Planned cost funds: how to plan for costs that don’t happen every month

Some costs aren’t planned for in your monthly budget. But when they do, they can put pressure on other parts of your finances.It could be your MOT, a birthday gift, new school uniforms, or Christmas. You might know it’s coming,…

Starting university? A guide to managing your money this academic year

Starting university brings a lot of firsts. You might be moving away from home, meeting new people and managing more of your own money.It can be exciting, but it’s also a big change. Rent, food, travel, course materials and social…

Are subscription services draining your budget? Here’s how to check

Whether it’s your favourite streaming service,  music app, cloud storage or  meal kit, monthly subscriptions are designed to save you time and add convenience.But because these payments are taken automatically, it’s easy to lose track of how many you have…

Back-to-school budgeting: how to get ahead of the costs

For many families, the summer holidays have only just begun or will be soon, but the next big expense is already on the horizon. From uniforms and stationery to transport and lunches, the cost of sending children back to school…

How to write a budget that works

A budget isn’t just a spreadsheet – it’s your money plan.It helps you make the most of what you earn, stay in control of bills and feel more confident about where your money goes every month.This guide breaks budgeting into…

Why is my food shop still so expensive?

Food inflation within the UK has increased again, rising 4.9% year-on-year in July 2025, marking the highest rate since February 2024. Over the past five years, food prices have climbed by an average of 37%, with some household favourites seeing even sharper…

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…