Due to our strict policy of client confidentiality, we have changed the names in the following case study. We prefer not to list clients by initials and town of origin, as these may allow identification.

Karen (name changed to prevent identification) is a single mum, who has, until recently, always "just got by". She has done a great job in bringing up her son, Bryan (not his real name), who is now 21.

With the recent mortgage rate rises and Bryan being made redundant, she had to tighten the belt. Gone were the luxuries and even shopping had to be carefully chosen.

When she got in touch with us, Karen explained that, although not badly in debt, she was very concerned about the prospects for Bryan. He has gone way over his overdraft limit at the bank and was getting threatening letters from them - and each one charged to his already overdrawn account at £40.

Karen explained that her small savings had been used up, she was struggling to get by and could see no hope of continuing to help her son. Bryan was, quite naturally, getting frustrated and angry. He is a good lad and is trying hard to find employment. He feels that the longer he is out of work, the harder it is to get back to work. There is, admit both, an atmosphere in the house that was never there before.

We have purchased Karen's house and agreed a rental package to allow her to continue living there. Her mortgage and loan repayments are gone - she was paying a staggering £700 per month. Karen now pays £550 per month rent to us - even if there are more mortgage rate increases coming. She is better off by £150 per month. From the purchase price, she paid off her mortgage and all the credit and store cards. Karen also received equity of over £8000, which has allowed her to "sleep easier" (her words).

BRYAN'S OVERDRAFT IS CLEARED AND, THANKS TO OUR ADVICE, WE DRAFTED LETTERS WHICH HE SENT TO THE BANK TO CLAIM BACK CHARGES ON ALL THOSE LETTERS (THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT BANKS CAN CHARGE YOU FOR THIS TYPE OF CORRESPONDENCE. BRYAN GOT BACK AN AMAZING £1000.

In her own words, Karen says that she feels as though "Thanks to Home Solutions Scotland I have got my life back. Bryan has had a weight taken off his shoulders and has a better, more hopeful outlook."