According to a recent study by the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), pensioners and over 60s are facing major debt problems . The CCCS statistical yearbook, published in March 2007, indicates that pensioner debt levels are also increasing, and many have life insurance policies that wouldnt come close to covering their debt.
Debt comes in many forms personal loans, credit cards, vehicle finance arrangements and mortgage debt . Extreme levels are categorised as exceeding £100,000, or cases involving over 16 credit cards. Malcolm Hurlston, the chairman of CCCS, reportedly commented: "For the last few years, credit cards have been castigated for turning us into a nation of debtors but I wonder. With house-prices continuing to rise, matched by steep rises in mortgages and secured lending, I fear for the financial health of those stretching themselves ever further to step on to the housing ladder. Recent events in the US have shown us that owning a home at any cost is by no means the right financial decision for everyone."
When it comes to life insurance, many elderly people have policies that could be decades old, but will not cover the cost of debt and death. Many couple take out life insurance policies without considering the cost of mortgages, credit cards, vehicles and other debts.




