‘I don’t want my kids to experience bailiffs at the door’

As a kid, Paige witnessed bailiffs turning up at her family home on a regular basis.

Now, aged 25, with a one-year-old daughter and a second child on the way, despite facing money problems of her own, Paige is determined to shield her kids from the effects of financial hardship.

“As a kid, my experience with bailiffs was quite traumatising and, as a mum myself now, I never want to get to that point.”

‘I was an impulse buyer’

Paige admits that she used to find it difficult to control her spending and wasn’t shy about borrowing money, splashing out using credit cards, payday loans and buy now, pay later (BNPL).

“I was very much an impulse buyer. It started with things like pop-up adverts for clothes, and then it was food deliveries.”

This wasn’t always a huge problem. Paige has a strong work ethic and has earned her own money since the age of 14. This meant she was just about able to keep on top of her debts. Until she went on maternity leave, that is.

‘I couldn’t afford the basics’

Trying to get by on statutory maternity pay proved to be a struggle, and at one point, Paige found herself relying on BNPL to cover the cost of essentials like food.

“When I gave birth to my daughter, Meadow, a lot of the time, I would be questioning, even at one month old, if I should be back in work because I couldn't afford even the basics.”

Like Paige, 62% of our customers are single parents. Dealing with debt when you’re the only adult in the household undoubtedly comes with additional pressure.

There’s no one to share the financial or emotional burden, no one to reassure you that everything will be okay. Constantly trying to put on a brave face in front of the kids can be exhausting.

Tellingly, 61% of the single parents who use our service tell us about at least one vulnerability – 10% more than those from two-parent families. And the majority of vulnerabilities reported by our customers relate to their mental health.

‘I didn’t want my daughter to see how sad I was’

Paige’s desire to protect her kids was one of the main reasons she decided it was time to get help.

“I reached out to Money Wellness as I didn’t want a bailiff at the door and my daughter to see how sad mum was getting at not having money.”

‘I don’t wake up every morning crying anymore’

We recommended a debt relief order (DRO) to Paige and her application was approved in June last year. This means that if her situation doesn’t improve in the 12 months following approval, her debts will be written off.

It’s important to know all the facts before applying for a DRO. For example, you should be aware that it stays on your credit report for six years. But Paige is convinced it was the right option for her.

And she says the DRO isn’t the only way we’ve helped her.

“Money Wellness went through my income and spending, helping me to budget for my priority costs.  They also suggested ways to boost the money I had coming in.

She says being shown how to budget effectively has been a real eye-opener.

“I’ve already started saving for Christmas 2026.”

And she claims the help she’s received has had a dramatic impact on her mental health.

“Now I can leave the house without worrying I'm going to come back to a letter chasing me for money I don’t have. I don’t wake up every morning crying and wondering what’s going to happen today.”

‘I want financial stability for my kids’

 Armed with a financial fresh start, Paige is determined to make it count.

“For my financial goals, I'd obviously like to save enough money for my children. That way, on their eighteenth birthday, if they decide they want to go to university, they wouldn’t have to get themselves in so much debt. That feels really far off, though, so a short-term goal is to get myself back to work and make it happen.”

Three things you can do now to protect your kids from money problems

If you’re a parent struggling to make ends meet, these are the top three things you can do to improve things for you and your kids.

1. Make sure you’re not missing out on cash you’re owed

Every year in the UK, Policy in Practice estimates that £24bn in benefits and social tariffs goes unclaimed. Even if you’re working, you could be entitled to support. Make sure you’re not missing out.

2. Get debt advice

The sooner you get help, the better. For your finances and your mental health. We can provide emergency support if you’re expecting bailiffs, as well as helping you with a budget you can stick to and checking for grants and benefits you may be entitled to. If appropriate, we’ll also talk you through any suitable debt solutions. And we’ll always give you the full picture, including the effect on your credit rating.

3. Don’t neglect your mental health

If you’re battling mental health issues, get support, whether that’s from a friend, family member or charity. Making sure you’re mentally strong will help you be the best parent possible. And if you don’t know where to turn, we can put you in touch with organisations that are there to help.