Money advice tips

If you’re on a tight budget, there are things you can do to improve your financial situation.

Tip one

Know what you’re spending

Sit down with a pen and paper and add up what you’re spending each month. Think about how much you spend on things like:

  • rent
  • gas and electricity
  • council tax
  • food
  • going out and socialising
  • travel
  • smoking
  • anything else?

If you’re spending more than you earn, contact the Money Advice Team.

You can also get free and impartial advice about:

Tip two

Sorting out benefits

For problems with benefits or to find out what you’re entitled to, we have just one piece of advice – contact the Money Advice Team.

Contact us or text MONEY to 0787 613 7679.

Tip three

Get the best deals

  • search for the best rates for gas, electricity and mobile deals using comparison sites like www.uswitch.com or www.confused.com  
  • call your current supplier and ask for a better deal
  • try a local community energy supplier. Hartlepower could give you good deals on fuel bills. Hartlepower is a not-for-profit company which means that profits are invested back into the business and community. For more, visit www.hartlepower.co.uk
  • some of the best deals are on the internet – make sure you shop around and try looking for online discounts and vouchers - some retailers have regular special deals
  • when your mobile phone contract runs out and you have paid for your phone, switch to a SIM only deal - you could potentially save £15-£20 a month.

Tip four

Savings and loans

Saving and loans

  • avoid loan sharks – they’re illegal and charge the highest rates
  • if you can, try to start saving. A little money each month soon adds up
  • set up a Credit Union account where you can save and get a loan. Find your nearest Credit Union.

Get help

You can get help on the whole range of money matters by: