Money
Money & everyday finance guides
Bank switching, credit, budgeting and financial resilience for everyday households.
What do you need to work out?
Pick the closest match. Each path leads to a curated cluster of guides.
I want to switch bank
The switch guarantee, what moves, what to check.
4 guides →I want to understand my credit
Credit files, scores, how to improve them.
6 guides →I'm thinking longer term
Savings, budgeting, planning ahead.
6 guides →I'm struggling to make ends meet
Hardship support, debt help, your rights.
2 guides →Editor’s picks
See all 18 guides →Key Guide
4 guidesCore Guide
6 guidesDeep Dive
6 guidesSupport & Rights
2 guidesThe full library
Showing 4 guides of 18Key Guide
Budgeting Explained
- A budget tracks income and spending.
- It helps you avoid overspending and prepare for irregular costs.
- Good budgeting includes fixed costs, variable costs, and savings.
- Reviewing your budget regularly improves financial control.
- Budgeting reduces reliance on credit and emergency borrowing.
Bank Accounts Explained
- Current accounts are for daily spending.
- Savings accounts are for storing money separately.
- Some accounts charge fees, others are free.
- You can switch bank accounts easily under UK rules.
- Banks are regulated by the FCA and PRA.
Credit Cards Explained
- Credit cards are a form of revolving credit
- Paying the full balance avoids interest
- Minimum payments extend repayment time
- Section 75 offers legal protection
- High interest rates make long-term borrowing expensive
If you can't pay your bills
- Pay the priority bills first: rent or mortgage, council tax, energy, water, TV licence, court fines, child maintenance.
- Tell your energy supplier early. It has to offer help, such as a payment plan you can afford, a payment break or access to a hardship fund.
- Free debt advice is available from StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice. You never need to pay for it.
- A debt adviser can start a Breathing Space: 60 days when most creditors must stop chasing you and stop adding most interest and charges.