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 three)

In the final article in our living life in debt series, we catch up with John Putland who is enjoying a debt free life after completing his plan in January 2014 after eight years.John got into financial difficulties when his relationship broke…

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…

Fathers first

It’s that time of year again when we get the chance to show our dear dads just how much they mean to us by lavishing them with love - and gifts! For those who read my Gifts of Love blog…

25 alternative date ideas without a red rose in sight

Whether you’re going on a first date or out with your partner of many years, these ideas won’t leave you stuck in a rut.

Live Below the Line challenge

Living below the line refers to the 1.2billion people worldwide who live below the poverty line. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than £1 a day...

Storage ideas to make your groceries last longer

As a nation the cost of our weekly shop is going up, and yet we’re throwing away more food than ever before. Do you ever find that when you come to use your fresh ingredients they’ve already gone off, even…

Netflix Vs Amazon Instant Vs Now TV

Whether you embrace technology or not, the future of film looks to be leaning more and more towards online streaming and downloads, rather than the traditional Video/DVD rental shops. Sick of the high prices Sky or Virgin charge? Want to…

Christmas Spending Habits Visualised

Last month, Payplan conducted a study into Christmas spending and asked 1,000 people about their finances in the run up to the festive season. The survey found that many people rely on credit cards, overdrafts and, for some, even payday…

The Payplan guide to getting married on a budget.

While your wedding day can be one of the best days of your life, the cost of getting married can easily spiral out of control, especially if you get caught up in the excitement and keep adding things to your…