No one should go hungry, feel cold or have money worries in their own home – we’re here to help.
In the most deprived areas of the country, unemployment and social exclusion are key challenges facing many local people. Not only this but the fast rising cost of living verses slowly increasing wages means that many people are now finding themselves in difficult situations.
There are ways you can improve your circumstances. This page provides as much advice as possible on who you can contact when in crisis and things you can try to reduce your living costs.
Steps to Help Your Money Go Further
We've done the research so that your don't have too.
01
Calculate Your Income and Expenses. You can use pen and paper, a spread sheet or The Money Helper Tool
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If your monthly expenses are more than your monthly income, you'll need to revise your spending habits so you can live within your means. Pay your bills by direct debit if you can and only use cash for other expenses. This way you can see exactly what you have left. You could even try a budget binder.
03
Double check that you're not missing out on any benefits or grants that you could be entitled to. You can use the FREE Turn2Us tool here.
05
Energy Efficiency.
You can significantly reduce your energy bills by following a few little tips and tricks. Have you tried these?... Block drafts with DIY draft excluders, taping gaps in the window frames, putting reflective foil behind the radiators, batch cook, do full laundry loads, air dry clothes but not over the radiators, turn off the plugs when not in use, use a battery powered lamp, turn off the boiler while you're out, take shorter showers, not filling the bth all the way up and only boiling the water you need in the kettle. More tips here.
04
Switch your utility providers.
Money Saving Expert has some great ways to save on your utility bills and also has step by step guides.
What to do if you're struggling to pay your bills:
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Talk to your supplier/provider as soons as possible
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Some suppliers offer hardship funds
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Free one-on-one energy and debt advice
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And finally...
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Try boosting your Income -60+ ways to earn extra money
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Make your cash work harder
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Flog what you don't use -e.g those DVDs you no longer watch can easily add up.
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Get thrifty and sell what you make
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Rent what you have out for cash
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Check if companies have your account in too much credit
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Check if you are owed a tax rebate