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…

Big Energy Saving Week 2025

Today marks the start of Big Energy Saving Week!  Alongside other organisations, we’ll be sharing some great tips on ways to save energy and money as we start the new year.There’s never been a better time to get smart about…

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…

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…

What funded childcare hours am I entitled to?

In England, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get 15 or 30 hours of free childcare for your children aged nine months to four years old.The amount of childcare you may get depends on:Your child’s ageWhat your…

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…

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…

What does the 2024 Budget mean for you and your money?

Here’s an overview of the key points from the 2024 Budget, announced by the Chancellor yesterday afternoon (March 6).We’ve covered the topics that could affect you and your money:TaxNational Insurance, a payroll tax, cut by 2p in the pound for…

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…