There are times in all our lives when money is in short supply. This can be especially true for young people who might not be old enough to work and earn a wage.
There is a menu at the top of this page called "Money" that gives details about benefits that you MIGHT be able to claim.
Come and see us for some friendly advice
At your Local Connexions Centre you can make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser who can give you advice and guidance on this subject and many more. You can also contact us online to ask a question and receive a reply. To contact us online CLICK HERE.
[click here for useful contacts regarding Money and Debt]
More on Money and Debt...
Being able to manage money properly is a very important but difficult skill to learn, whatever your income. In this section you will find information on all aspects of money and debt and where to get extra help or advice.
Basic Information
If you are supporting yourself for the first time (you may be at college or have left home) then you will have to manage your money to pay for a number of items. These include:
- Housing (rent and insurance)
- Food and drink
- Bills (gas, electric, water, telephone, council tax, TV licence)
- Everyday items for your home, including repairs
- Travel expenses for work/college
- Other expenses for leisure activities
Planning Ahead / Making a Budget
To help you manage the expenses above when you leave home, it is a good idea to plan your spending by deciding on a budget to stick to.
- Work out how much you need to survive, which includes all the above essentials as well as leisure expenses
- Then work out your income
If you find that your spending is greater than your income, assess your needs again and reduce any outgoings that are not essential. If, however, you find you have money left over, you can consider saving for something you may need in the future.
You can find useful information on budgeting and managing your money by CLICKING HERE.
Starting Work or College
When starting work or college you will need to open a bank or building society account. Most employers will pay you directly into an account either weekly or monthly. As a student you will need an account for your student loan to be paid into.
You can find more information about opening a bank account by visiting: www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/banks.
Debt
You cannot get a credit card or borrow money until you are 18, but it is important to know how to get help with this. If you find yourself getting into debt and are having difficulty paying your bills then you should try to talk to an independent adviser.
Where to Get Help and More Information
Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.
 The National Debtline Helpline: Provides FREE confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Telephone 0808 808 4000 or visit their useful website at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.
  The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice with legal problems, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, and more. Visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk or to see a list of local Citizens Advice Bureau offices with contact numbers CLICK HERE.
 The Site is an excellent website which offers a wide range of help, advice and information. TheSite.org covers issues such as Sex and Relationships, Drugs and Alcohol, Health, Home, Law and Money, Travel and Free Time, Work and Study. Visit www.thesite.org.
 Need 2 Know offers detailed balanced information for 13 to 19 year olds and the lifestyle issues they face such as Health, Money, Time Out, Travel, Relationships, Learning, Work, Law, Housing, Environment. www.need2know.co.uk.
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Money and Debt 