Debt isn’t the same everywhere. Where you live and the community you’re part of can make a big difference to how debt feels and how hard it is to deal with.
Research backs this up.
The Money and Pensions Service found that people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities in the UK are more likely to experience problems with debt, with some studies showing rates as high as 1 in 4 households compared to 1 in 7 among White households.
In certain areas of England and Wales, high housing costs and low incomes make things even tougher.
Why Some Communities Feel the Strain More
From our experience, the challenges can be very specific:
- Language barriers – Some clients tell us they avoided advice for months because they weren’t confident about explaining their situation in English.
- Cultural stigma – In many communities, money struggles carry extra shame. People hide debt until it’s overwhelming.
- Targeted credit – Payday lenders and high-cost credit companies often cluster in lower-income areas, and we see how quickly this can trap families in a cycle of borrowing.
- Housing pressures – In cities with high rents, people spend far more than the “50% needs” budgeting rule, leaving little left for debts.
Debt Is Never One-Size-Fits-All
At Dexter Bell, we’ve learned that no two clients are the same. Your background, family setup, culture, and local area all shape your financial reality. That’s why we:
- Give plain English, judgement-free advice
- Work with you to create a plan based on your actual circumstances
- Take the time to listen – whether you’re worried about benefits, housing, or cultural stigma
Debt can happen to anyone. But everyone deserves the same access to fair, FCA-regulated advice.
What You Can Do
If you’re feeling the pressure:
- Don’t wait – The earlier you ask for help, the more options you’ll have.
- Get regulated advice – Only FCA-authorised firms like Dexter Bell can give you debt advice (not just pass your details on).
- Know you’re not alone – We’ve helped hundreds of people from all walks of life, and we’ll treat your situation with respect and confidentiality.
Key takeaway: Debt doesn’t discriminate but the challenges can look different depending on your community and where you live.
That’s why we keep our advice personal, practical, and always judgement-free.
