Personal Finance News

Personal Debt Help Enquiries Surge in June
A sudden and great increase in personal debt help enquiries at Lewis Alexander has been reported for the month of June 2008.

We would normally expect by June that the post Christmas rush and need to clear credit cards, coupled with that need for money to clear personal debts to be over, this is not the case. A great number of UK residents seem to have waited to see if things get any better toward the Summer and most felt that by June 2008 enough was enough.

This sudden increase in enquiries, has come from individuals who have failed to enter into an IVA or broken the IVA agreement due to further changes in circumstance and a subsequent inability to maintain regular monthly contributions. Apart from Bankruptcy, in most cases a debt management plan is the best option available.

Clients that are in this position are also struggling, or did struggle with the IVA repayments due to the original payment being set too high at the outset. The high IVA payment ensured that the companies proposing the Iva's, could guarantee a minimum percentage of the total debt to be repaid over the agreed fixed period of 60 months, back to the respective creditors. Therefore, greatly increasing the chance of acceptance of the IVA at the "creditors meeting". We are not suggesting for one moment that these companies have acted fraudulently or illegally, merely pointing out where the machine of big business, can act as nothing more than a conflict of interest to the people with the original problem that created the source of revenue!

Personal debt help is simple when explained in the correct way. We can all dress things up to sound complicated but when it comes to personal debt, the importance of making the right decision of which debt solution to use is imperative, as time that is wasted in pursuing the wrong route can never be recovered!

At Lewis Alexander, we help many people every day to start the process of debt clearance and for those that wish to use our debt services, that have tried to find debt help before, the process is usually very straight forward. We enjoy keeping things as simple as can be for you, this way you will at all times understand what you are entering into!

For a FREE, confidential, debt advisory call, use our free debt helpline today, lines are open 24 hours.

Call 0800 018 6868

Clear Personal Debts with an IVA, Debt Consolidation or Debt Management
If you wish to clear personal debts without having to increase your borrowings further, you may wish to consider a Debt Management Plan or IVA, these personal debt solutions can clear debt without loans. They are a form of debt consolidation that help people who have previously been refused credit. They also help you avoid bankruptcy.

Are you afraid of what debt collection letter from which company is going to drop into your mail box next? Are your creditors calling you at work or at home, daily? You may even be dealing directly with your creditors, sometimes known as self debt management. This can be difficult and we can advise you further.

We can assist you to clear debts today! Call free and we will do the rest!

Call 0800 018 6868 in total confidence.

Become debt FREE with direct help & advice
If you are struggling with your finances and require personal debt help or advice, try using a company that offers a free helpline as a starting point.

Companies that charge you for advice are not helping you!

IVA companies, that originally set up as sole IVA providers, are now chasing vulnerable debt management clients, as they are unable to sustain the levels of enquiries they had become accustomed to over the last few years whilst solely providing personal insolvency solutions.

This is strange as the models of some of these businesses were originally based on IVA operations but they seem to be operating in all sectors of late. When a personal insolvency company starts to move in a particular direction that it has been known to have portrayed previously as weak or a little none compliant, it can NOT only be based on changing times, they are possibly struggling to maintain existing levels of turnover from sole provision of the original service offered and this some what compromises the high esteem they may have previously been held in by some!

Lewis Alexander urges people to seek advice from specialist companies and the consumer should ask the company offering the advice if they are privately or publicly owned. This can sometimes be evidence to the consumer of the true intent behind the company ethos, will they at all stages be compliant in their dealings and advice, whilst trying on the other hand to obtain income of sales to sustain hungry investor appetites? Or, are they privately owned and investing in their clients future high level of service by concentrating on improving the service experience current clients enjoy?

The real intention of any personal debt company should be to help the vulnerable consumer clear personal debts as quickly as possible. This is not all ways the case.

Please note that only an IVA can clear debts in 60 months or 5 years.

