Tackling debt at a young age for a brighter future
“I was very young when I began spiralling into debt. I was 18 when I had my first loan with a bank. I wanted to move out and I did move out, but a lot of the money did not end up going on the things that the loan was for.”
Kiera, 26, is a bit of a superhero in her own quiet way. Not to mention, wise beyond her years thanks to some tough life lessons early on.
Life lessons
As a single parent, Kiera now knows all too well the juggling act of balancing work, childcare, and keeping the household running on a tight budget. Having left home at 18, she’s learnt the hard way and quickly! There were days when the bills seemed too much, and the stress of it all felt heavy. But no matter what she has going on these days, she still manages to make time to volunteer at her local Bread and Butter hub which is held at her old primary school, Broken Cross.
For Kiera, because of what she’s been through, volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. And all this, whilst finding her own path to stability in a world that can feel a bit unpredictable at times.
“I just really wanted to be in charge of my own life. I wanted that responsibility perhaps before I was quite ready for it and I hadn't quite seen that yet. I wish I'd spent a little bit more time getting to know what it's like to budget, to run a household, to be in charge of those important things in life. That once you're out on your own, you're very much dropped in the deep end.”
Making life a little easier
Bread and Butter has played a huge role in helping Kiera breathe a little easier. It’s not just about getting food; it’s about the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not fighting this battle alone. With that support, Kiera has been able to focus on things that bring joy—whether it’s quality time with her son, Olly, or getting him involved in activities that make him smile.
“I've been a single parent his whole life, so for the first couple of years I was unable to work because I didn't have the physical support around me for childcare. I was claiming universal credit and I still am, as a top up to my wages and although I wouldn't say that I have to prioritise budgeting food wise these days, it just takes the pressure off a little bit on those weeks where it is more difficult. Maybe towards the end of the month it's not quite payday yet and you're going to still have plenty of food on the table.”
Money, money, money
Kiera’s been through a lot, including struggling with debt and the emotional toll it can take. After getting into financial trouble early on, she turned things around by seeking a debt relief order. It was a hard decision, but it gave her the space to rethink her approach to money and her future. Kiera’s experience serves as a reminder that financial literacy is so important—especially for young people just starting out. A little knowledge can go a long way in avoiding the pitfalls of debt.
Kiera says, “I was very young when I began spiralling into debt. I was 18 when I had my first loan with a bank. I wanted to move out and I did move out, but a lot of the money did not end up going on the things that the loan was for. I don't think I ever should have been able to get a loan. I was newly 18 as well. The loan I had was two and a half thousand pounds, which at that age is a lot of money to then not really consider the fact that you've got to pay that back and how are you going to do that? I think there should be a little bit more emphasis on education in terms of money management.”
Cry for help
So how did she managed to get herself out of debt? Kiera explains, “It was really difficult just after COVID. I also had been in some debt prior to that and I'd worked with Christians Against Poverty to achieve a debt relief order. But that does, of course, then mean that now there is no option of credit for me, which I'm glad of, because I'm not sure I would trust myself with it anyway.”
Hats off to Kiera for seeking out support and learning from her experience. So what does the future hold for Kiera now? “I recently went back to education and did a healthcare professionals course. I achieved a distinction in that. It was great and I did consider going to university. I was accepted onto a midwifery course at the University of Manchester. That feels like a great achievement, but I decided that because of childcare issues, it’s just not possible for me right now. But never say never. Hopefully one day.”
Listen to Kiera’s podcast right here.
