
Taking control of your finances starts with small, manageable steps—reviewing bills, cutting unnecessary expenses, and seeking support when needed. Saving money doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes. Even small adjustments to your spending can free up cash for other priorities, reducing financial stress and helping you build a stronger financial foundation.
Review your bills
With the cost of household bills rising, it’s worth taking the time to review your current expenses. You might discover opportunities to save money by switching providers or negotiating better deals.
Take action:
☞ Call your service providers to discuss your current tariff. Many companies offer discounts or loyalty benefits if you ask.
☞ Shop around for a better deal if your provider isn’t willing to negotiate. Comparison websites can help you find savings on utilities, insurance, and more. MoneyHelper provides guidance on how to navigate bill reviews and find the best deals.
Check for unused services and subscriptions
It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions, but unused services can quietly drain your bank account.
Take action:
☞ Check your bank statements and direct debits for recurring charges and subscriptions and cancel those you don’t use.
☞ Look through your emails for terms like “subscription” or “welcome” to identify services you may have signed up for.
☞ If you sign up for a free trial, mark the expiration date in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. This way, you can decide whether to continue or cancel the service before being charged.
By making these small but effective changes, you can take control of your finances and reduce unnecessary spending. However, even with careful budgeting, financial challenges can still arise. When they do, seeking support is a smart next step.
Don’t stay silent – support is available
Financial challenges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you’re struggling despite making efforts to cut costs and save, there are many resources available to help you regain financial stability.
☞ Free, independent information and advice
If your employer partners with our helpline, you have access to a wealth of practical support. The helpline team is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, offering guidance on financial issues and more.
Additionally, we provide free debt help through PayPlan, a trusted resource for addressing debt concerns. This confidential support is easily accessible via the helpline.
Debt charity StepChange is another excellent resource, offering a straightforward online questionnaire to start tackling debt. You can save your progress if you need to gather more information, making the process manageable and stress-free.
☞ Start a conversation
It’s really important to seek support if facing financial hardship. As Printing Charity beneficiary Hazel said, “Anyone’s life can change on a spin: there are so many people in this position.”
Practical and emotional support for financial challenges is available from the Printing Charity helpline, including PayPlan specifically to address problems with debt.
☞ Other expert resources
MoneyHelper: Comprehensive guidance on money, pensions, and more, plus DIY tools and calculators for managing finances, savings, and pensions.
Citizen’s Advice: Reliable advice on everything from budgeting to managing debt.
National Debtline: Expert support for individuals dealing with debt challenges.
StepChange: A debt charity offering structured solutions to financial struggles.
Mental Health & Money Advice: A Mental Health UK resource for tackling financial issues alongside mental health challenges.
The Printing Charity also provides financial assistance for people of reduced financial means, facing hardship. The ways we can help starts with a conversation. Contact our friendly team on support@theprintingcharity.org.uk or 01293 542 820 to discuss our available support.