New research shows household confidence remains low as debt concerns rise, with more people looking for financial help in Scotland. Many families are increasingly worried about rising debt, falling savings and future financial security.
If you are searching for financial help in Scotland, you are not alone.
The latest Consumer Sentiment Index from S&P Global recorded a reading of 44.8 in February. Any score above 50 signals improving confidence. Anything below 50 suggests deterioration.
S&P Global is an international financial information and analytics company that produces economic research and economic data used by governments, banks and policymakers worldwide.
Although February’s figure was slightly higher than January’s, it remains among the weakest readings of the past two years.
In short, many Scottish households are feeling financial pressure.
Debt Levels Rising Across Scotland
The survey found households are accumulating debt at the fastest pace since July.
Key concerns include:
- Growing reliance on credit
- Reduced access to affordable borrowing
- Falling savings
- Increased worry about the next 12 months
Young adults aged 18 to 24 saw the steepest increase in debt levels. At the same time, youth unemployment remains elevated, and wage growth is slowing.
When income struggles to keep up with living costs, credit often fills the gap. Over time, that can lead to unmanageable debt.
This is when seeking financial help in Scotland becomes essential.
The scale of Scotland’s debt problem has also attracted national media attention.
As reported by Herald Scotland, Trust Deed Scotland® recently launched its largest-ever national campaign aimed at supporting Scots struggling with unsecured debt. The coverage highlighted growing financial pressures on households, the stigma that still surrounds debt, and the urgent need for accessible, regulated solutions. The campaign’s core message was clear: people should seek advice early, before financial difficulties escalate into more serious problems.
Cost of living pressures are a major driver, with many cutting back on essentials to cope.
As reported by Evening Times, our recent Trust Deed Scotland customer survey found that two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents reduced spending on socialising and hobbies, a third cut back on food, and more than half (55 per cent) worked longer hours or multiple jobs to stay afloat.
Savings Falling And Spending Slowing
Households reported lower savings and less available cash.
There has also been a clear drop in appetite for large purchases. When confidence falls, people delay spending and focus on essentials.
This reflects a wider uncertainty about jobs, income and debt levels across Scotland.
What Financial Help In Scotland Looks Like
If you are worried about debt, there are formal Scottish solutions available depending on your circumstances.
These may include:
- Protected Trust Deeds – A formal agreement to write off some debt, and repay the rest at an affordable amount over time, typically lasting 48-60 months.
- Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) – A popular debt repayment programme in Scotland that legally freezes interest and charges, and allows you to pay back debts at an affordable monthly amount.
- Sequestration – An equivalent bankruptcy for severe debt situations
- Informal repayment arrangements
The right solution depends on your income, assets and total debt.
Getting tailored debt advice early gives you more options and helps protect what matters most.
Signs You May Need Financial Help in Scotland
You may benefit from speaking to an adviser if you are:
- Struggling to make minimum payments
- Using credit cards for everyday living costs
- Falling behind on priority bills
- Facing wage arrestment or bank arrestment
- Watching savings disappear
Debt problems rarely improve on their own. The sooner you take action, the more control you regain.
Confidential Debt Advice In Scotland
If debt is causing stress, support is available.
At Trust Deed Scotland®, we provide:
- Confidential advice without obligation
- Clear explanations of all available options
- Regulated guidance tailored to your circumstances
- Support throughout the entire process, regardless of whether you enter into a debt solution or not.
If you are searching for financial help in Scotland, speaking to an experienced debt adviser can help you understand your options and make an informed decision. You do not need to navigate debt alone.
Call us on 0141 221 0999, or try our Trust Deed Wizard tool to check your options today.