What you'll do
- Understand which debts matter most when money is short
- Protect your home, utilities and essentials first
- Sort your debts into a sensible order
- Communicate with lower-priority creditors honestly
- Get free help to make the right calls
6 min read
Not all debts are equal
When you cannot pay everything, it helps to know that some debts carry more serious consequences than others. The ones tied to keeping a roof over your head, the power on, and food on the table generally come first — these are sometimes called priority debts because the impact of falling behind is greatest.
Work out your order step by step
- List every debt with its amount and what happens if it is not paid.
- Mark the priorities first — rent or mortgage, utilities, and essential services.
- Note any debts that affect your ability to work, such as a vehicle you need.
- Place remaining debts, including commercial accounts, in a sensible order after those.
- Contact each creditor honestly and arrange what you can for the lower priorities.
- Review the order if your circumstances change.
You can still arrange something fair for a Merion account while protecting essentials first — just talk to us.
Get help making the calls
Prioritising debts can be genuinely tricky, and a free financial counsellor is ideal for this — they can help you decide what comes first and talk to creditors for you. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. When you are ready to sort your Merion account, reach us through the contact form or read more on the Help Centre.
Good to know
- Pay debts tied to housing, utilities and essentials first.
- Protect anything you need to keep earning, like a work vehicle.
- Arrange what you can with lower-priority creditors and stay honest.
- A free financial counsellor (1800 007 007) can help you set the order.
FAQ
Are some debts really more important than others?
In terms of consequences, yes. Debts affecting your home, power and essentials usually come first. A free counsellor (1800 007 007) can help you weigh them up.
Where does a commercial debt sit in the order?
Usually after your essentials and anything you need to keep working. You can still arrange a fair payment with us — just protect the essentials first.
What if a lower-priority creditor keeps contacting me?
Contact them honestly, explain your situation, and offer what you can. A financial counsellor can also communicate with them on your behalf for free.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.