GUIDES

Step-by-step guides, when it gets serious.

14 guides UK English FCA-aware

When a letter, a court claim, a bailiff visit or a repossession threat lands on your doormat, this is where to start. Each guide walks through the process, the deadlines, and what to do next.

Business Debt

3 pieces
Business Debt

How to Stop Your UK Business Failing: A Cash Flow Survival Guide for 2026 | The Real Debt Guy

More than three in five UK businesses do not survive their first five years. Cash flow, not ideas, is why. Four practical protections built around credit checks, contract terms, cash flow discipline and how to chase unpaid invoices under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
Business Debt

Personally Liable for Business Debts? UK Directors

Limited liability protects directors, until it does not. Learn how personal guarantees, sole trader status, wrongful trading, disqualification and HMRC liability notices can make business debt personal.
Business Debt

Cannot Pay Your Bounce Back Loan? What Happens

The Bounce Back Loan guarantee protected the lender, not you. What actually happens if the loan cannot be repaid, plus Pay As You Grow options, personal liability, winding up petitions and misconduct investigations.

Debt Collectors

2 pieces
Debt Collectors

Debt Collectors UK: Your Rights & FCA Rules 2026 | The Real Debt Guy

Debt collector contacting you? Learn your UK rights, what collectors can and cannot do, how FCA rules apply, and when to complain.
Debt Collectors

Do You Have to Pay Debt Collectors? UK Rights

Contacted by a debt collector? Learn how to check whether the firm is authorised, what a Notice of Assignment is, how to ask for proof and what your rights are if you dispute the debt.

Secured Debt

1 piece
Secured Debt

Mortgage Arrears UK: How to Avoid Repossession

Behind on your mortgage? The forbearance options your lender must consider under FCA MCOB 13.3, the pre-action protocol timings, what a judge can decide at a possession hearing, and where to get help.

Court Action

1 piece
Court Action

What Is a CCJ? County Court Judgment UK Guide

A CCJ is a court decision that says you owe money. Learn how the process works, response deadlines, credit file impact, and what to do if judgment has already been made.

Enforcement

1 piece
Enforcement

Bailiff Powers UK · What They Can and Cannot Do

Bailiffs at your door? Learn what they can and cannot do, when forced entry is possible, what notice you should get and how to check they are genuine.

Debt Solutions

1 piece
Debt Solutions

Car Repossession UK: Rights & Next Steps | The Real Debt Guy

Car finance in arrears? Learn what happens when a car is repossessed, the one-third rule, voluntary termination, shortfalls, CCJs and what to do next.

Complaints

1 piece
Complaints

How to Complain About a Bank or Debt Collector UK

Treated unfairly by a bank, lender or debt collector? Learn how to complain, what evidence to include, deadlines that apply and when the Financial Ombudsman may help.

Consumer Rights

1 piece
Consumer Rights

Debt Collector Harassment UK: Your Rights

Being chased relentlessly? What counts as harassment by a UK debt collector or creditor, the CONC rules firms must follow, how to log it and how to complain.

Guarantor Loans

1 piece
Guarantor Loans

Guarantor Loans UK: What Happens When the Guarantor Cannot Pay | The Real Debt Guy

If you cannot afford the guarantor loan payments, here is what the lender must do before they can chase the guarantor, what the guarantor

Debt Rights & Regulation

1 piece
Debt Rights & Regulation

Debt Elimination Schemes UK: What Works, What Doesn't, and What Will Get You Sued | The Real Debt Guy

Freeman on the Land, Strawman, Sovereign Citizen. YouTube says they cancel your debts. The FCA calls them scams. What actually works in a UK courtroom, and what will land you with costs orders.

Priority Debts & Utilities

1 piece
Priority Debts & Utilities

Energy Arrears UK · What Your Supplier Can and Cannot Do (2026) | The Real Debt Guy

UK energy suppliers must follow strict Ofgem rules before switching you to prepayment, sending bailiffs, or going to court over energy arrears. Here is what those rules actually say, and how to use them.

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