Dealing with debt: 5 things you should know 1) There are sources like Money helper for free debt advice and services. You can find out more by contacting Money Helper on www.moneyhelper.org.uk or 0300 500 5000 (8-8 Monday to Friday, 9-1 on Saturday). 2) You should have been advised on all the options for dealing with…
Doing the weekly food shop rarely comes with many surprises, but over the last few months, many got an unwelcome shock when their usual weekly shop came with an unusual price tag. Food bills are predicted to rise by £454 this year, higher than previous predictions. Back in April, researchers at Kantar estimated that the…
Tips for paying your priority bills in 2024 With rising living costs, it’s becoming harder to keep up with household bills. As costs put a squeeze on household finances, paying your priority bills has become the main financial goal of 2024. What are priority bills? Priority bills are those that carry the most serious consequences…
Hot Tips to Cut the Cost of Cooking If you’ve ever looked in your freezer and discovered a UFO (Unidentified Frozen Object), or defrosted a steak and kidney pie only to discover (after you’ve poured gravy on it) that it contains apple, then you might benefit from being a little more organised in the kitchen.…
Top Tips on Train Split Ticketing You’re travelling by train. You buy a ticket, moan a bit about the cost, job done. Instead of buying one ticket and having a whinge about how much wedge you’ve had to hand over, what about buying two, or even three, tickets for the same journey and saving money?…
10 Things to Help You Afford That Summer Holiday You can admit it: summer goal number one is to earn your tan back, but if you don’t start saving early there’ll be nothing to burn in the bank. Here’s 10 tips to save for your next getaway. Feed the pig At the end of each…
Walk down the cleaning aisle of any supermarket and chances are, you’ll find someone reading the back of a bottle or a box. There are so many products proclaiming to do so many things, it can be difficult to know what to buy. Problem is, they all come at a hefty price. If cleanliness is…
Council tax is a priority bill in the UK, which means it should be paid before most other debts. Missing a payment might seem like a small slip, but the consequences can escalate quickly. If you’re dealing with unpaid council tax in the UK, it’s important to understand the process, the potential penalties, and what…
When money is tight, it’s natural to feel unsure about which bills to pay first. Not all debts have the same consequences if you miss payments, so knowing the difference between priority vs non-priority debt is essential. In this guide, we’ll explain the key terms, outline the types of debt UK households commonly face, and…
If you’re struggling with debt, the number of options available can feel overwhelming. From formal agreements like Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) to flexible repayment plans, it’s not always clear which route will suit your situation best. This step-by-step guide will help you start narrowing down your options, so picking a debt solution becomes less daunting. …
If you’ve received a visit or letter from a debt collection agency, you might be wondering what they can take from you. Understanding your rights is the first step in protecting your belongings and taking control of the situation. In the UK, the powers of debt collectors are limited, and knowing the difference between a…
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of unopened envelopes or ignoring notifications from your bank, you’re not alone. Many people feel scared to open debt letters, avoid looking at bank statements, or can’t bring themselves to check bills. That fear can build over time, and the longer it goes on, the harder…