When you live from month to month, finances and the cost of living can weigh heavily on your mind. Temporary work contracts, job site closures, and growing families add financial pressure, and the threat of an unexpected payment or fine keeps you under constant stress.
Self-employed or planning to be?
If you need support to navigate the world of self-employment, we have put together a library of clear, simple videos that will help you to understand tax, trading statuses, turnover and so much more. Cut through the jargon and tackle the topic here.
Payday loans
It can be tempting to try to bridge the gap with pay-day loans – a bit of cash to keep you afloat in hard times.
The trouble is, those companies offer wildly inflated interest rates. This means that by your next payday, you will be stuck paying off not just the £500 you borrowed (for example), but another £150 or so of interest. This becomes a vicious cycle, and you’ll be worse off than when you began.
Money saving tips
A little bit of effort could make a big difference here. A few small tweaks to your spending habits might help to pinch pennies while you’re struggling.
cheaper bills
With a little research, you might find that you can get better deals on your utility bills.
The shop
Try to buy in bulk when you’re food shopping, and choose cheaper supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.
Use coupons & vouchers
Try apps like Honey, VoucherCodes, or Lidl Plus.
Buy Second hand
Places like Facebook marketplace, Vinted and Gumtree have amazing options.
Freebies
Some people and/or companies just want to clear out, and offer things for free. Look at websites like Freecyle or Olio.
Budgeting
It sounds obvious, but the act of budgeting can make us more aware of our spending. See our Budgeting Page for more help.
UK - Government Money Helper Website
The government offers free and impartial advice about all things finance, including savings, pensions, benefits and more. The Money Helper website is a wealth of knowledge, and a very helpful tool.Â
ROI - Government Money Helper Website
MABS is the Irish money advice service. For 30 years, they have provided free and independent advice and supported people with money advice, budgeting, and problem debt. The MABS website is full of information and tools to help people of Ireland.
Speak to us if you need more help
If you’re having a hard time with your finances, please get in touch. This is what we do.
If you live in the UK:
If you live in the Republic of Ireland:
Or click on the Live Chat icon in the bottom of the page to speak to a member of our helpline team.