Face up to your student debt before it gets any worse

My student loan stands at £5,700 and is in the hands of a debt collection agency. Some time ago the Student Loans Company wanted me to pay back £250 a month. I offered £130 but it refused. I foolishly panicked and fled. It has now come back to haunt me but realistically I can pay only £40 a month now. I am debating whether to ignore the letters. LG, London Ignoring these letters will make your total repayments more expensive as your old-style fixed-term loan will not be written off and will continue to accrue interest. You must deal with the agency now, not with SLC, and must contact them straight away, show remorse and discuss how much you can genuinely afford to pay. Loans that are in good order and up to date can be written off after 25 years but for loans taken out after next September this rises to 30 years. You can email Margaret Dibben at [email protected] Margaret Dibben or write to Margaret Dibben, Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include a phone number.