Money Talks: I am in major credit card debt and I don't know how to begin to pay it back

This reader is dealing with her debt by hiding from it. Our financial agony aunt is on the case to start her on a journey to a healthy financial future

'Every time I receive a bill I feel like I am going to have a panic attack.'

Over the last year, I have been buying a lot online and have racked up a lot of debt across two credit cards and my overdraft. Every time I receive a bill I feel like I am going to have a panic attack, so I have been ignoring them. I don't know where to begin and I am terrified of talking to the banks about repayments. Please help!

I am going to begin with two major words of advice for this reader – stop spending! This is the first sensible move you need to make to begin your path to a debt and stress-free financial future.