Debt Management will clear your debts and suits many people but no fixed time period or end date can be promised, any individual or company claiming to be able to offer an exact end date for the debt management plan is lying!

For friendly advice regarding all personal debt solutions, please call FREE using 0800 018 6868

Employment problems whilst struggling with personal debt?
If you fear you are about to be made redundant or have recently lost your job, do not prioritise the repayments of your personal unsecured debts. For example, credit cards, personal loans, catalogues etc. You MUST make sure you pay your priority debts and repayments first, such as, Mortgage, Rent, Council Tax, Electricity, Gas, TV license. If you allow arrears to build up or bills for the home get out of control, you could end up losing your home or dwellings.

We help many people understand which bills need paying first and which should take a back seat for the time being, we are not saying that unsecured debts should be ignored, quite the opposite, however, with a little sound advice it is quite amazing how easily a personal debt problem can sometimes be solved.

If you fear you are about to be made redundant or need help regarding benefits available, their are many organisations that can help.

Personal debt in the workplace can be very difficult to deal with. Others around you are most probably going through the very same feelings of stress and worry. Do not suffer alone, call our free debt helpline in confidence and sleep peacefully tonight!

Call 0800 018 6868 FREE today, it only takes one call to start to clear a debt problem!

In Personal Debt during a "Credit Crunch" House Sale?
Every day, the calls keep coming from people who need to clear their personal debts but who also have their property currently on the open market for sale. Where is the problem you ask?

If Mr & Mrs A own a property, that they believe is worth and currently being marketed for £300,000 and the house has been up for sale for 3 months without any viewings, it is likely they will have to asses what is going to be the reason why a potential buyer would buy their house before the next one available at the same or slightly lower price, it is about knowing the market in which you are selling your home!

This is not the point though, most people think their house is the one that will sell, it is our nature to prefer our own houses, cars, holidays etc....

However, Mr & Mrs A also have unsecured credit card debts and personal loan agreements outstanding that total approximately £35,000. The interest on the personal debt is accruing daily and their ability to repay more than the minimum payments is limited and becoming more so as the months move on. Mr & Mrs A believe that when they sell their house they will pay off their personal debts, it is quite simple!

Or is it?

Mr & Mrs A may not sell their house for another 6 months, it may not sell at all!

In the current climate, the case could be that Mr & Mrs A sell their house for a lot less than they originally thought meaning less equity to pay off the debts after the sale. Whilst waiting to sell the house the interest and charges on the personal debt has increased the total amount now owing to possibly £37,500-40,000. It all depends on the interest accruing on the debt outstanding!

The point is simple, people should not put all their"eggs in one basket".

Mr & Mrs A should make plans to deal with or take advice regarding the unsecured debt level and possibly reduce it whilst trying to sell the house. The concern of keeping the credit score in tact is a little like "shutting the stable door once the horse has bolted".

For more advice regarding personal debt problems and ways around managing your debt through the sale of your home in a volatile market, please call today using 0800 018 6868, our lines are open 24 hours, your call is FREE and dealt with in total confidence.

Why FOOL around with Personal Debt in April?
April is not a time to be fooling around if you have personal debt problems. It is a time when if careful, you can really plan a solid financial routine for the rest of the year. Christmas was only round the last corner and it will be Summer soon. You do not want to be worrying about court actions and solicitor letters from credit companies and their collection agents when you could be out enjoying the spring and summer air! Get your finances sorted! If you are still reading this article you are either genuinely interested or seriously over committed with personal debt.

Lewis Alexander helps many people every day to consolidate their personal debts or just gain friendly advice to set them on the road to their own managed financial stability.

The hard part of a sound financial life is good planning, when you start it really is quite simple, it is the thought of delving into the unknown that is the frightening part and this can stop most of us being financially OK!

This article is designed to get you thinking about how you could better plan the rest of your year financially if trying to clear debt, what would you like to buy friends or family for birthdays and Christmas this year? There are 5 simple letters you must remember and can apply to your finances and most areas of your life.

PPPPP - Perfect Planning Prevents Pathetic Performance!

If you need advice on personal debt problems and you are a UK resident over 18, please contact Lewis Alexander Financial Planning, online or visit our debt help website for further details.

We can help with debt management, bankruptcy, personal loans and an IVA or Trust Deeds,

Call 0800 018 6868 FREE today in total confidence!

Alone in Personal Debt, Partner NOT Aware?
Are you living alone and suffering with the stress and worry of personal debt issues or problems.

You may be living with a partner or married and unable to share your concerns due to worry of affecting your relationship. This is very common be you alone or just unable to talk to anyone. Most people that call our free debt helpline understand that they are not alone once they speak with a trained advisor.

Credit companies are trying to obtain as much of your disposable income (the money you have spare each month after bills and living costs) as possible, there are rules for lenders on how much they can lend people and the industry term for this is "Responsible Lending".

It basically means that if a lender thinks, that after looking through and investigating your income and expenditure (a financial statement on your self) that you are unable to afford repayments on a new proposed loan, they MUST NOT lend you the money. If you encountered a further change in circumstance for the worse, you may not be able to repay the lender the money you borrowed. Not lending the money in this instance where an individual can not afford to repay is now known as "Responsible Lending" on behalf of the lender which can only be seen as most commendable.

A great number of consumers get frustrated and tempered with loan providers and their loan brokers when unable to get the acceptance for the credit they so need or want. This is not the lenders fault or problem, consumers must take responsibility also for their past and make more responsible decisions by thinking more long term regarding their money and financial status.

The finance industry is like most "a double edged sword" on the one side you have the compliant companies who respect people and their personal situations, on the other side are the more unscrupulous companies that prey on the vulnerable consumer.

At Lewis Alexander we offer impartial financial advice regarding all personal debt issues, do not suffer alone and do not be afraid of talking with us if you fear your partner and their reaction.

Did you know, more people are more likely to speak and be open with their partner about an extra marital affair or relationship they have had than the problems they have gotten into regarding personal debt and finances?

Call today to clear debt using 0800 018 6868, your call is FREE and dealt with in the strictest confidence!

Credit Cards & Debt Help - IVA or Debt Management?
Credit cards are the biggest problem in most peoples financial arrears. Most of us try and keep up with the plastic before paying anything else, such as rent and mortgages! Yes, people are actually paying for their mortgages and their rent using their credit facilities. When we try and explain to vulnerable consumers that they must prioritise their debts by paying the most important first, they seem shocked as though the credit card companies will be upset.

An upset credit card company is much better than an eviction order from your landlord or your mortgage lender advising you that they are to repossess your home or ask you to vacate your rented dwellings.

We can't stress enough the importance of making the repayments on loans or other debts secured against your home.

Credit card companies only want you to pay the minimum on your credit card repayments, if you pay more than the minimum required you will be clear your debt and then you won't owe them any money, this is not good for your credit card company, however, it is the right direction for you!

The interest on credit cards is designed to increase not reduce, these companies are waiting for you to suffer a change in personal circumstances such as a death in the family, loss of job or less hours at work, split from partner or divorce. These changes in circumstance are not all ways negative unpleasant ones. A new baby or a wedding can easily set us back for years. The credit industry has a much clearer crystal ball than the vulnerable consumer. They can see your changes before you know you are due them. it is just the way credit companies work but please do not let them work you out of YOUR home!

For further information on how to clear credit card debt and other personal debt help, please call free using 0800 018 6868 or contact us online....

IVA take up rate 12% of Debt Consolidation enquiries!
The take up rate for the personal IVA at Lewis Alexander is 12%.

The company specialises in the Personal Debt Management sector and has done so successfully since February 2003. The information released is based upon enquiries that are generated from the initial enquiry to a live conversion into a Lewis Alexander client. The IVA work is outsourced to preselected Insolvency Practitioners.

