


Starting university? Here’s what you need to know about managing your money
For many young people across the country, heading off to university is one of the biggest lifestyle changes they’ll face. New friends, new surroundings, new independence and often for the first time, new financial responsibilities.With student loans, maintenance costs and…

Back-to-school costs are adding up for parents
As summer winds down, thoughts turn from holidays and days out to school uniforms, stationery and lunchboxes. But for many parents, the excitement of a new school year also comes with the stress of paying for it.Research shows the minimum…

Budgeting for summer in 2025: What you need to know
As the school holidays approach, a lot of people will be looking forward to some well-earned down time. But while the idea of taking a break can be exciting, the cost of making summer special can leave a lasting financial…

What happens when you contact PayPlan – a step-by-step guide
If you’re thinking about getting support with your finances, but aren’t sure of the process, feel nervous or don’t know what to expect, you’re not alone.We understand that, for a lot of people, reaching out is often the hardest step,…

How can I improve my financial health in the New Year?
So many people use the New Year to kick start a health plan and look after their bodies, but the New Year can also be the perfect opportunity to review your financial health.The holiday season is expensive, with food, presents,…

Support with raising children

What happens to my debt if I lose my job?
Being made redundant or losing your job is always stressful and upsetting and can massively affect your mental health. If you also have debt to worry about, it’s an even more difficult situation to get through, and you’ll no doubt…

Will my partner’s debt affect my credit score?
If your credit score is important to you, or you wish to take out credit at any point in the future, knowing what can affect your credit score is essential.Depending on your financial ties, your partner’s credit score and debts…

£300 cost of living payments in November – what you need to know
Between 31st October and 19th November 2023, millions of low-income households will receive a £300 cost of living payment from the UK government to help with rising bills this winter.This is the second instalment of three payments, which will total…

How can UK Savings Week help you start building a better future?
What is UK Savings Week?UK Savings Week was launched in 2022 and is supported by The Buildings Society Association, the trade body of UK building societies and seven large credit unions. The idea behind the week is to raise awareness…

Rising interest rates – what does it mean?
Following the recent news that interest rates in the UK are increasing for an eleventh consecutive time, you may feel confused or worried – but we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll explain why it’s happened, how it’ll affect…

Tips to help you tick off your Christmas shopping for as little as possible
With the festive season quickly approaching, you may feel additional financial pressures, so it’s important to outline a plan and manage your budget so you don’t overspend.

Understanding your gas or electricity bill

Coming to terms with rising energy prices
We know the April energy price cap rise was extremely worrying for many people, and with rises in October and January expected, things may seem worrying, so it’s important you know where to turn ahead of the changes.

Where to find extra support with household, healthcare, legal and funeral costs
In our previous ‘What you could be entitled to’ blogs, we’ve referred to specific benefits you could be receiving, but there are other costs you could get help with too. We’ve put together a summary of the support you could…

Financial support for help with home and utilities costs
Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, it’s important to know what support is out there to help you if you’re struggling financially. This blog takes a look at some of the areas you could look into if you feel…

Available support if you’re struggling with debt and mental health
When we speak to clients, they often say that making that first step to contact us is the hardest, but once they have, they start to feel like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders. There’s also lot of…

All about Universal Credit and whether you’re entitled to claim
There are several benefits which you could be entitled to so it’s worth checking your eligibility. We've put together an outline of Universal Credit and the different elements you could be entitled to.

Available financial support for carers and those they care for
Statistics from Carers UK show that one in eight adults in the UK – around 6.5 million people – are carers, and every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility. Even if you support someone but don’t really…