The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (Mabs) is a free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or in danger of getting into debt.
It is funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and has around 60 offices around the State.
Mabs is keen to dispel the myth that spiralling, out-of-control debt is the result of frivolous, irresponsible spending. Most debt problems arise when people experience an unexpected change in circumstances that leaves them unable to meet their commitments. This can be due to a loss of a job, a drop in income, a birth, ill-health, a bereavement or other events that lead to increased expenses.
However, Mabs also aims to smash head-in-the-sand attitudes to debt. "We know that being in debt is a difficult place to be, a lonely place to be and it can be a desperate place to be. However, debt problems are, more often than not, solved with time and effort."
Mabs says the difficulties faced by its clients cover a wide spectrum: one person could owe money to the local authority, the ESB and a moneylender; another could have a highly complex combination of debts such as a mortgage, maintenance arrears, personal loans, a car lease, court fines and a hire purchase agreement.
Mabs says its advisers are not there to judge but will work with people to draw up a practical plan to deal with their debt. This includes helping them prioritising debts that need immediate attention, giving advice on how to negotiate with creditors and offering them the use of a Mabs Budget Account.
Mabs clients make one weekly payment to this account, which is usually operated in conjunction with the local credit union, and then Mabs distributes the lodged funds to creditors on their behalf.
A list of Mabs offices in your area is available in the phone directory and at www.mabs.ie.