It’s true what they say: debt is not just a financial issue. The distressing effects of debt problems can influence every area of your life, including your general well-being. If you’re worried about debts, there are many things you can do to tackle the problems and get control over your finances. We’ve developed a simple five point plan to get you started.

Whether you're struggling to get a loan from your bank, looking for better value, or trying to support alternative financial models, there are borrowing options for you.

Debt consolidation loans are often advertised as the go-to solution for indebted individuals. In actual fact, it's only in very specific circumstances that consolidating your debt is a good idea.

It's beginning to look a lot like summer, and that means it's the perfect time to make some savvy financial decisions, especially if you're one of the lucky Brits who'll be travelling abroad in 2014.

Martin Lewis - the Money Saving Expert himself - is one of the most respected names in personal finance. Over the next five weeks we’ll share his opinions on everything from juggling multiple accounts to wasting money.

Here, Martin takes on the subject of banks, and whether they’re really there to help…