How are the government funded childcare hours changing?

From September 2025, working parents of children under the age of five will be entitled to 30 hours of government funded childcare a week.Currently, 15 hours of government-funded childcare is available for all children from the age of 9 months, with…

How could the Spring Statement affect you and your money?

Now that the Chancellor has delivered her Spring Statement understanding what lies ahead can help you feel more prepared for any changes that have already taken place.What is the Spring Statement?The Spring Statement, sometimes called the “mini-budget,” is one of…

Don’t let Easter spending catch you by surprise

Easter may be a short holiday for some and not thought about by many, but it can lead to purchases that might surprise your budget.In 2024, 84% of Brits were planning to celebrate Easter, which is a 10% increase from…

The UK housing crisis: Understanding the pressure and finding support

Did you know that, according to Shelter, 67% of people in England have experienced some form of housing pressure in the past year?Whether it’s struggling to pay the rent, keeping up with mortgage payments, or worrying about eviction, financial stability…

Valentine’s Day spending trends reveal growing financial pressures

Valentine’s Day spending trends reveal growing financial pressures. In 2025, it’s estimated that over half of the UK population (53%) plan to spend money this Valentine’s Day[1].It’s expected that over £1.5bn will be spent in total, with the average person…

UK borrowing costs are rising, but what does it mean?

This year, UK borrowing costs have hit the highest level since 1998 [1] But how does this affect you?. What are borrowing costs? Borrowing costs refer to the interest rates and fees you pay when borrowing money from lenders. These…

The financial impact of Christmas spending

For many, Christmas is a time of celebration, but it can also be a time of increased financial strain. Our data reflects this reality – in January 2024, we saw a 60% increase in visitors seeking debt advice through our…

Navigating the festive season after a loss

The holiday season, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, work parties or family gatherings, is often a time for people to come together to celebrate, remember, and connect.But if you, or someone close to you, are grieving, these gatherings may feel overwhelming…

Don’t let a loan shark ruin your Christmas

We’ve joined forces with our partner, Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), to warn people about the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks in the run-up to Christmas.The IMLT is a national organisation, hosted by Birmingham City Council, that was set…

Budget 2024: What does it mean for me?

This week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced new plans for how the country’s money will be spent and managed.We’ve broken down some of the key announcements and how it could affect your finances.Rises in National Minimum Wage and State PensionNational Minimum…

How to check if you could pay less Council Tax

If you’re currently paying council tax for your home in England, depending on your circumstances you may be able to receive a discount or not pay it at all.You may be able to get:A discount, for example, for single-person occupancy…

Moving to Universal Credit: What you need to know as benefits and Tax Credits change

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment to help people on a low income with living costs.You’ll receive a letter in the post from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)It’s important that you don’t do anything until you receive…

Financial settlements during a divorce or ending of a civil partnership

If you’re experiencing a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership, agreeing on how to split your finances can be a difficult situation to resolve.Some couples may be fortunate enough to be able to resolve matters amicably between themselves, while others…

Everything you need to know about The Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment from the government to help eligible people with their heating costs during the colder months. It’s usually between £100 and £300, depending on your circumstances.If you’re eligible, you’ll typically receive your payment…

Cheap and free places to eat over the summer holidays

The summer holidays have arrived! While the kids might be excited for a long break, we’re aware of the extra financial pressure that it can put on families.Keeping track of what you’re spending while trying to make sure your children…

Are you missing out on unclaimed benefits?

Policy in Practice estimates that a staggering £23 billion of income-related benefits and social tariffs will not be claimed across Great Britain in 2024.Making sure that income is maximised through the take-up of benefits is vital to helping individuals on…

Communicating with bereaved people: A practical guide to having better conversations

How to communicate with bereaved people It’s National Bereaved Parents Day on 3rd July 2024, an awareness event established by charity A Child of Mine in 2020 to honour bereaved parents and to break the silence around the death of…