process easy to understand and assured me every step of the way. I felt so embarrassed about getting into debt but Matthew made me feel so much more relaxed and he explained everything to me in an understandable way. I now feel a weight has been lifted from me.” Carol

Get Debt Help Today

Many people across Scotland are struggling to make ends meet. If you are in need of debt advice, you are not alone. As the No.1 debt solutions provider in Scotland, Trust Deed Scotland® advise people on the available Scottish debt solutions and our team of experienced debt advisers will talk you through your options so that you can make the best choice for you based on your affordability, lifestyle and needs. There is no obligation to go forward with a debt solution during your call with us. We are happy to provide you with the information to help you make the most informed decision for your future finances. We advise, you decide. So don’t delay, get in touch today.
¹In 2023, we achieved a protection rate of 98.6%, this made us the best performing volume provider of Protected Trust Deeds in Scotland. Trust Deeds advertised between 01/01/23 and 31/12/23. ²In this sample of 2,839 Debt Payment Programmes (DPPs) under the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), approved between January 2021 and December 2023, only 7 proposed DPP were rejected and unable to proceed. ³Reviews collected between October 2012 and March 2024, a total number of 9,318 reviews were received, 9,138 people rated us as ‘excellent’. A further 162 people rated our service as ‘great’.

Talk Money Week 2024

Posted on by Craig Stocks
The 4th November 2024 marks the start of UK Talk Money Week. The annual event is run by Money and Pensions Service, usually falling on the second week of November. Talk Money Week is a time for debt charities and companies including Trust Deed Scotland® to speak out and encourage people across the country to open up about their money and debt worries. We want to highlight that although this week has a strong focus on talking about money, Talk Money Week also brings awareness to the importance of having these conversations all year round. For all ages, talking about money is extremely valuable – from pocket money to pensions. By opening up and sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can create a brighter financial future for us all.  

Do One Thing

The focus of Talk Money Week’s is to encourage people to Do One Thing that could help improve their financial wellbeing – whether a small or big act – and encourage others to do the same. They suggest talking to a child about pocket money, using one of the free tools or calculators, or getting financially educated.  

Talk Money Week Podcast Episode

For Talk Money Week 2024, Trust Deed Scotland® alongside Blethered with Sean McDonald spoke to one of our previous customers, Becky about her experience with unaffordable debt. This inspiring episode is an important one for Trust Deed Scotland®, we often speak about the importance of our TrustPilot reviews in showing people across Scotland that debt happens, and there is help available. However, this informal chat with Becky dives deeper and illustrates how easy it can be to have debt. Becky completed a debt solution and has recently shared the exciting news that she is a homeowner. Her story can help to inspire many more people across Scotland, listen here.  

The Importance of Talking About Money Debt

A key focus of Talk Money Week every year is to encourage conversations about unaffordable debt. By having this conversation, you can improve your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Money and Pensions research shows that talking about money can help you to:
  • Make better and less risky financial decisions
  • Have stronger personal relationships
  • Help your children form good lifetime money habits
  • Feel less stressed or anxious and feel more in control
With money conversations involved in everyday lives, you can build financial confidence and resilience to face whatever the future throws at us. For Talk Money Week, start this conversation in any walk of life, including:
  • In your workplace
  • At home with friends and family
  • In educational establishments, or with debt charities
  • With the people to who you owe money to
However, we understand that isn’t easy talking about money and debt. In our most recent survey, 44% of our customers said that the fear being judged, or feel embarrassed or ashamed of their debt when the truth is problem debt can happen to anyone.

How long do people wait before getting help with their debt?

In a 2024 customer survey of existing Trust Deed Scotland® & Harper McDermott customers…
  • 16.3% got debt advice straight away.
  • 34.4% waited up to 1 year before getting debt advice.
  • 22.4% waited between 1 and 2 years before getting debt advice.
  • 26.9% waited over 2 years before getting debt advice.
Almost 50% waited over a year before finally asking for help with their unaffordable debt.

What type of debts worried our customers most?

Credit card debts are the most troublesome type of debt that our customers encounter.
  • 79% were worried about credit card debt
  • 60% were worried about personal loans
  • 30% were worried about their overdraft
  • 18% were worried about council tax arrears
  • 17% were worried about payday loans
  • 15% were worried about buy now pay later
  • 14% were worried about gas and electric bills
  • Lastly, 36% were worried about another type of unaffordable debt (including HMRC, DWP, Mortgage arrears, rent arrears and car finance)

What impact did debt have on our customers’ mental health?

