Financial Wellbeing: Managing your money
Taking the time to manage your money better can really pay off.
Things like keeping a regular budget, becoming aware of your spending habits, and getting savvy at saving could mean you could pay off your debts, buy your next car or holiday, or save towards that house deposit or retirement.
Budgeting
The first step to taking control of your finances is doing a budget. It will take a little effort, but it’s a great way to get a quick snapshot of the money you have coming in and going out.
Learning how to budget and becoming aware of your spending habits can help you stay on top of your bills and outgoings, and potential save you £1,000s each year.
The starting point for budgeting is to work out what you have got coming in. This might seem like stating the obvious, but when was the last time you sat down and spent 30 minutes looking at your personal budget?
There is little point in doing this once a year. It helps you review your finances regularly to take account of changes in your lifestyle and larger one-off outgoings.Budget Planner
We want to help you know exactly where your money is being spent, and how much you’ve got coming in. Knowing where every pound is being spent is a great first step to starting your savings, getting out of debt or preparing for retirement.
Our Budget Planner can help you to:
- record all your spending
- get a breakdown of your finances by category
- get personalised tips
Money Navigator
If you’ve got money worries because of coronavirus, you’re not alone. The Money Navigator can give you guidance based on your particular situation. Whether your income is down and you’re worried about your future finances, you’ve lost your job or are facing redundancy, or are self-employed and can’t do your job, Money Navigator can help. Find out:
- what issues you need to deal with first
- ways of to staying on top of your bills
- how to find extra support you’re entitled to where to get extra help.
Money Manager for Universal Credit claimants
If you’re on Universal Credit or think you might be using it in the future, this tool could help you if:
- you’re making a new claim
- you're moving to Universal Credit from another benefit
- you need help budgeting while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment
- you've recently had a change to your benefit payment
Financial Wellbeing quick links
Advice guides:
- Everyday money management
- Money troubles
- Applying for benefits
- Increasing your income
- Are you on sick leave?
- Worried about meeting housing costs
- Managing energy costs during the crisis
- On a low income or looking for work
- Charitable funding and other sources of help
- Short-term cashflow issues
- Adult children not paying rent
- Entitlements for carers
- Entitlements for self employed or agency workers
Tools and calculators:
Booking an appointment:
Member discounts
Living with people who aren't paying rent?
Are you facing a short-term cashflow issue?
Are you concerned about the energy crisis?
Money worries
Advice if you're worried about your finances, rent/mortgage, or debt, as well as information on charitable funding, financial aid and where to seek support.
Help with benefits
If you're confused by the benefits system, have questions about changes to your benefits, or need to challenge a benefits decision, we can help.
