Approximately 45% of consumers find themselves in this position, preferring to use what little cash they have left to manage debt repayments.

Part of the problem is that many Britons feel that their wages do not reflect the increase in the cost of living, and plough their resources into basic needs such as food. Any funds that are left over tend to be spent on entertainment or occasional ?feel good? items, such as clothing, music or DVDs.

The future backlash for this generation also affects the older generation who will be looking to today's consumers to support them in the future.

The spectre of a bad credit rating seems to be the priority for many consumers, who would rather use their finances to manage comparatively short-term concerns rather than risk the consequences that accompany a bad credit label.

A readily available source of funds is what most consumers have said would ease their problems, but most of their desires consist of fantastic or improbable windfalls, such as lottery wins or the death of a rich, and usually unknown, relative.

The reality, as many homeowners have discovered can be far simpler. Given the annual average rise of 10% related to the growth in property, remortgaging a home can release funds to a potentially higher degree than most homeowners realise.

By approaching a mortgage broker that specialises in remortgaging for those with poor credit scores, the equity can be put to good use and help stabilise a financial future. An agreed system of repayments that is designed to mirror a homeowner's circumstances is also an attractive reason for using a remortgage as a solution to repair a poor credit score.