We asked our customers if their mental health or physical health was impacted by their debt problem.
  • 93.1% of customers lost sleep worrying about their debt.
  • 90.9% of customers said that their mental health was impacted before entering into a debt solution.
  • 89% of customers said that their mental health improved after entering their chosen debt solution.
Of those who said that debt had impacted their mental health, 98% also said that entering into a debt solution improved their mental health.

What do people who have previously started a conversation with Trust Deed Scotland® say about their experience?

At Trust Deed Scotland® we currently have over [reviews] reviews from our customers, with a rating of 5/5 rating on TrustPilot. Our Trust Deed Scotland reviews are just as important to us, not only as a signal that our customers are happy with the service that they have received from us but also because they allow people with problem debt in Scotland to find other individuals who were once in the same position that they too find themselves in. We’re always keen to take action on any feedback that we receive to make improvements to our processes wherever we can and continuously improve our own learning and development as a leading Scottish debt solutions provider. Our experienced debt advisers received reviews in the run-up to Talk Money Week 2024 which perfectly described many of the feelings that individuals have when they’re looking for help with their unaffordable debt… “Matthew McNally was our adviser from the very start and he guided us through one of the toughest periods of our lives and put our minds at ease from the beginning. Our financial situation arose due to one of our children being diagnosed with cancer and my wife and I having to stay off work to care for her. Matthew was extremely understanding and promised to find a solution for us, which he did. As a result he was able to relieve one of our worries and stresses and put us in a much better financial position where we could focus entirely on the care for our daughter going forward.” – Paul “Jacqui was really incredible. It’s really nerve wrecking to make that call, there’s lots of questions to answer and it can feel really embarrassing and overwhelming. Jacqui was super patient, really helpful and helped put my mind at ease. I didn’t feel judged, I felt really supported and comfortable through the whole process. Now a huge weight is off my shoulders and things feel a bit more normal again.” – Heather “Debt adviser Jason made my entire time better than I could of imagined. He’s not only professional and good at his job, he went and above beyond for me with nice thoughtful words and positivity towards my unfortunate life situations.” – Dale “I was a bit scared and embarrassed to call but once I made the call Michael reassured me straight away, I felt that Michael went above and beyond and helped me through everything, 100% tremendously made me feel better in myself as well.” – Derek “The help and advice I received from Anisah was absolutely outstanding. I cannot thank her enough for helping me manage my debts that I didn’t think I would or could ever get out off. As you can imagine, it feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can breathe again.” – Lee-Anne  

Start a conversation about your unaffordable debt

Our experienced, friendly debt advisers offer tailored debt advice and explain the advantages and disadvantages of any formal debt solutions that you may be eligible for. You can contact Trust Deed Scotland® on 0141 221 0999 or use the Trust Deed Scotland Wizard® Tool to find out more about your options.

Customer Podcast – Debt Help Journey

Posted on by Craig Stocks
Trust Deed Scotland® and Blethered with Sean McDonald recently spoke to one of our previous customers, Becky about her experience with unaffordable debt. This inspiring episode is an important one for Trust Deed Scotland®, we often speak about the importance of our TrustPilot reviews in showing people across Scotland that debt happens, and there is help available. However, this informal chat with Becky dives even deeper and illustrates how easy it can be to have debt.  

