Those experiencing financial difficulties are being told that they need to admit they have problems in order to resolve them.

Joseph Surtees, policy and research officer at the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), found that some people are unsure about speaking to someone.

"We find that once they take that first step afterwards they find it so much easier to deal with their problems," he continued.

Mr Surtees suggests that it does not initially have to be a debt management firm, but that it could instead be a family or friend – anyone who can help relieve the burden of financial problems.

Taking stock of finances is another main recommendation, the CCCS officer revealed, with people needing to establish what their priority debts are.

KPMG recently predicted there will be a series of quarterly increases in personal insolvencies over the course of 2009, leading to record levels this year.

More than 150,000 people are expected to enter into an individual voluntary arrangement, be declared bankrupt or enter into a debt relief order during 2009, the figures show.