What happens when you contact PayPlan – a step-by-step guide

If you’re thinking about getting support with your finances, but aren’t sure of the process, feel nervous or don’t know what to expect, you’re not alone.

We understand that, for a lot of people, reaching out is often the hardest step, especially when you’re already dealing with stress, uncertainty or the rising cost of living.

To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide that gives you an idea of what happens when you reach out for our support.

It’s designed to give you a clear picture of:

• how we work
• what you can expect when you contact us
• how we’re able to support you every step of the way on your journey to becoming debt free

Whether you’re just looking at exploring potential options, or know you’re ready to act, we’ll meet you wherever you’re at. This means no fuss and no judgement, just practical solutions you can move forward with at your own pace.

Step 1: Reach out, your way

We’ve got many ways for you to get in touch with us, so you can choose the way that works best for you:

• Call us free on 0800 072 1206
• Live Chat via www.payplan.com/debtadvice
• WhatsApp us here

Step 2: What information will I need to provide?

Whether it’s credit cards, bills or general money worries – we’ll ask a few questions, so we understand the full picture. We’ll ask things like:

• How much you owe
• Who your creditors are
• Your income and expenses
• Any assets you have

Everything you share is confidential and treated with care. We’re here to help, not to judge.

Step 3: Build a simple budget together

We’ll go through your income and spending to understand what’s realistically affordable for you. This includes:

• Wages, benefits, bills, travel and childcare
• Grocery and living costs
• Subscriptions and day-to-day spending

This helps us to work out what’s affordable for you and what kind of debt solution could work best for you.

We know that talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to be as open and accurate as you can.

Step 4: Explore suitable options

At this point, we should have a complete picture of your situation, and we can talk you through the options available to you. We’ll walk you through:

• What each option means
• How it works day-to-day
• Any fees or next steps
• What’s best suited to you

We’ll give you space to think, ask questions and make decisions at your own pace.

Step 5: Decide how you want to move forward

Once we’ve talked through your options, we’ll help you choose the right next step – whether that’s a managed plan or another type of support.

Some people go ahead with a plan that we manage for them. Others may be better suited to a different kind of solution, like either insolvency, debt relief orders (DROs), repayment arrangements (RAs), bankruptcy, or depending on where in the UK you are, one of our Scottish solutions. Whatever your path, we’ll guide you through it.

Here’s what that might look like:

• If you’re opting for a Debt Management Plan (DMP), we can manage this in-house. Our friendly advisors will walk you through each step and keep you supported throughout.
• If you’re entering an into an insolvency agreement, we’ll refer to our specialist teams:
  • PayPlan Partnership Limited for non-self-employed Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
  • PayPlan Bespoke Solutions Limited if you’re self-employed
• If you’re in one of our Scottish solutions, you’ll be supported by PayPlan Scotland – they’re experts in whichever solution you choose.

Once you’ve made a decision, we’ll get everything set up. Most of the time, we’ll contact you by phone, email or WhatsApp – whichever suits you best.

And even if your solution isn’t something we manage directly, we’ll still be here to guide and support you through it.

What you can do next

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

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Webinar Dates

• Monday 3 November 2025 (12:00-13:30)
• Monday 17 November 2025 (12:00-13:30)
• Monday 08 December 2025 (12:00-13:30)

Simply click on the link above and choose the session from the drop-down menu that you’d like to attend, then join us online, totally free with no commitment.

What’s driving food inflation and how you can save on your food bill

Food inflation within the UK has increased again, rising 4.9% year-on-year in July 2025, marking the highest rate since February 2024. Over the past five years, food prices have climbed by an average of 37%, with some staples seeing even sharper increases. ^[1]

Many households are being stretched already by rising energy prices and other costs which are increasing pressure on household budgets.

What’s causing the rise?

• Global raw material price increases. For example, chocolate has experienced the most dramatic price increases of any major food category. Prices are up by 16% in the past year alone, with cumulative inflation reaching 43% since 2022. ^[2]
• Increases in National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage rise have impacted what food retailers are charging for food to cover their costs.
• Increased production and transportation costs.
• Currency fluctuations.

How to save money on your food shopping

Whilst inflation is out of your control, there are some practical steps you can take to reduce your food shopping bill.

