Building healthy spending habits such as saving rather than using credit, taking time to think about your wants vs needs, being aware of scams and being a savvy shopper is what it’s all about.
At Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire, we’re seeing more people worried about messages claiming to be about the Winter Fuel Payment. You’re right to be cautious. Government figures show reports of scam texts jumped by 153% at the end of September.
Our Carer Money Matters programme - run in partnership between Citizens Advice in Hertfordshire and Carers in Hertfordshire - has updated our practical booklet to help you cut costs and make your home more energy-efficient. It brings together clear, trusted guidance on income maximisation, fuel poverty, energy efficiency and everyday money management, so you can keep more of your household budget for what matters.
"My son and I are both struggling to find work at the moment. He’s just finished university and looking for his first job, and I’m retired but need to top up my income. We’ve both been sending out applications for a while now, could unpaid work help us find something?"
Many people in North Herts don’t realise they could get help with their water bills. If you’re on a low income, claiming benefits, or managing a tight budget, your water company may be able to reduce what you pay.
Credit cards, loans, and overdrafts can be helpful financial tools. They allow you to spread the cost of large purchases or cover short-term expenses. But with credit so widely available, it’s easy to fall into debt without realising how quickly it can build up. Here’s our 8-step guide to help you stay in control:
With the rising cost of living, it’s more important than ever to keep a close eye on where your money goes. One area that quietly eats into many people’s budgets is subscriptions. From streaming services and music platforms to app memberships and online deliveries, these costs can quickly pile up without you noticing.
With the cost of living still climbing, many local households are searching for ways to cut back on monthly bills. One area that’s often overlooked is your phone and internet. If you rely on broadband and a mobile phone to stay connected (as most of us do), you might be eligible for a social tariff – a special discounted rate designed to help people on lower incomes.
With the rising cost of living, many local households are struggling to keep up with everyday bills. From rent or mortgage payments, council tax and energy bills, to car costs, insurance, and even the TV licence - it can feel relentless. So how can you stay on track, protect your budget, and ease the stress?
The number above is for the Hertfordshire Citizens Advice Line. Opening hours are 10 am to 9 pm Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 8 pm Thursday and Friday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
