Money advice tips

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:

• planning your family budget
• calculating for savings
• accessing hardship grants.

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.

• 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.

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.