Money worries
It is common for people to be worried about money. This can be a source of stress and anxiety. At some point we can all do with help and advice.
This page has some hints and tips on managing your money. There are links to places you can find support and advice.
These include budget planning and debt advice, household bills, shopping, food banks, baby banks, school uniform exchanges, and support during school holidays.
Talking about money
It is important to have conversations with your partner, children and friends about money. MoneyHelper’s Talk Money series can help have those difficult conversations. It also has advice on teaching your children and teenagers about money.
Budget planning and Debt advice
- Help for Households is a government campaign to help you find out what support you can get
- Money Helper has a collection of guides to help you manage your money and save. They have advice on managing your money in uncertain times
- Step Change offers free debt advice and support online. Their online debt test can help you find out if you need help
- MoneySavingExpert has a money makeover guide
- Citizens Advice has advice on getting help with bills and the cost of living
- If you are on a low income you can get help with saving
- You can claim tax relief for job expenses including working from home, uniform, work clothes and tools
- There can be a lot to sort out following the death of someone close. MoneyHelper has guides for what you need to do
Household bills
Many people are already taking measures to reduce their bills at home.
Our keeping your home warm page has tips on reducing energy use and information on how you can get help. If you’re living in social housing, contact your housing association or local authority. If you’re renting privately or own your home, these services might be able to help:
- Bradford: Warm Homes Healthy People
- Calderdale: Council’s Housing Energy Action Team
- Craven District: Energy Efficiency
- Kirklees: Keeping your house warm and reducing energy bills
- Leeds City Council: Affordable Warmth – Leeds City Council
- Wakefield Council: Wakefield Council Warmer Homes
Better Homes Yorkshire can help you find out if you are eligible for energy saving schemes.
Citizens advice has information on grants and benefits to help you pay for your energy bills.
MoneyHelper has information on what to do if you are worried about your energy bills rising.
There are simple ways to save water at home. You can also see if it would be cheaper to have a water meter using this calculator.
MoneySavingExpert website has guides and tools to help you get the best deal on your household bills.
Broadband is now essential for many people. Some companies offer special discounted social tariffs.
Running a car is another large household expense. MoneyHelper has guidance on buying and running a car.
There are guides on buying car insurance.
Compare fuel prices in your area with this app.
Shopping
There are tips available to try to reduce the cost of your supermarket shop from money saving expert.
could help. Supermarket shopping comparison app
The too good to go scheme allows you to buy food at cheaper prices before it goes to waste.
Local food banks
To visit a food bank you may need to contact Citizen's advice, local children's centre or your Health visitor for a foodbank voucher. Please see the links below for details about your local food bank. .
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West Yorkshire food poverty network has projects in Bradford, Keighley, Leeds, Calderdale and Wakefield
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Leeds has food banks in north and west Leeds, south and east Leeds, and Otley
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Wakefield: Local story includes food banks and real junk food project in Wakefield. Wakefield mumbler has details of a number of food banks across the wider Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract area
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Craven food partnership has information on Skipton food bank and local community pantries. West Craven food bank supports the Barnoldswick area
School Uniform Exchanges
These provide good quality pre owned school uniforms to local families for free or low cost.
Baby banks
These provide items for babies. You may need to ask your midwife or health visitor for a referral to the baby bank.
- Leeds
- Kirklees
- Calderdale
- Bradford
- Craven
- Wakefield
Second hand items
You may have items which you can sell online this video shows you how.
Support during School Holidays
There is support for children who have free school meals during the school holidays:
Further Resources
Lightening Reach is a portal for applications to multiple providers for financial support, grants and discounted tariffs.
Cost of living support | North Yorkshire Council provides a wide variety of support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or advise if you are struggling to pay for essentials.
Leeds Help with managing your money.
Leeds Energy efficiency and affordability support for you and your family.
Leeds Zarach delivering beds and basics to children in poverty following referral from schools or partner organisations.
Wakefield district Cash wise is a free, helpful service offering money management and benefit support .