Balancing work stress and financial pressure Money worries can affect more than your bank balance. They can change how you sleep, how you focus, how you react to pressure and how much energy you have left for work. Financial stress at work happens when money worries affect your focus, mood, decisions or ability to cope…
I feel like I’m failing at life because of money Debt, missed payments or a lack of savings can feel deeply personal. They can start to look like evidence that life has not gone the way it should have. You may look at your bank balance, rent, bills, or the things you haven’t managed to…
Why not being able to afford everything doesn’t make you a bad parent If you feel like a bad parent because you can’t afford things, it doesn’t mean you’re failing your children. It may mean your money is stretched. Your income might not go as far as it used to. Debt repayments may be taking…
My partner doesn’t know I’m in debt. What should I do? Being in debt without your partner knowing can feel frightening. You might be worried they’ll be angry, disappointed, or that it could change how they see you. Debt can feel even harder when you’re carrying it alone. You may be hiding letters, avoiding conversations,…
Skipping meals to pay bills: what to do if you can’t afford food and bills Skipping meals so you can pay bills is a sign that your budget is under serious pressure. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means the cost of essentials may now be more than your income can cover. Recent research from…
Debt help for single parents Managing debt can feel different when you’re raising children on one income. You may be covering rent, bills, food, childcare and school costs with no one else to share the day-to-day pressure. That doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Debt can build when your income has to stretch across a…
How to talk to kids about money Talking to children about money can feel uncomfortable, especially if money feels tight in your own household. You might worry they’re too young or feel unsure what to say. You don’t need to be an expert to talk to kids about money in a helpful way. The most…
It’s hard not to compare your finances to other people’s.
It can sometimes feel like everyone else is doing better with money — saving more, spending more comfortably, or moving ahead faster.
Managing family finances on a tight budget Managing family finances on a tight budget can feel hard, especially when food, energy, rent, mortgage payments and childcare costs are taking up more of your income. Recent data from the Money and Pensions Service shows that 49% of UK adults are struggling to keep up, falling behind,…
What happens when debt isn’t paid off? Debt doesn’t usually spiral overnight. It often starts with a missed payment, a letter left unopened, or a period where money is simply stretched too thin. Many people who fall behind on payments didn’t expect to be in debt in the first place. If you’re unsure how your situation started, our guide on the common…
10 common reasons why people get into debt in the UK People get into debt in the UK for many reasons – often due to changes in income, rising living costs, health issues, or unexpected life events. Understanding the most common reasons people get into debt can help you recognise your own situation and take…
What’s the difference between gross and disposable income? When you’re trying to get a handle on your finances, it’s easy to get confused by the terms flying around, especially when it comes to your income. But what do the terms ‘gross income’, ‘net income’ and ‘disposable income’ actually mean, and more importantly, which one tells…