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 'South Yorkshire 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 visiting 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

• South Yorkshire Credit Union

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

St Leger Homes also works closely with Doncaster West Development Trust who provide a money advice service at various locations throughout the borough. Find out more about St Leger Homes' partnership with Doncaster West Development Trust and how to make an appointment with an advisor.

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

For free information and advice about debt, ring National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or visit the National Debtline website.

Alternatively, Stepchange (formerly the Consumer Credit Counselling Service) also provide free information and advice about debt. Their phone number is 0800 138 1111.

You can also visit the 'Managing Debt' page on the GOV.UK website to find out more about coping with debt.

Free, unbiased financial advice

The Money Advice Service have the objective of helping the public to enhance their understanding and knowledge about financial matters. The service is free and offers practical money advice, whatever the financial circumstances. The website also includes an online health check, which provides a personal action plan, identifying money priorities, enabling indviduals to plan for their financial future. The service is an independant organisation, set up by the Government through a statutory levy on the financial services industry. It was formerly entitled the Consumer Financial Education Body, and can be contacted on 0300 500 5000.

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 adults with 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.

Where can I get help and advice locally?

Business Doncaster has a guide for anyone wanting details on providers of Debt Advice, Benefits Advice, Housing Advice, Job Advice, Financial Training and General Support available in Doncaster. Find out more here.