Winter warmers

Christmas is just around the corner and Winter has definitely arrived.If you’re anything like me and do everything you can to keep to yourself as snug as a bug without your heating bill soaring, these tips should help.Don’t block the…

This is my story – John Putland

 I only got into financial difficulties when my relationship broke down and I had to take on more credit to make ends meet.I wasn’t happy in my relationship and I just turned to my credit cards for comfort. I got…

This is my story – Amy Rankin

Growing up, I’d always known that I wanted to be a hairdresser. I worked hard at college and was delighted to land a job as an apprentice for a local hairdresser.I was prepared for the hard graft and long hours…

THE SECRETS TO SAVVY SHOPPING

We all like to think of ourselves as savvy shoppers, but how much do we really know about the art of retail psychology? If we know the techniques retailers are using to seduce us into spending, we’re less likely to…

Five simple ways your credit report can help you

Five simple ways your credit report can help you.By Darren Beach from Experian Experts blogThe information held on your credit report summarises your credit history, and plays a major role in the decisions lenders make when you apply for all…

Day In the life

 It’s only just gone eight in the morning but the day is already in full swing when I arrive at the document handling department for the next edition of our ‘day in the life’ series.With the exception of the archiving…

Raising money savvy kids

From the moment they’re born, children learn at a rapid pace. From learning to walk and talk to making their own bed and developing good manners, they are forever picking up new skills. But when it comes to being financially…

A* BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUDGETING

Kitting out the kids ready for the new school year can be an expensive process, especially if you have more than one child of school age.After an expensive six weeks of summer trying to keep the family entertained, you may…

Goin’ to the chapel

Weddings, and all the traditions and celebrations that go along with them, are no longer just an expense for the bride and groom – they can also make a sizeable dent in the guest’s pockets too.What with the gift, travel, and finding…

Clever cleaning

All of those bottles under the kitchen sink can cost households some serious money when you add them all up.Bleaches, window cleaners, stain removers, polishes, you name it – buying branded cleaning products can be a costly business, especially when…

How to do a date night on a budget

With all the stresses and strains of modern life, it’s no surprise that many of us get a bit lax when it comes to spending time with partners. Whether you’re one of the organised couples who regularly go out, or…

Our life in debt (Part two)

On Monday, we heard how Christine Nichol has just completed her first year in a debt management plan.Now we meet Katy Taylor as she describes what life is like 5 years into her plan with another 8 to go.Katy’s story Katy…

Our life in debt

This week, we are focusing on three PayPlan clients who are each at different stages of their debt plans as they share the highs and lows, surprises and challenges they have faced while paying back their debt through a debt management plan (DMP) Christine’s…

Day in the life of a case officer

Kirsty Sumner – Bespoke Case Officer In the first of our ‘day in the life’ series, we take a closer look at what the role of a case officer in the Bespoke Solutions department entails, as Kirsty Sumner gives us a…

How to make your Euros last longer on holiday

You’re all packed and your holiday is paid for, but how do you make sure your spending doesn’t spiral out of control when you reach your destination?Once you’ve decided how much money you’re taking on your trip, set a budget so…

Help your child excel at school for free

(and in a way they’ll enjoy!)Children today face more distractions than ever before when it comes to studying outside of the school grounds. The World Wide Web especially provides an endless array of sites, games and social media that are…

Pound to pocket

It’s never been tougher financially for families.The recent recession has meant many of us have had to cut back on our spending where we can and often that can lead to questions about whether to give your children pocket money.Is…