News

Monday 21 January 2019 - so called 'Blue Monday' - is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. Cliff Arnall, who first publicised the ‘Blue Monday’ concept has stated that it was never his intention to make the day sound negative but instead had intended to inspire people to take positive action.

Cliff Arnall, who first publicised the ‘Blue Monday’ concept has stated that it was never his intention to make the day sound negative but instead had intended to inspire people to take positive action.

In recent years, the concept of Blue Monday has become a bit of a talking point, a chance for a news story or a promotional opportunity.

However, the reality is that for many others it can be a reality check, bringing home real feelings of despair and anguish.  Pressures faced by someone in financial difficulty are real.  Our team has seen first-hand how people can be impacted by building financial pressure, yet experience also means our team knows that talking through the issues, identifying people's fears and providing straightforward advice often allows people to see the road ahead more clearly.

Whilst we can’t make the financial stress disappear, we can help you to get a plan to together, provide someone to talk to and help you start the process of dealing with the debt – all of which can make an immediate difference.

In a lot of cases there are options available to deal with financial issues and taking action sooner rather than later can often ensure that the worst fears don’t become a reality.

• Face it head on - If you know there is a problem then you have to deal with it.  The pressure will mount if you don't take action. Allowing others to take action against you relinquishes control and often can reduce the options that may be available to you.
• Don't lose focus on what really matters- Take a step back, focus on what really matters in your life.  Most of your fears won't happen, there are always options and whilst renting, downsizing or missing those weeks in the sun might not be what you want, you'll survive and more often than not be happier for it.
• Be honest with yourself and others- Often people try to gloss over the reality of the situation, bury their head and convince themselves and others that it will be alright.  They make promises they can't keep and these can be more damaging than admitting the truth.
• People will surprise you– when you explain your position to those around you and know the options available then 9 times out of 10 people’s first concern is for the you  and what they can do to help.
• Be prepared to act- If you are not willing to change, offer something or even admit that there is an issue, it's unlikely anyone will be able to help you.  Your lifestyle may change. You may have to borrow from family. You may have to sell assets. But if you are prepared to offer something, a fair compromise can often be achieved that allows you to rebuild your financial sanity.

• Are you facing a financial pressure?
• Are you struggling to pay your debts? 
• Maybe someone hasn't paid you and that means you can't pay your suppliers?
• Perhaps you don't have the cash available to pay your tax bill?​

Get in touch and have an informal chat with one of our advisors to see how we may be able to help.