• Plan your meals for the week and shop with a list to help avoid impulse buys.
• Buy in bulk if there’s a particularly good deal on a product you’ll use. Check dates as some offers have short shelf lives.
• Use supermarket own brand products – they can often be significantly cheaper.
• Make the most out of loyalty schemes for supermarkets and cashback apps to earn rewards on your weekly shop.
• Try BudgetSmart, our free tool to help find savings and improve your financial confidence.

Reduce food waste to save having to rebuy

• Store your food shopping correctly to extend shelf life.
• Make the most of leftovers – you can create soups, casseroles and stirfries which can be great ways to use up left over bits of food.
• Organise your cupboards by use by date order to avoid wastage.

If you’re struggling with the rising cost of your food shopping you’re not alone

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

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[1] UK inflation rises by more than expected to 3.8%, largely driven by air fares – BBC News
[2] Why are food prices rising in the UK? – Economics Observatory

New Police Insure offer – if they can’t beat your existing provider’s renewal premium, they’ll give you a £50 One4all Gift Card.

As summer winds down, thoughts turn from holidays and days out to school uniforms, stationery and lunchboxes. But for many parents, the excitement of a new school year also comes with the stress of paying for it.

Research shows the minimum cost of education is now over £1,000 a year for a primary school child and nearly £2,300 a year for a secondary school child.^[1]

How are parents paying for back-to-school?^[2]

Back in 2024, 39% of parents would need to rely on credit to pay for school costs. Of those:

• 20% would use credit cards
• 13% would rely on their overdrafts
• 10% would turn to buy now, pay later (BNPL)
• 6% said they’d borrow from families and friends

Why is back-to-school so expensive?

It’s not just the school uniform —the start of a new school year can mean buying things like school meals, transport passes and additional clothing. 

Packed lunches and snacks are now costing families more than school uniforms, with 2024 figures showing parents spent an average of £486.30 a year for a primary school child and £846.15 for a secondary school child.¹

How many parents are struggling financially? ^[3]  

Since January 2025, 40% of parents feel anxious about back-to-school spending, slightly lower than 47% last year. This drop might be due to parents changing their approach, with nearly 1 in 5 bargain hunting or shopping second-hand to save money. Others are planning to save throughout the year, so they’re financially prepared for the costs when September comes.

What can I do to prepare for back to school?

Use these four tips to make your budget go further this academic year:

1. Get organised early
2. Look before shopping – Check what’s in the house before hitting the shops.
3. Spread the cost – Uniforms often go on sale after the July/August rush, so consider buying the next size up for next year.
4. Label it before they lose it – Name-tag everything to cut down on replacements.
5. Get the reading list early – Borrow from the library or buy second-hand, before the term starts.
6. Save on uniforms
7. Go logo-free where possible – Supermarket basics can be much cheaper if your school allows them.
8. Snap up second-hand – Swap outgrown items for ones that fit at school swap shops, Facebook groups, or charity stores.
9. DIY the logo – Sew on a school badge to cheaper blazers or jumpers.
10. Make use of support
11. Ask the school for help – They may have spare kit or signpost you to funding.
12. Check your council’s grants
    1. England – Support varies by council; grants are no longer national. Scotland – Most councils offer a school clothing grant if you qualify. Wales – Lower-income families can apply for a school essentials grant.
    1. Northern Ireland – The clothing allowance scheme helps eligible families with uniform costs.
13. Tap into charity support – PTAs, the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust, and others offer grants (see educational-grants.org). Schemes like Wacky Warehouse’s uniform collection can help you kit your child out for free.
14. Think beyond uniforms
15. Buy big-ticket items smart – Wait for deals on laptops, tablets, or sports gear. Some charities and local schemes also loan or donate devices. The Digital Poverty Alliance currently supplies laptops in seven UK areas.
16. Do the lunch maths – Compare the cost of packed lunches vs school dinners.
17. Check for free travel – You may qualify based on distance, income, or safety.
18. Buddy up for the school run – Carpool or join a walking or bus scheme to save money and time.

Think twice before using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

BNPL can help spread costs in the short term, but knowing the risks is important, especially as missed payments can lead to fees and affect your credit score. If you’re considering it, make sure you understand the terms and read our latest article on the hidden dangers of BNPL for more advice.

What you can do next

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

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[1] https://cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-05/Cost_of_education_UK.pdf

[2] https://www.moneywellness.com/blog/half-of-parents-cant-afford-back-to-school-costs

[3] https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WauXlKJ-A6_slj1rFNZTVZ18EooL9mDe/view

More than 8 million people in the UK are now using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) for purchases under £50 – and, for many, it’s becoming more than just a convenient way to pay.

With the cost of living still high and many households under financial pressure, BNPL is often seen as quick fix. But what starts as a short-term solution can sometimes lead to longer-term stain on your budget.

What we’re seeing at PayPlan

Since 2022, we’ve seen a steady rise in the number of people coming to us for help BNPL debts of £50 or less. Although these amounts may seem small, multiple repayments across different providers can quickly become difficult to manage.^[1]

What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)?

BNPL is a type of short-term credit that allows you to delay payment – usually by splitting a purchase into smaller instalments over a set period. It’s widely offered at online checkouts and often promoted as interest-free.

It’s quick, convenient and usually doesn’t involve a formal credit check – but that could soon change.

Rachel Duffey, CEO at PayPlan, says:

“Buy Now, Pay Later can offer short-term breathing space – but it’s becoming a long-term burden for many people. We’re supporting more clients than ever who are juggling multiple repayments. We know for some people it can offer a helpful way to manage spending, but for others it can lead to overspending, confusion and growing debt. If it’s starting to feel unmanageable, please don’t wait to ask for help – the right support can make all the difference.”

Regulation is coming – and it will affect how BNPL works

The government recently confirmed that from July 2026, BNPL lenders will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means:

• Shoppers will face stricter affordability checks
• Some people may be refused BNPL credit if it’s not considered affordable
• Providers will need to give clearer, fairer information about fees, terms and consumer rights
• People will gain access to Section 75 protection and the Financial Ombudsman Service

These rules are designed to protect consumers from taking on too much debt or being caught out by late payment fees – and to slow down that “one-click” access to potentially unaffordable credit.

The changes are welcome – but they’re not in place yet. Until then, BNPL remains unregulated, and many people are unaware of the risks.

Who’s using BNPL – and what for?¹

It’s especially popular with Gen Z

BNPL is especially popular with younger adults and parents, according to new research from TransUnion:

• 15% of UK adults use BNPL for purchases under £50
• 4% use it for items under £25^[2]
• 1 in 5 people aged 18-24 use BNPL for small essentials, including weekly food shops and takeaways.

Parents are also turning to BNPL for school costs

• 6% of UK adults use BNPL for school supplies
• This rises to 15% for parents aged 25-34
• 19% of those using BNPL for school items describe themselves as financially comfortable – suggesting that BNPL is often used for convenience, not just necessity

Why do people choose BNPL?

Many people turn to BNPL because:

• It helps spread the cost – especially when cashflow is tight
• It’s quick and easy – with simple application processes
• It’s everywhere – often the most visible option at checkout

In fact, more than 1 in 4 UK adults now say they prefer BNPL over credit cards for everyday spending¹. But there’s a catch, with payments spread across different providers and dates, it can be easy to lose track and the costs can build up fast. 

The risks of Buy Now, Pay Later to watch out for

Overspending without realising

Breaking purchases into smaller payments can make them feel more manageable – but if you’re not keeping track, the total can quickly snowball.

Hidden fees and charges

While BNPL is often advertised as interest-free, missing a payment can trigger fees or charges. These aren’t always obvious upfront, and they can build up quickly if you fall behind.

Credit score impact

Late or missed payments can result in defaults or negative markers on your credit file. This can affect your ability to get a mortgage or loan in the future.

If BNPL repayments are becoming difficult, you’re not alone

If you are struggling with debts call us on 0800 072 1206. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.

Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/police to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

Looking for budgeting support in the meantime? Visit BudgetSmart which is full of tips and tools to help you stay in control every day.

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[1] Data retrieved within PayPlan for clients who have come to our Helpline team and have and have a BNPL account with a balance of £50 an under on the 18/7/25.

[2] https://newsroom.transunion.co.uk/over-one-in-seven-brits-now-use-buy-now-pay-later-for-bitesize-purchases