Blog warns about spiral of pay-day loans
A ROYSTON woman who racked up debts of �14,000 in three years has started a blog to warn others about taking out costly payday loans.
Ami Jarman has had more than 3,000 hits on her blog, entitled The Downward Spiral of Payday Loans, since she set it up last month.
She said: “I was on a night-shift at work and started thinking about all the money I’ve spent paying back these loans.
“I wanted to share my story to try to stop people getting into a similar situation. I honestly didn’t think anyone would read it but there’s been a lot of interest and some really nice comments.”
Pay-day loans are short-term loans which can be arranged over the internet. Money is paid into the recipient’s account almost immediately, but has to be paid back quickly, usually at a high rate of interest
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Health-care worker Ami, 22, took out her first pay-day loan in 2009, borrowing �100 to help get a new tyre for her car.
She said: “Since 2009, I have borrowed a little shy of �8,000 and I have paid back just under �14,000. I started thinking about what I could have done with that money and soon wished I hadn’t.
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“The problem is that it’s so easy to get the money, you just fill in a few forms and it’s in your account the same day.
“Since writing the blog I’ve had quite a few friends and family members telling me that they’re in similar situations.
“My advice to people is don’t bottle it up and worry about it more, because it’ll only make you feel worse.
“I have had so much support from friends and family. If you don’t have the support network, go to the Citizens Advice Bureau.”
The North Herts Citizens Advice Bureau’s Royston office, at the Town Hall, is open for drop-in sessions on Monday and Wednesday morning. Alternatively, they can be contacted on their advice line, 08444 111 444, which is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
Ami’s blog can be found at http://tinyurl.com/pdlblog