Becky’s Debt Help Journey

Becky found herself struggling with unaffordable and made a call to Trust Deed Scotland® in search of debt help. After speaking to one of the Trust Deed Scotland®  experienced debt advisers, Becky chose to enter into a Trust Deed to help with her debt. She has since completed her chosen debt solution and recently shared the exciting news with us that she is now a homeowner. Her story can help to inspire many more people across Scotland, listen here. “I first got into debt when I was about 18, I’m 45 now. At 18, I moved out of home and the bank said you can get a loan, you can get a credit card. At 18 years old, I thought “free money”. I kind of kept on top of it and then as things do… you work part time and you are trying to do everything and things kind of get on top of you. So I kept going with that and moved up here when I was 20, basically just trying to live, day to day stuff. I didn’t buy anything extravagant, we didn’t go on holidays, it was really just day to day things and over the years the debt built up. Then me and my ex boyfriend split up and for the first time, I was doing everything on my own. I was on one wage and my dad always said to me “Always make sure you pay your rent, that’s the first thing you pay, anything else you can deal with after that” so I always make sure I paid that. That was the one thing I never had any issue with. But as time went on, again just trying to survive, the bills piled up. Electric was more because it was me on my own with one wage, gas was more. So between council tax and credit cards, things just got on top of me over the years. I was meeting all the payments but behind in other things.” “The gas and electric, they went on to prepayment meters to get the debt back off me and that went on for a few years. I think it was 2015 or 2016, my cat needed a big operation and I didn’t have any money for it. I put my private plate up for sale online and my friends, one of whom is here today, they didn’t tell me but they paid the bill for me. It was at that point that I just saw that I can’t keep going like this, I can’t. If I can’t afford to look after the animal I’ve got, something’s very very wrong.” “I also got a letter from one of the credit card companies that told me if I kept paying it off at the rate I was paying it off, it would be 2038 before I cleared the debt. I’d seen the adverts and that kind of thing but you know what it’s like. You put it off and put it off because you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t want to admit it and anyway, I got in touch [with Trust Deed Scotland®] and even from that first phone call it was just like something lifted.” “I don’t think I’d actually said to my friends the kind of mess I was in but they would say “do you want to go out somewhere” and I’d be like “oh no, I can’t do that this week” and I’d make an excuse. Even going down to visit family, I couldn’t afford to do that because travelling down there was so expensive so I put that off as well and it’s just those things and literally all you are trying to do is survive.” “I looked into it myself but I didn’t realise there were other options. Bankruptcy and Trust Deed’s were the only two that I knew about but when they [Trust Deed Scotland®] went through all the options, the Trust Deed seemed to be the best option for my circumstance at that time…” Listen to the full episode here.  

Getting Debt Help

To follow in Becky’s footsteps, contact Trust Deed Scotland® on 0141 221 0999. We know that her story is one that many people across Scotland can relate to. However, if you are dealing with debt, you are not alone. Trust Deed Scotland® have helped over [volume] of people across the country with their unaffordable debt. Once in contact with our team of experienced debt advisers, we go through your circumstances and provide tailored advice on all the available debt solutions in Scotland. From here, you are able to choose the best course of action for your financial future. Alternatively, quickly check the debt solutions you may be eligible for using our Trust Deed Wizard® tool. Or contact us via our WhatsApp Debt Advice service.

11,000 TrustPilot Reviews Milestone

Posted on by Craig Stocks
Trust Deed Scotland® have more 5 Star TrustPilot reviews than all other Trust Deed providers combined. We are Scotland’s No.1 Debt Solutions provider, specialising in Protected Trust Deeds and the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)¹ and we’ve always been proud of our customer feedback. We have now reached a new milestone of 11,000 Trustpilot reviews, 98% of which are 5 star ratings. No matter what service you’re seeking, choosing which company to put your trust in can be a difficult decision. Hearing from current and previous customers as they share their experiences can help make that decision easier. Trust is everything when you’re looking for help with debt and this is why we hold our TrustPilot reviews in such high regard. As we approached our 11,000 TrustPilot reviews milestone for debt advice reviews, Martin said: “Jacqui was amazing at helping me set up my Trust Deed. She explained everything fully to me and made the entire process straightforward. Positive and polite throughout the whole communication.“   Writing a review of her Debt Arrangement Scheme experience with us, our customer Fiona wrote: “There was no judgement whatsoever, Matthew was reassuring and kept me well informed of my options, the process and timescales and ensured that my repayment plan was affordable. Everything was dealt with promptly and I know that I can contact them at any time if I have any changes or questions.“   Reviewing his experience with Trust Deed Scotland, our customer Will said: “Andrew was very polite, very knowledgeable and helpful and patient and as such was able to answer all my questions that I had which helps put your mind at rest in the knowledge you are in good hands.“ Will first entered into a Protected Trust Deed with us in 2022 and is approaching the final year of his chosen solution. We’re glad to be able to assist our customers’ throughout their journey if they ever experience any bumps in the road.