The remaining 88% splits down into 63% opting for a Lewis Alexander Debt Management Plan and the final remainder choose options such as bankruptcy and loan options where available.

The figure is surprising as the general market place of personal debt advice and help services seems to be direct selling the IVA! Lewis Alexander are proud to offer the client a full explanation where necessary so as to enable the consumer to make an informed decision. This could be adopted as best practice amongst all companies and implemented on a compliance basis by a regulator.

The industry could then adopt an accepted standard conversion rate for a compliant fee charging advisory service.

The main problem Lewis Alexander has encountered with the funding and floatation's of IVA PLC companies, dating back to 2004, is that the individual choosing to enter into an IVA over a Debt Management Plan or Voluntary Petition for Bankruptcy is no different in there make up, they are still only human! The point being is that the individual is open to exactly the same changes in circumstances over the next 5 years that has created the need for action in the first place. The Debt Management Plan may not be as rewarding in fees as an IVA to the operating company but is sometimes a preferred approach for advice when the advisor has the experience the client does not!

Yes, companies are in business to make money but at this end of the financial sector there should be an element of caution as the detriment to the consumer can be catastrophic if the consumers IVA fails due to their lack of continuity of payment etc,,

The Debt Management Plan is not a legally binding agreement and is informal between client and creditor. Therefore, the "City of London" or financial institutions raising funds for floatation's have avoided Debt Management Companies in the main. This is why some of the IVA companies or IVA factories have scurried around making acquisitions that seem still to be proven on a profitability basis. These companies surely could not have floated as Debt Management operations but did create great projections and share rushes, then proceeded to buy Debt Management companies in a bid to keep their bottom line positive and reduce the cost per client acquisitions.

Lewis Alexander has previously rejected take over bids from a certain IVA company due to this mind set as described above. The take over would have affected the success enjoyed by both client and employee when clearing debts, coupled with the excellent balance of impeccable client retention rates with outstanding abilities to generate new enquiries that convert into acquisitions.

The cost to an IVA company to generate an acquisition had reached £1000 over the last 2 years and in some cases more. These companies business models are costly and when compared to the Lewis Alexander CPA of an IVA at £150, it seems outrageous. Is the sector finished as a direct sell arena and where will the money makers move next?

We can confirm that the only PLC involvement at Lewis Alexander is Profitability, Liquidity & Capital.

Debt Management Company offers Prepaid Mastercard
If you have no bank account, no credit cards or currently on a debt management plan and you struggle to pay for goods or services online, or over the telephone, you need a Prepaid Mastercard.







You can apply online and you are GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE. Have a read and make your own choice, we think everyone should have one in their wallet!

IVA or Debt Management? - Get a FREE Credit Check from Experian before you decide
Before you decide on either a Debt Management Plan or an IVA / Individual Voluntary Arrangement, make sure you have checked your current credit status!

This is important as it will show you what is on record about your financial history. You do not want to carry on as though this information does not exist and once you read it, things on the report seem less frightening than you thought. If anything, it is a good starting point for any debt advisor to help you from, as it is easily read by people who are reading them daily.

You can get a free credit report online from Experian in the UK.

Proud Sponsors of Guide Dogs for the Blind
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of the UK is constantly seeking funding from any source as there is no government funding available to the charity. Lewis Alexander Debt Consolidation Services is a proud sponsor of Guide Dogs and should any visitors be in the fortunate position financially to contribute, it would be most kind.

Visit Guide Dogs, meet the puppies!

UK Debt Consolidation Company launches Larry the Loan Broker
Lewis Alexander Financial Management has launched a secured loan brokerage called Larry the Loan Broker. Larry is based on a Texan theme and was delivered on time and in budget by not normal mEdia of Manchester.

Products on offer include secured home loans, payday loans, unsecured all purpose loans, debt consolidation loans and refused loan advice.

