Money and rights · 30 min
The call about a bill
Calling a supplier or lender about a bill you cannot pay: five minutes of preparation, a page of notes, and the words to start.
When a bill cannot be paid, the instinct is often to ignore it and hope. But many suppliers and lenders have ways to help if you speak to them early, such as payment plans or a short break. The call is much easier with a little preparation.
The steps
Four small steps,in your own time.
Before you call, have the bill in front of you, with the account number, and write down roughly what you could afford to pay each month.
Start the call with: I am calling because I am struggling to pay this bill, and I would like to talk about my options.
Write down the date, the name of the person you speak to, what they offer, and any reference number. Ask them to confirm any agreement in writing.
Only agree to a payment you can actually keep up. It is fine to say: I need to think about that, and call back.
The reason
Why it helps
Contacting a supplier early often gives you more options and can stop extra charges building up. Preparing a figure in advance helps you avoid agreeing to something you cannot manage. Keeping notes means you have a record if there is a misunderstanding later.
A gentle variation
If phone calls are hard for you, ask whether you can deal with it by email or in writing instead. If you manage bills for someone you care for, check whether you need their permission or an authority on the account before calling on their behalf.
WE · TRIBE
Try itwith someone.
Ask someone you trust to sit with you during the call, to take notes or simply be there. It can make a big difference to have someone in the room.
Try it today
Today, find one bill that worries you and write down the account number and what you could afford each month.
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