About Dr. Ben Houghton
PhD Anthropologist, Debt Support Specialist, and someone who's been there too.
My Journey Through Debt
Understanding comes from experience, not just theory.
My name is Ben. A few years ago, I was overwhelmed by debt whilst living on a low-wage income. I thought that it was my fault. I turned to alcohol abuse as my worries and anxieties became too much to live with.
Then I started studying the problem. I became an anthropologist, and like all anthropologists, I thought about what it means to be human. I realised that household debt is not an individual problem. It is an unavoidable part of living in 'our' financial system, one among many systems humans can create.
Obligations are central to how humans deal with other people, but in the modern world debt has taken on unique qualities that make the cost, and risk, of borrowing money unfairly at the debtor's door.
Academic Foundation
Research that reveals the bigger picture.
PhD in Anthropology
Through my academic training, I came to understand that what I experienced wasn't a personal failing. My doctoral research focused on the anthropology of debt and financial systems, examining how economic structures create the conditions where debt becomes inevitable for many households.
Research Focus
I offer free advice to people struggling with household debt. I do this from a place of compassion and service. I do not charge money for advice, and I speak to my clients without judgment or agenda.
My Philosophy
Why I believe debt support should be free and judgment-free.
Debt Is Systemic, Not Personal
Debt is not an individual problem. While personal circumstances vary, the broader patterns of debt in our society are predictable and systemic. Understanding this removes shame and blame from the equation, allowing us to see debt for what it really is—a structural issue, not a personal failing.
Support Should Be Accessible
Sharing the burden does not need to come with a cost. Financial advice is often expensive precisely when people can least afford it. This creates a cruel paradox where those who most need support are excluded from accessing it. That's why my consultations are always free—no hidden fees, no premium services, just genuine support.
Community Over Profit
I believe in building community rather than extracting profit from people's struggles. My goal is to help people develop sustainable relationships with money and debt, not to create dependency on expensive services. Sometimes the most valuable thing I can offer is simply listening without judgment.
Ready to Start a Conversation?
I'm here to listen, understand, and help you find a path forward—without judgment, without cost, and with the respect you deserve.