"credit" - is this a good or bad thing?

Hallo,

I'm a part time Business HND student undertaking a live project into the effects of debt.

I'm interested on people's views on the provision of credit and whether or not this is a positive thing.

Also, if anyone has time, please let me know if you'd be willing to take part in a short debt questionnaire (no personal demographics asked).

Thankyou!

Hi

I don't mind doing a qsuestionnaire.

I think it's generally a bad thing. I used to work as a debt collector and I think the way credit is marketed in the UK is awful. If I need anything I save for it, but on the other hand, I do use interest-free credit to spread the cost of big purchases.

Thanks for your help!

Thankyou for helping me out!

How old are you?

Gender

Ethnic Origin

Status

Do you have any children?

Are you?
Employed, full time
Employed, part time
Student
Retired
Housewife/stay home mum

Do you have any of the following, if so how many of each?
Credit card
Overdraft
Store card
Personal loan (unsecured)
Secured loan/remortgage
Catalogue loan
None of these

If you do have one or more of the above, how much do you owe in total (not including your mortgage)?
Under 1000
1000 - 4999
5000 - 9999
Over 10000

How much do you spend paying off your debts each month?
I have no outstanding balance
Less than minimum payment
Minimum payment
More than minimum payment but less than full balance
Full balance

Can you give three reasons why you think you are in debt?
Student debt
Change in job circumstances e.g. redundancy
Change in personal circumstances e.g. divorce
Taken on too many financial commitments
Other (please specify)

Do you think debt has become a problem for you?

If yes to the above, how well do you think you are coping with the problem?
I keep up with my credit commitments but struggle from time to time
I keep up with my credit commitments but it is a constant struggle
I am falling behind with some of my credit commitments
I have real financial problems and have fallen behind with many credit commitments.

Have you sought advice about this problem?

If yes to the above, through what channels?
Family/friends
Bank/building society advisor
Citizens Advice Bureau
Independent Financial Advisor
Free advice agency
Accountant
Internet
Credit report management agency
Other (please specify)

Thank you for your participation!