Bill Phobia On The Rise, 1 in 4 Brits Live In Fear Of White Envelopes, says Debt Solutions CompanyA new phenomenon is gripping Britain in the wake of the worst economic conditions since the end of World War I, reports Trust Deed Scotland.
tds_logo_square_small Due to the continual bad economic news and cost of living increases, over a quarter (26%) of people become instantly stressed or worried if a bill arrives on the doormat. Over half of the survey respondents said the it was due to worries about how much it will have increased by and how they will find the money to pay it. Almost a third said it was because they knew they had more money leaving their bank accounts than going in. The situation is so bad for one in five survey respondents that they put off opening bills altogether. MoneySupermarket.com spokesman Clare Francis said: "The increase in the cost of living is something UK adults have had to bear the brunt of over the last 12 months. The recent rises in gas and electricity prices by an average of 17.4 and 10.08 per cent respectively underlines the pressure households are under. So when consumers are battling with bill increases coupled with a fall in disposable income, it is understandable that a Bill Phobia has developed amongst almost 13 million UK adults who now dread their bills as a result.” Psychologist Donna Dawson said: "It is human nature to want to avoid bad news and this is why people will put off opening bills. However, this can set up a vicious downward spiral whereby delaying the opening of bills can lead to not opening them at all, or even to throwing them away. This whole cycle of behaviour is based on not feeling in control.” The rising cost of living has resulted in nearly half of the survey respondents cutting back on food and drink, while for many saving is a luxury that has been forfeited to pay bills. Socialising has been curtailed for nearly three quarters of respondents. A Spokesperson for Scottish Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland said: “Bill Phobia has been with us to some extent for many years but it is only now in the wake of the economic crisis it is becoming much more prevalent. “It’s not uncommon for us to talk to people who have not only delayed opening their mail due to fear, but actually hidden it too. One gentleman we spoke to had six months of creditors letters hidden behind a wardrobe in his spare room so he didn’t have to tell his wife they didn’t have the money to pay them any more. Donna Dawson has some practical tips for those who don’t want to live in fear of the dreaded white envelopes. “The solution is to decide to take control right away and this includes a change in attitude in which you 'anticipate' what is coming, and 'work out' beforehand in your mind what you will do when it arrives.” "Viewing the bill as a slight challenge that has a practical solution which you are capable of finding can help to dampen down the anxiety and emotions that encourage mental paralysis and 'bill phobia'. Opening a bill with your partner is even more effective as the stronger partner can reassure the more anxious one. # # # Trust Deed Scotland specialists in the Scottish Trust Deed debt solution, which can alleviate you from your debt problems in as little as 36 months and will allow you to write off up to 90% of your debts. Visit our website now or call us for friendly, no obligation help and advice. Photo: https://www.prlog.org/ End
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