The cost of living over the last year has shot up and many people are feeling the pinch on their household finances.
The Office for National Statistics found that 91% of adults in Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living between June and July alone. It’s not clear when things might settle, so we’ve compiled some advice to try and help you navigate through.
Claim what you can
Find out what benefits you are entitled to claim. Whether you are working, unemployed, or self-employed, it’s important to know what help is out there for you. The Turn2Us benefits calculator is a great tool to help you check what benefits you can get.
The government is giving out various grants as part of a package to help with the cost of living, from council tax rebates to energy payments, so make sure you know what you’re eligible for with the guidance on their website.
Seek information and advice
There are plenty of resources out there to help you with your budgeting and managing your money to help it go a little further. Money Helper has a free budget planner you can use to see exactly where you money is being spent and where you might be able to make some savings.
You may find yourself falling into arrears with payments and it can be hard to know how best to tackle this, but StepChange are there to help offer debt advice and support.
Money Saving Expert has put together a comprehensive survival guide to get through the current cost of living and Citizens Advice also offers resources on where you can seek help from.
Support from The Printing Charity
As a benevolent charity, we’re here to help offer financial support for those who have a connection to the print industry and are struggling to pay for essential living costs from heating to food, or even unexpected emergencies.
Our experienced team takes a rounded approach when looking at individual applications, and our support is more than financial, often signposting to specialist services. If you or your immediate family have worked in the print or allied trades for three years or more, contact us to see how we can help.
If money worries are having an effect on your mental health, talking to someone about it can help you to reduce feelings of anxiety and explore ways you can move forward. Our helpline is there for you when you need to discuss anything that may be troubling you.