Money advice tips

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

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:

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.

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
  • some of the best deals are on the internet – make sure you shop around
  • try looking for online discounts and vouchers. Some retailers have regular special deals.

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: