Money and debt advice

Take control of your money

Good money management can mean:

  • Living within your means
  • Saving for short and long-term goals
  • Having a realistic plan to pay off your debts. 

 helps you to set up a budget, make the most of your money, pay off debts or start saving.

Savings

Savings help with emergencies, sudden job loss, financing holidays, having more financial freedom and more.

Start a savings account with a bank, building society, post office or see what , offers.

Debt

Debt can quickly become unmanageable if the situation is ignored.

Ask for help before debt gets out of hand. There are many organisations who can give you free help and advice about debts:

  • - 0344 477 1171
  • - 0800 138 1111 
  • - 0808 808 4000
  • - 01403 258040

Loans

Loans can help build your credit score, pay for planned expenses and are easy to manage.

  • You can get a loan from banks and building societies but not everyone is eligible and they may not be the cheapest option
  • Department of Work and Pensions offer interest free budgeting loans for people on means-tested benefits.
  • If you are on Universal Credit, you can apply for a Budgeting Advance
  • Boom Community Bank provides savings accounts and loans for West Sussex and will consider lending to people on benefits and those with poor credit ratings
  • Payday Loans often lead to long term debt, find advice on the

Benefits

  • offers general benefits and grants information, including a benefits calculator
  • is a general benefits calculator
  •  make sure you are not missing out on benefits that could help you balance your budget 
  • Housing Benefit help with your rent 
  • helps you with your living costs
  • Council Tax Reduction