What Did Our 11,000th Reviewer Say of Their Experience with Trust Deed Scotland?

Our 11,000th reviewer, Bradley left a review after speaking to one of our experienced advisers: “This service wasn’t something that I was aware of until my wife said how much it helped her friend. I spoke with Scott at Trust Deed Scotland, he was excellent and very much put my debt worry at ease straight away with his professionalism and was very polite.“  

Why Does Good Debt Advice Matter?

We would like to say thank you to all our customers who have reached out to us for debt help and reviewed us. At Trust Deed Scotland®, we invest a lot of time and effort into our own staff training to constantly evolve and enhance our customers’ experience. TrustPilot feedback and customer feedback surveys also help us to further drive these improvements. Customer reviews are also a valuable encourager in helping others to reach out for debt advice. With thousands of relatable stories, we hope that it can help to end the stigma around debt and empower others to seek debt help. Our tailored debt advice is: Non-Judgemental – Debt happens, and we’re here to listen and advise. Not to judge. We know that there are many changes in personal circumstances that lead people into unaffordable debt. For instance, we hear from our customers after experiencing redundancy, divorce, illness as well as over-commitment. Problem debt can happen to anyone; we promise that you are not alone and we are here to help. Confidential – Conversations with our debt advice team are confidential. We always respect your privacy and will not divulge your situation to anyone. Safe & Secure – Our debt advice team are based exclusively in-house. So, regardless of whether you choose to proceed with us or not, we don’t share your details with any other debt solutions companies. Balanced – We are here to provide tailored advice to you on the risks and benefits of all formal Scottish debt solutions. We help you to understand what your options are and how they will impact your day-to-day life. You will be the one who makes the decision. We will never attempt to persuade you into a debt solution, you are always the one that makes the decision. Choose a debt solution in your own time and on your own terms. Experienced – Not only are we authorised to give debt advice, but our team are also vastly experienced, with knowledge of the inner workings of formal Scottish debt solutions legislation.  

How to Contact Our Debt Advice Team Today

To get in touch with our debt advice team, please call us on 0141 221 0999. Our team of experienced debt advisers will discuss your circumstances and talk you through the available Scottish debt solutions for you. Alternatively, if you are unable to make a call, you can contact us via our WhatsApp Debt Advice Service, or quickly check your options using our Trust Deed Wizard® tool before reaching out to us.
  Trust Deed Scotland® is Scotland’s No.1 Debt Solutions Provider, specialising in Protected Trust Deeds and DAS. Here’s why: In Scotland, Between 1 Jan 2024 and 30 September 2024 a total of 3,956 people entered into a Protected Trust Deed, 1,884 people were awarded Bankruptcy (Sequestration) and 3,979 people were approved for a Debt Payment Programme under the Debt Arrangement Scheme. These statutory debt solutions total 9,819 people. During this same period, Trust Deed Scotland® (Harper McDermott Ltd) had 1,212 Trust Deeds gain protection status, had a further 1,186 approved Debt Payment Programmes under the Debt Arrangement Scheme, and a total of 0 Bankruptcies awarded. With a total number of 2,398 formal debt solutions approved during the period, this makes Trust Deed Scotland® (Harper McDermott Ltd) the leading provider overall. Informal debt solutions such as Debt Management Plans are not included in these statistics. More information on these statistics are available from the Accountant in Bankrupty.

World Mental Health Day 2025

Posted on by Craig Stocks
The 10th of October marks the annual return of World Mental Health Day. The World Mental Health 2025 theme is about doomscrolling and  ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies‘. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability. Doomscrolling refers to the habit of continuously consuming negative news or distressing online content, often through social media or news apps. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to alarming headlines can heighten anxiety, stress, and feelings of hopelessness. Recognising this behaviour and setting healthy boundaries around media use can make a big difference to our overall wellbeing. The world is going through challenging times, but many of us are also carrying deep personal pressures in addition to global uncertainty.

Doomscrolling and the debt cycle

Many people turn to social media as a distraction from financial stress, endlessly scrolling to take their mind off money worries. Typically, this “doomscrolling” can deepen those worries. Social media algorithms tend to surface content based on what we already engage with. So, if you’re anxious about debt, you’re more likely to see posts about financial struggles, cost-of-living, or budgeting challenges. Instead of relief, this can amplify guilt, anxiety, and hopelessness, feeding a vicious cycle harder to escape. The real relief comes not from distraction, but from taking real action. Even small steps can help you regain control of your mental wellbeing. Debt does not define you; choosing support does.

