Help with managing my money
We've included some helpful tips and resources within this page to support you in managing your finances.
Money worries
If your circumstances have recently changed and you have less income than you're used to, we've included some useful tips to support you:
- It's a good idea to contact the companies you may have Direct Debits, Standing Orders or repayments set up with. Explain your circumstances to them and see if they can help with lowering repayments or changing dates to better suit you
- Make sure you've cancelled non-essential spend. Take a look at our 'Ways to cut your spending' section for helpful hints and tips
- We also suggest completing a budget planner so that you can get an overall picture of your incomings and outgoings. Our 'Budget planning' section on this page shows you how to get started.
Ways to cut your spending
It's important to keep your spending within your means and to save money where you can. We're here to help you get the most out of your money with a few tips on managing how you spend.
Looking to complete a budget planner? Visit our 'Budget planning' section.
Cut your energy spend
Millions of UK households are on standard energy tariffs and likely overpay for their electricity and gas. In just a few minutes, you can explore whether you're able to switch to a less expensive tariff.
- Enter a few details about your home and energy consumption habits to get a list of energy tariff options
- Choose the provider and tariff that suits your needs
- Your old energy account will be shut down and the new one seamlessly opened
- Using the link to Ofgem, you'll be able to look for cheaper energy deals.
Cancel unwanted subscriptions
In a survey conducted recently, 62% of us admitted to paying for monthly subscriptions that we don't need.
- Do a subscriptions spring clean and cancel the ones you don't want anymore. You'll save money every month
- Don't fall for the 'Free trial trap', where you sign up for a service that is initially free but then forget to cancel it
- Use Internet Banking to spot repeating payments.
Reduce your TV spend
Are you paying for TV and video services that you don't watch?
- If you subscribe to Netflix, Sky or Virgin Media do you really need all the premium packages and channels you're paying for?
- Are you paying for multi-screen packages but only tend to watch on one screen?
- Have you thought about TV providers such as All 4, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub?
- Ofcom can help you compare your current deal to try and save you money.
Use less energy
Cut your energy usage to lower your bills.
- Don't leave items on standby
- A one degree reduction in room temperature could save you £75 a year
- Draught-proof your windows and doors
- Ofgem can give you helpful tips on how to use less energy.
Watch your spend on food and coffees
Food is a big part of expenditure but there are things you can do to cut down.
- Can you buy fewer coffees and sandwiches outside the home?
- Try to cut down on the food you throw away - some people find that planning ahead and bulk cooking saves time and money.
Budget planning
You may not have looked at doing a budget before, but it's your first step towards getting back on track with your finances if you're worried about them.
Completing a budget planner and seeing everything set out could help you identify ways to save money and reduce debt straight away.
If you've recently filled in a budget planner, take a look at the bottom of this section for details of what to do next.
We'd suggest the MoneyHelper (formerly Money Advice Service) Budget Planner
Before you start, gather as much information ready as you can. Things like bank statements and bills will help you get the details you need to put into the budget planner.
Budget Planner
This is an anonymous budget planner, which you can use without sharing your personal details with us. Use this planner if you just need a sense of your situation and your outgoings. Cater Allen won't see this information or be able to discuss it with you.
You can create an account and revisit this planner any time you'd like. You’ll also be given some personalised tips to help you make the most of your money and it's free to use.
If you've recently competed a budget planner, here's what to do next:
Reduce your outgoings
If the budget planner shows you're spending too much, take a look at 'Ways to cut your spending'.
Seek some independent advice
Organisations such as PayPlan can offer free help and advice. Take a look at our 'Independent help and support' section below.
Independent help and support
Looking after your money, looking after you
We're living through some very unusual times, and we all know that our mental health can affect how we deal with money, and equally, how debt can affect our mental health.
Take a look below at some independent third parties to see if they can help with advice and practical help.
PayPlan
- Help save you money on your everyday essentials
- Check you're claiming everything you're entitled to
- Specialist team for the self-employed
- Dedicated vulnerable client team for anyone dealing with an illness, mental health concerns or addiction.
MoneyHelper
- Guides to help improve your finances
- Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead, like their free budget planner
- Support over the phone and online.
Money Advice Trust
- Help tackle debt and manage your money with confidence
- Get advice from free, independent services: National Debtline and Business Debtline
- Help with debt management plans, debt relief orders and individual voluntary arrangements.
Alzheimer's Society
- Help for people affected by dementia including family members and carers
- Dementia Connect support line available 7 days a week
- Join the Alzheimer's Society online community where you can connect with others in a similar situation.
Mind
- Advice and information on money and mental health including tips on how to manage your money
- Information and support to anybody experiencing a mental health problem through their website, their infoline and their peer support platform Side by Side.