Debt, housing, employment and other problems led to almost 5,000 people visiting Exeter's Citizens Advice Bureau for help in the last year.
The charity, which is based at King William Street, offers free, independent and impartial advice on a range of subjects.
And latest figures reveal it has seen major increases in debt and money problems in the following areas: • 72 per cent increase in problems about housing association rent arrears • 59 percent increase in problems about local authority rent arrears • 58 percent increase in problems about Council Tax arrears • 42 per cent increase in problems about Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Orders (DROs) • 28 percent increase in problems about telephone and broadband debts
But on a positive note, the statistics show that people are seeking help earlier with clients' personal debt down by 30 per cent to an average of £8,960.
Exeter CAB Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: "In the last year we helped 4,906 people directly with advice.
"The statistics offer some good news in that the level of indebtedness, on average, is reducing. This is an indication that many clients are heeding our warning about taking action early and not burying their heads in the sand and hoping it will go away.
"However, on the flip side, the impact on households remains serious with many facing the loss of their home or potential legal actions. The most worrying aspect of these annual advice trends is the significant increase in non-discretionary spending, or 'priority debts', such as rent and council tax arrears, and the increase in enquiries about bankruptcy and debt relief orders.'
Steve added: "It's good news that things are looking up on the economic front, but for many individuals and families the legacy of recession remains.
"The combination of squeezed wages, the impact of welfare reform, rising energy costs and childcare costs, will not be erased overnight. Pressures on household budgets and a lack of affordable housing are contributing to the increase in arrears.
"At present, low interest rates have helped some people with mortgages. However, if we see increases in interest rates it is likely to hit first time buyers hardest."
Exeter CAB receives local government and contract funding, but it also relies on donations from the public and business.
Anyone wishing to support the work can donate online at www.exetercab.org.uk or in person at the CAB offices in King William Street, Exeter.