Lewis Alexander believe the new brokerage should only compliment the existing IVA and Debt Management departments, making the company a "Turn Key" solution for consumers seeking help to clear personal debts in the UK.

Larry will be advertised online and on national UK television. This is a very similar model operated by Lewis Alexander. The Larry DRTV advert is due to air in the Spring of this year (2008).

For further information or to apply for a personal loan in the UK visit Larry online @ http://www.larrytheloanbroker.co.uk/

IVA Companies Failing to Maximise! warns Uk Debt Management Specialist
IVA companies are finding it increasingly difficult to convince consumers to enter into an IVA.

Some companies push the IVA over other options available such as Debt Management or Bankruptcy. The consumer does not get a fair explanation and then the end result can be quite a shock for the person who has entered into the IVA.

Ability to borrow can be delayed for many years after the IVA has ended and certain restrictions can be very tiresome.

Debt management plans have been given a hard time with bad press over the years but it is quite amazing how many people prefer to take them and when operated by a good company those clients also complete the plans!

Lewis Alexander advise many people every day, help is available 24 hours, call free 0800 018 6868

IVA, Debt Management, Bankruptcy Help & Loans
Regardless of the type of personal debt you may have, you will at some point of dealing with your problem, consider one of the following options available to clear debt in the Uk,

Debt Management, IVA, Bankruptcy, Consolidation Loans, Debt Advice

for more help and advice if you are currently suffering please contact us free today for a no obligation consultation.

IVA & Debt Management Company call in Not Normal Media
Lewis Alexander Limited announced earlier today that the new 2008/9 advertising contract has been awarded to not normal Media, also known as Not Normal Limited of Manchester.

The 2008 campaigns will commence online and offline in March 2008 and run continuously until Jan 31st 2009.

The main focus of the campaigns will be on increasing the existing response from the DRTV success enjoyed since 2005. The main reason why Lewis Alexander are so successful in such high cost advertising mediums is due to vast experience of the current board of directors.

Managing Director, Richard Johnson said, " We are delighted with the news and selection of the not normal agency. We have been advised to acquire the agency to allow greater control of spend for Lewis Alexander, the agency does not have a vast client base so this approach seemed sensible considering the time they had scheduled the Lewis Alexander Account. We were mainly impressed by their quality not quantity approach. This will be a very exciting time for both companies and new clients should benefit from an ease of finding our services when most at need".

The cost per client acquisition for Lewis Alexander has ridiculed that of its IVA competition stated in the national press and the Debt Management arm of the business operates in perfect synergy with the loan brokerage and IVA department.

The advertising contract won by not normal media is said to be worth in the region of 1/4 Million GBP spend over the next 12 month period. Both companies have worked together briefly on new products for Lewis Alexander and see a mutually beneficial relationship ahead. The fee paid for not normal ltd remains undisclosed.

For further information on Lewis Alexander visit http://www.lewisalexander.com/

FISA registration APPROVED for Lewis Alexander Limited
FISA (Financial Industry Standards Association) have approved the Lewis Alexander Limited application for registered membership.

The membership is based on a one year probationary period as set out by FISA.

The Lewis Alexander team are elated by the news of successful membership and look forward to the compliant benefit of such accreditation. Lewis Alexander do hope that the news will entice other finance companies of all sizes to aspire to such industry standards to remain compliant and consumer friendly.

Enforcement Restriction Orders for 2010, will it affect the IVA & Debt Management
The Press Association have reported that the Government plans to introduce an initiative called the Enforcement Restriction Order. This is designed to assist people who have been subjected to a change in personal circumstances who have personal debts outstanding that can't be immediately repaid.

In essence it is a facility for consumers to approach a county court and ask for an order to be placed which allows them a PAYMENT HOLIDAY suspending due payments for up to one year. Interest would still accrue on accounts but late payment charges would be waived during the payment holiday.

