If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, free advice and support is available to help you manage your money, increase your income and deal with debt.

Budgeting and managing your money

Creating a budget can help you understand what money you have coming in, what you’re spending, and where you may be able to reduce costs.

Useful tools and guidance

• Citizens Advice budgeting tool
• MoneyHelper budgeting guides and calculators

Need help increasing your income?

Check whether you’re entitled to benefits, grants and other financial support using benefits checkers.

Saving for the future

If you’re on a low income and receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for the government’s Help to Save scheme, which rewards regular saving with a bonus from the government.

You may also be able to get a Budgeting Loan or Budgeting Advance to help with essential one-off expenses.

Debt advice and support

If you’re worried about debt or struggling to pay your bills, don’t wait until the situation becomes unmanageable. Free and confidential debt advice is available.

Get help from:

• Citizens Advice
• National Debtline
• MoneyHelper
• GOV.UK – check how you can deal with your debts

Avoid illegal money lending

If you’re struggling financially, it can be tempting to borrow money from informal lenders. Illegal money lenders, sometimes known as loan sharks, often charge extremely high interest rates and may use intimidation or threats.

If you need help, free and confidential debt advice is available from Citizens Advice and National Debtline. You can also report illegal money lending and get support through the England Illegal Money Lending Team.