Debt is much more than just a financial issue. It elicits all sorts of emotions.

Last week, my colleague Jacqueline Cohen, expressed her reactions to Edwina Currie’s remarks on a BBC Radio 5 Live phone in when a caller’s financial situation was cross examined by the former Tory MP for Derbyshire.

Edwina Currie was a guest on Nicky Campbell’s daily radio programme on an episode called Are you facing financial ruin? where the public offered their stories of how they are struggling to cope in these austere times.

Listen to the key extract of the programme below.

This episode has understandably caused consternation among listeners and quite a ripple among readers of articles covering the story itself.

It seems any time a TV programme highlights a true life story the real time commentary that surfaces in social media channels is often divided in opinion in support of in or dismissive of the plight of the featured.

The Edwina debt advice

Edwina questioned the spending habits of the caller, including the viability of keeping the pet dog,  and rapidly concluded that bankruptcy would be an option for the mother of two in Derby.

….you are going to have to think about maybe declaring yourselves bankrupt.

Little consideration – infact none – was offered to the caller from Edwina that there are alternative options to bankruptcy, such as an IVA, a debt management plan, a debt relief order and more.

However, it is not the first time in recent months, Edwina has made comments about financial hardship that has incensed BBC Radio listeners.

A caller helps Hayley

Fortunately for Hayley, another caller on local BBC Radio Derby, rang in to sympathise and made her a heartfelt generous offer.

The debt lecture, Have you heard it all before?

There does seem to be a polarising trend whenever financial real life stories are aired in the media.  Moreover there seems to be a perception issue about poverty and there certainly is a perception issue about debt.

Do you feel Edwina’s view about debt is a commonly held one? Are you affected by debt and have ever felt intimidated by attitudes?

Take a moment and vote in this poll and let us know your views in the comments.

Do you feel people misunderstand the reasons for getting into serious debt? Does Edwina express a commonly held view about debt? Have you heard the get on your bike type advice before?

If you missed the original Radio 5 Live programme you have a few days left to listen to it in full from the BBC iPlayer.

If you have any questions about personal debt feel free to ask a qualified debt advisor without any obligation.