Financial Guidance & Advice

Our friends at Money Helper have lent us their budget planner, try it for yourself. You can choose from a top-line or more detailed breakdown view of your spending, so you can feel in control about where your money's going.

Important costs like energy, food and rent are rising steeply. If you’re worried about being able to afford these increases, you are not alone.

Despite the cost of household bills continuing to rise across the UK, cutting costs is easier than you think. And the average household can save hundreds of pounds each year by following our tips.

Using the right type of credit can help you deal with unexpected hurdles, such as having to buy a new fridge or washing machine. But there are things you need to think about to make sure you’re making the right decision.

Building a good credit score is important because it can affect your ability to borrow money or access products such as credit cards or loans. You can check your score for free and if it isn’t in the best shape, there are things you can do to improve it.

Paying your bills on time is essential. If you don’t, you could fall behind with payments and that can leave you in debt, affect your credit rating and even risk you losing your home. Find out the best ways to pay bills and tips on what to do if you’re struggling.

Universal Credit is a benefit to support you if you’re working and on a low income or you’re out of work. Read how Universal Credit is different from existing benefits, how much you’ll be paid and how to apply for it.

Working Tax Credit is designed to top up your earnings if you work and are on a low income. This is being replaced and people now claim Universal Credit instead. If you get Working Tax Credit, find out how this change affects you.

Renting is a significant financial responsibility, and it’s important you understand this goes beyond just your rent payments. There are a lot of other costs you need to think about.

When it comes to mortgages, you want to find that balancing act of borrowing enough for your home, but not too much that the repayments become a problem.