How does financial difficulty affect Mental Health?

A common cause for mental health struggles is financial difficulty. Struggling to afford the essentials and to stay afloat financially is often linked to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. As financial difficulty escalates, unaffordable debt can build up. Here at Trust Deed Scotland®, we hear from people across Scotland who are struggling to keep up with repayments to their debts. It is common for the people that speak to us to link mental health struggles to their debt; often discussing a lack of sleep caused by worrying about their financial future and experiencing stress caused by their debt. In our most recent survey, we found that:¹
  • Over 91% of Trust Deed Scotland® customers told us that they lost sleep worrying about their debt.
  • 91% of our customers told us that debt had an impact on their mental health before entering into a debt solution, with many specifically affected by stress and anxiety.
  • Many of our customers said that they have stress or anxiety.
 

Let’s talk about it

  While conversations around mental health have become more common, stigma still exists, and it often extends to discussions about debt. In fact, 50% of our customers told us they waited a year or more before seeking debt advice because they felt ashamed, embarrassed, or feared being judged for their financial situation.¹ As difficult as it may feel, it’s important not to be too hard on yourself over debt. Many people across Scotland experience financial difficulties, and feelings of shame or embarrassment can take a toll on your mental wellbeing, often making the situation even harder to manage. The best way forward is to speak with an experienced debt adviser who can help you find the right solution for your circumstances. Taking that first step with Trust Deed Scotland® has already helped over [volume] people in Scotland achieve a fresh financial start. Last year, the theme put forward by the World Federation of Mental Health was to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace, a reminder that open, honest conversations are the key to breaking stigma and improving wellbeing, both at work and at home.

What our customers say

Heading over to our TrustPilot page, containing thousands of Trust Deed Scotland reviews, our customers say things like… “I phoned Trust Deed Scotland after struggling to manage the mountain of debt I’d got myself into. My adviser was Matthew, and I honestly can’t recommend him enough,he was absolutely fantastic. Everything was clearly explained to me: all my options, the pros and cons of each, and the process involved with the option I chose. I was kept fully updated throughout, which really helped put me at ease as I was very anxious about entering into a Trust Deed. I genuinely can’t recommend Trust Deed Scotland highly enough as they’ve taken so much worry and stress out of my life and changed it for the better. My only regret is not contacting them sooner. – Caitlin  
“The hardest part was picking up the phone, but once I did, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. My debt was getting worse and worse, and so was my anxiety. After I spoke to Barry for the first time, he put me at ease, and the process after that was great. I gave him the information he needed, and within a couple of weeks, he had everything set up for a payment plan I can actually afford.” – Steven  
“I filled in an online form and was contacted by Sharon. I wanted some advice, and we explored the different options before deciding that a Trust Deed suited me best. I was still unsure about going ahead and voiced my concerns, but Sharon explained everything in detail, including the benefits and helped me realise it was the best way to get a fresh start. Now I only have one payment a month and no stress attached to it.” – Michael  

Contact Trust Deed Scotland® for Debt Help

Tackling your debt can be the first step in improving your mental health. In a recent survey, 90% of Trust Deed Scotland® customers told us that their mental health improved after they entered a debt solution¹ Our team of experienced debt advisers provide you with tailored, non-judgmental, understanding and supportive debt advice – as cited by many of our customers on TrustPilot. Find out more about debt advice from Trust Deed Scotland®. Talk to an experienced adviser today by calling 0141 221 0999. Get in touch with the team on the Trust Deed Scotland® WhatsApp Debt Advice service.  

Support Services for Mental Health

We understand that although mental health struggles can be closely related to debt or could even be the direct cause of it, you may need to get in touch with people who are trained in mental health support. Please follow the links below if you feel it is appropriate for you. Discover more links to additional support services here. Call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 for free. Visit the See Me website for the relevant contact information. SHOUT provide 24/7 support via text message. Text ‘SHOUT’ TO 85258. Call the Samaritans on 116 12 for free, 24/7.
Visit the SAMH website for support. Last year, the theme put forward by World Federation of Mental Health was to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace.
¹November–December 2024 Trust Deed Scotland® customer survey with 2,705 responses.

Talk Money Week 2025

Posted on by Craig Stocks
The 3rd November 2025 marks the start of UK Talk Money Week. The annual event is run by Money and Pensions Service, usually falling on the second week of November. Talk Money Week is a time for debt charities and companies, including Trust Deed Scotland® to speak out and encourage people across the country to open up about their money and debt worries. We all think about money way more than we talk about it. Talk Money Week is here to get the conversation started, whether it’s about saving, debt, or just getting by.

Ready to start the conversation?

  Chatting about money isn’t always easy. It can feel a bit uncomfortable, maybe even a little nerve-wracking. But honestly? There are many tougher things to talk about. Money shouldn’t be one of them. The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes and before long, it’s just another everyday conversation.

The Importance of Talking About Money Debt

A key focus of Talk Money Week every year is to encourage conversations about unaffordable debt. By having this conversation, you can improve your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Money and Pensions research shows that talking about money can help you to:
  • Make better and less risky financial decisions
  • Have stronger personal relationships
  • Help your children form good lifetime money habits
  • Feel less stressed or anxious and feel more in control
With money conversations involved in everyday lives, you can build financial confidence and resilience to face whatever the future throws at us. For Talk Money Week, start this conversation in any walk of life, including:
  • In your workplace
  • At home with friends and family
  • In educational establishments, or with debt charities
  • With the people to who you owe money to
However, we understand that isn’t easy talking about money and debt. In our most recent survey, 44% of our customers said that the fear being judged, or feel embarrassed or ashamed of their debt when the truth is problem debt can happen to anyone.

How long do people wait before getting help with their debt?

In a 2024 customer survey of existing Trust Deed Scotland® & Harper McDermott customers…
  • 16.3% got debt advice straight away.
  • 34.4% waited up to 1 year before getting debt advice.
  • 22.4% waited between 1 and 2 years before getting debt advice.
  • 26.9% waited over 2 years before getting debt advice.
Almost 50% waited over a year before finally asking for help with their unaffordable debt.

What type of debts worried our customers most?

Credit card debts are the most troublesome type of debt that our customers encounter.
  • 79% were worried about credit card debt
  • 60% were worried about personal loans
  • 30% were worried about their overdraft
  • 18% were worried about council tax arrears
  • 17% were worried about payday loans
  • 15% were worried about buy now pay later
  • 14% were worried about gas and electric bills
  • Lastly, 36% were worried about another type of unaffordable debt (including HMRC, DWP, Mortgage arrears, rent arrears and car finance)

What impact did debt have on our customers’ mental health?

We asked our customers if their mental health or physical health was impacted by their debt problem.
  • 93.1% of customers lost sleep worrying about their debt.
  • 90.9% of customers said that their mental health was impacted before entering into a debt solution.
  • 89% of customers said that their mental health improved after entering their chosen debt solution.
Of those who said that debt had impacted their mental health, 98% also said that entering into a debt solution improved their mental health.

What do people who have previously started a conversation with Trust Deed Scotland® say about their experience?

At Trust Deed Scotland® we currently have over [reviews] reviews from our customers, with a rating of 5/5 rating on TrustPilot. Our Trust Deed Scotland reviews are just as important to us, not only as a signal that our customers are happy with the service that they have received from us but also because they allow people with problem debt in Scotland to find other individuals who were once in the same position that they too find themselves in. We’re always keen to take action on any feedback that we receive to make improvements to our processes wherever we can and continuously improve our own learning and development as a leading Scottish debt solutions provider. Our experienced debt advisers received reviews in the run-up to Talk Money Week 2024 which perfectly described many of the feelings that individuals have when they’re looking for help with their unaffordable debt… “Matthew McNally was our adviser from the very start and he guided us through one of the toughest periods of our lives and put our minds at ease from the beginning. Our financial situation arose due to one of our children being diagnosed with cancer and my wife and I having to stay off work to care for her. Matthew was extremely understanding and promised to find a solution for us, which he did. As a result he was able to relieve one of our worries and stresses and put us in a much better financial position where we could focus entirely on the care for our daughter going forward.” – Paul “Jacqui was really incredible. It’s really nerve wrecking to make that call, there’s lots of questions to answer and it can feel really embarrassing and overwhelming. Jacqui was super patient, really helpful and helped put my mind at ease. I didn’t feel judged, I felt really supported and comfortable through the whole process. Now a huge weight is off my shoulders and things feel a bit more normal again.” – Heather “Debt adviser Jason made my entire time better than I could of imagined. He’s not only professional and good at his job, he went and above beyond for me with nice thoughtful words and positivity towards my unfortunate life situations.” – Dale “I was a bit scared and embarrassed to call but once I made the call Michael reassured me straight away, I felt that Michael went above and beyond and helped me through everything, 100% tremendously made me feel better in myself as well.” – Derek “The help and advice I received from Anisah was absolutely outstanding. I cannot thank her enough for helping me manage my debts that I didn’t think I would or could ever get out off. As you can imagine, it feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can breathe again.” – Lee-Anne  

Start a conversation about your unaffordable debt

Our experienced, friendly debt advisers offer tailored debt advice and explain the advantages and disadvantages of any formal debt solutions that you may be eligible for. You can contact Trust Deed Scotland® on 0141 221 0999 or use the Trust Deed Scotland Wizard® Tool to find out more about your options.

Cost of Living Crisis: More Scots Forced to Cut Back in 2025

Posted on by Craig Stocks
More Scots Feeling the Squeeze as Cost of Living Pressures Bite – Which? Report. Households across Scotland are continuing to feel the strain of rising prices. According to new research from Which?, more than half of UK households have had to make at least one financial adjustment in recent weeks just to keep up with everyday essentials. This is the highest level seen so far this year. The Which? survey found that 52% of people said they’d had to take action to cover daily costs such as food shopping, energy bills, rent or mortgage payments, school items or prescriptions. If those numbers were applied across the UK, it would mean around 14.8 million households have made changes to cope with rising costs, the highest level since December 2024. The survey of more than 2,100 people across the UK was carried out between 17 and 19 October. People said they had been cutting back on essentials, dipping into savings, selling belongings, or borrowing money to get by. Those on lower incomes were particularly likely to say they’d had to go without.

Cost of Living in Scotland

Here in Scotland, our own 2024 Trust Deed Scotland® Customer Survey found similar patterns. When asked what actions they had taken to combat the cost of living crisis:
  • 66% said they had cut back on socialising or hobbies
  • 31% said they had cut back on heating
  • 34% said they had cut back on buying food
  • 20% said they had borrowed money from family or friends
We also asked those struggling with problem debt about the impact of interest and charges being added to what they owed. Over 93% told us it made their situation worse. And 62% said they had taken on longer hours or even extra jobs just to make payments. The Scottish government released a report in February 2025, amongst its findings, it reported rising levels of food insecurity. Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious, and safe food. It can range from reducing the variety of diets to members sometimes disrupting eating patterns or going without food due to a lack of resources. The Which? report found that the number of households missing at least one essential payment, such as rent, mortgage, utilities or loan repayments, was 5.5% in October. Applying the same percentage to Scotland’s population suggests that around 140,000 Scottish households may have missed at least one essential payment during that period. This is only an estimate, as both the Which? survey and the National Records of Scotland household data are based on sample and census estimates rather than exact numbers. Which? warned that more households are still making financial sacrifices just to stay afloat as we head into the colder months and the expensive festive period. Looking ahead, one in five (20%) people believe their financial situation will improve over the next year, while about a third (34%) expect things to get worse. Those who expect things to deteriorate cited the rising cost of food, energy bills and inflation as key concerns. Some also mentioned worries about possible tax rises and government policies.

If You’re Struggling With Debt, You’re Not Alone

At Trust Deed Scotland®, we speak to hundreds of people every month who are in the exact same position. The rising cost of living has made it harder for many to stay on top of bills and debts, even when they’re working full-time or more than one job. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to know that there’s help available. We’ve helped thousands of people across Scotland reduce their monthly payments, write off unaffordable debt, and find a way forward. You don’t have to face it alone. Our team is friendly, understanding and here to help you make sense of your options. Take the first step today and see if you qualify for help. Use our Trust Deed Wizard or speak with one of our experienced advisers on 0141 221 0999.