With news breaking that Christmas is pushing a third of us into debt – new research published today shows a staggering number of people with money problems are avoiding getting help, with 58% saying they’re taking matters into their own hands.

An increasing number of vulnerable adults, whose resources are stretched to the limit this festive season, are resorting to tempting offers by loan sharks and pay day loan companies. Although our nation’s debt problem is spiraling out of control, just 4% of us will consult debt management agencies. The embarrassment and social stigma attached to personal debt is deterring people from seeking help from credible experts, but at what cost?

With profits of certain payday lenders tripling last year, many families desperate to ‘fix’ their financial problems themselves are turning to these companies, despite the fact they have been investigated by the Office of Fair Trading recently for their aggressive cold calling and excessive fees. So, as debt infiltrates every part of our society this Christmas, from households, to students, to the Government and even premiership football clubs – how can we dispel the shame that surrounds seeking financial help and learn to deal with our debts properly?