Courts would be expected to make the Enforcement Restriction Order difficult to obtain if the consumer is not struggling with a catalogue of low value debts. Mortgages, Student Loans & Child Maintenance would be excluded from any Enforcement Restriction Order

Uk iVA & Debt Management Co. applies for FISA accreditation
Lewis Alexander Financial Management of Manchester, has applied for FISA membership. Lewis Alexander Ltd has done this for a number of reasons,

1. To enable consumer applications for loans where a client circumstance allows.
2. A greater product range on offer complimenting the existing IVA & Debt Management departments.
3. To allow the company to make strong directional movements towards secured and unsecured borrowing markets whilst creating extra advice services for the Uk consumer.

The Financial Director claims that this will make Lewis Alexander a dominant player within the Uk Personal Finance Industry within the next 12 months. Profitability remains high and re-invested but not excessive based on turnover. The company is excited about the potential FISA accreditation.

For more information on Lewis Alexander please follow this link.

24Hr IVA & Debt Management helpline is LIVE!
Lewis Alexander are proud to anounce that since 1st January 2008 they have conducted a 24 hour advice solution for Uk consumers troubled by personal debt problems.

The main difference between this helpline and the other free charitable ones available is simple, the advors are funded by Lewis Alexander Limited therefore the advice is impartial of the credit companies most consumers owe.

The free charites are in the main funded by well known creditors and this means the advice is coming from people indirectly paid by the companies the money is owed to!

Lewis Alexander operate this only with the absolute dedication of a committed team and are certain that after the initial trial period the helpline should remain open until further notice.

Call free using 0800 018 6868, your call will be dealt with in total confidence!

Beware of the Charging Order! Get Free help
The Charging Order is seeing a surge in demand from credtors rushing to turn unsecured debts into county court judgements (CCJ's) then allowing for the Charging Order process to begin.

Lewis Alexander are offering free help to their clients with Charging Order proceedings as in most cases there is evidence of unfair collection procedures by creditors.

All personal debt must be collected compliantly by the respective collection company or creditor. There are guidelines in place to protect consumers from unlawful collection procedures and we advise any individual being bullied by their creditors to cotact our free debt helpline for further advice and information.

Visit http://www.lewisalexander.com/Lines are open 24 hours 0800 018 6868

Free Financial health Check, All year round! (by Debt Management & IVA experts)
Lewis Alexander Ltd offers an all year round "Free Financial Health Check". If you call the freephone helpline they can check within the first 3 minutes of your advisor call to see if you are financially sound or heading for the cycle of personal debt!

The NHS may offer a free health check in January but Lewis Alexander beleive this should be available for finances all year round whilst remaining free to the client. So they have set this up at their own cost and have reported that 75% of callers have really appreciated the advice so far.

Dial Uk +44 (0) 800 018 6868 further information on the Lewis Alexander FREE FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK

Lewis Alexander Debt Management Help, UK TV Advert
As seen on national TV in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

"Not a Surprise" states Uk Debt Management Company Director
Richard Johnson, Managing Director of Lewis Alexander Financial Management stated earlier today that it was "Not a Surprise" that the British consumer is so heavily troubled with personal financial problems.

For the last 5 years, Mr Johnson has personally advised clients NOT to secure their current unsecured debts against their homes. "All it takes is a rise in interest rates as we have all seen to make sharp rises in monthly mortgage repayments. People just look for the easy option when in fact the most economical ways of clearing personal debts are usually the most severe.

We are not suggesting that all people consider Bankruptcy or IVA arrangements or even Debt Management Plans. We simply feel that secured loans are only right for certain situations and the evaluations of these over the last few years could have been stronger!

The help is on hand for those serious about sorting their finances for good! The hardest part for people is making the first call for help. We understand that and are very sympathetic to the needs of our clients"

UK National Debt Charities warn on Dangerous Levels of Personal Debt
Secured loans and mortgages are set to take British consumers over the edge warns the FT website. Most of us have debts but how many have them secured against homes?

Please take advice before securing debts against your home, we can help!

Lewis Alexander