Managing Your Money

Hand putting coins in a piggy bank

Managing Your Money

Managing your money is a daily challenge, especially if you are on a limited or fixed budget. However, it needn't be a chore. You can take control of your finances and even start to save for big purchases, Christmas and birthdays.

You can start by working out your budget by visiting our 'budgeting page' and then look at ways to make your money go further.

You can also find out about different ways to save on our 'Savings page' and the benefits of becoming a member of a credit union by visiting the 'Danum Credit Union page'.

Christmas can be the most expensive time of the year, and you can find out more about how to pay for Christmas by saving a little throughout the year by visitin our page on saving for 'Saving for Christmas'.

If you don't have a bank account, you may want to consider the benefits of opening one by visiting our 'Basic Bank Account page' .

And finally, we strongly recommend you take out home contents insurance, and you'll find clear information about how to find affordable insurance on the 'SLHD Insurance page'.

More help and advice

You can also find the following information on the SLHDMoneywise website:

• Claiming the benefits you are entitled to

• How to cope with debt

• Managing the cost of running your home

• Danum Credit Union

• How to make sure sure you're not paying too much for your gas and electricity

Help and advice is also available from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau here.

St. Leger Homes also has a dedicated CAB adviser - visit our 'CAB Partnership page' for more information.

Help and Advice for young adults

The Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK's main financial regulator, has launched a new information website aimed at young adults.

Described as a "one-stop shop" for information about money, it aims to give guidance about obtaining, saving and spending money.

The FSA said its research had shown that two-thirds of young people were not planning ahead financially. Other research has shown that 80% of people are in debt by the age of 21.

"The What About Money website has been designed with the help of young adults, specifically for young adults, and focuses on the money issues that they themselves have told us they are most interested in," said Chris Pond, the FSA's director for financial capability.

"What About Money will ultimately help younger people to become more financially capable, both now and when they plan for what they want in the future."

To access the What About Money Website, click here.

Teen Cash Guide

Journalist Martin Lewis has written a guide for young people called 'Teen Cash Guide'. The guide is packed full of practicle help and advice for teenagers. The guide will also help people show adults a thing or two about how to manage their money. Martin's website is called MoneySavingExpert.com and can be found here.

The guide can be found here.