Managing your money
The pandemic and the rising cost of living means lots of people have new money worries. If you’re facing higher bills, your money isn’t going as far as it was before, and you’re worrying how to make ends meet, you’re not alone.
We have some tips that may help you get in control of your finances again.
Support available from NPH
NPH has a dedicated Financial Inclusion Team who can support you whatever your situation.
Our friendly financial inclusion officers are here for you if you need help. If you’re struggling to pay your rent and bills, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Just call us on 0300 330 7003 and they’ll be happy to help.
Understand your financial situation
Creating a budget can help you understand where your money is going, and help you plan what you can spend.
You don’t need a spreadsheet, online planners or an app to help you do this, you could write this down on paper or use a piggy bank to help you.
If you would like to use an online tool, Money Helper has a budget planner that gives you a place to record your spending and personalised tips to help you save money: Budget Planner | MoneyHelper.
Tips to help you create and stick to a budget:
- Work out how much you spend. List everything you spend money on, including:
- Household bills
- Living costs, such as clothes, school and work costs
- Financial products, such as insurance, bank charges or interest
- Family and friends, including gifts
- Travel costs, think about car costs such as fuel, MOT and insurance, and anything you spend on public transport
- Entertainment, such as TV subscriptions, meals out, take aways or other fun leisure activities.
- Once you’ve worked out what you spend, get everyone in your family involved to help you stick to your budget. Split your costs into wants and needs, and agree together what you have to spend. Get everyone involved and make a plan you can all stick to, that way everyone has a part and understands what needs to be done.
- Find ways to save money on your household bills. You might not be able to increase the money you have coming in, but you could cut what goes out.
