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…

Write your Will for free in March

Wills aren’t just for the wealthy.It’s important for everyone to plan ahead, but did you know that over half of the adults in the UK don’t have a will?Without a clear Will in place, your wishes may not be followed…

How to protect yourself from online scams

Staying safe online is becoming increasingly difficult as cyberattacks become more sophisticated.Whether it be impersonating someone you know or an organisation/business that you trust, cybercriminals encourage individuals to share personal or sensitive information or click on malicious web links or…

Join the nation’s biggest mental health conversation

We’re celebrating Time to Talk Day today (February 1st), the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.The annual awareness day, by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, is a day for you. It’s a chance for you to be open with your friends,…

NHS Talking Therapies can help

The NHS is encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, such as excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress or obsessions and compulsions, to seek help through NHS Talking Therapies services.The services are effective, confidential and free…

Take advantage of PayPlan’s free money-saving tool BudgetSmart

Our online money tool, BudgetSmart, helps you maximise your income, reduce your spending and find savings in every corner of your finances.The interactive tool has hundreds of money-saving tips across eight core categories, including support with energy and water bills,…

Understanding the dangers of using Buy Now, Pay Later this Christmas

What is Buy Now, Pay Later?Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is a payment option offered by retailers to allow customers to spread the cost or delay the payment of their purchase.It has become a very popular payment method for online…