Cost-of-living

Cost-of-living

I retired a few years ago and have been struggling on my state pension. It barely covers my outgoings, and I could be doing with some help. My energy bills are through the roof, and I can’t get through to my supplier to discuss with them. Can you offer any guidance?

There are sources of support available that can help you if you are struggling, and it is important to explore all avenues, including additional financial support you may be entitled to. Pension Credit is a means tested benefit that tops up the state pension for older people who have income that is below a certain …

I retired a few years ago and have been struggling on my state pension. It barely covers my outgoings, and I could be doing with some help. My energy bills are through the roof, and I can’t get through to my supplier to discuss with them. Can you offer any guidance? Read More »

I currently work part time, don’t make a lot of money and am struggling. I am in receipt of Tax Credits, but I’m not sure if I would be entitled to anything else. My daughter is five years old and starts school this year. Can you point me in the direction of any support I can apply for please?

There are a range of additional benefits and discounts that you may be entitled to. Even though you are working part time, based on the particulars of your circumstances, you may be entitled to apply for Universal Credit. What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit is an income-related benefit to help with your living costs, and …

I currently work part time, don’t make a lot of money and am struggling. I am in receipt of Tax Credits, but I’m not sure if I would be entitled to anything else. My daughter is five years old and starts school this year. Can you point me in the direction of any support I can apply for please? Read More »

In December, I cancelled a few of my direct debits to afford other things and put most of the household shopping on my credit card. I am struggling and just got the bill in for the card and reminder letters for the things I didn’t pay and am worried about what to do. Can you help?

It is good that you have reached out to discuss your worries in relation to your financial situation. By being open and honest about money issues, we can figure out a way forward and try to get back on track. Sometimes discussing the situation with the companies or organisations that we owe money to can …

In December, I cancelled a few of my direct debits to afford other things and put most of the household shopping on my credit card. I am struggling and just got the bill in for the card and reminder letters for the things I didn’t pay and am worried about what to do. Can you help? Read More »

I am trying to get my finances sorted for the year ahead, and really do not know where to begin. I have fallen behind with payments to my unsecured debts including credit cards and a personal loan and am being threatened with legal action by my creditors. Can you help?

When it comes to sorting out our finances, sometimes it is scary thinking where to begin. Credit cards and personal loans, as you quite rightly stated, are unsecured debts, meaning that they are not usually tied to property or other assets. They are often referred to as ‘non-priority’ debts, however, still require our attention, as …

I am trying to get my finances sorted for the year ahead, and really do not know where to begin. I have fallen behind with payments to my unsecured debts including credit cards and a personal loan and am being threatened with legal action by my creditors. Can you help? Read More »

I am struggling with energy costs and am terrified that I am going to run out of electricity and gas over the festive period with my baby here. I have a prepayment meter, and only top up small amounts, with a large chunk of the payments taken for debt. What can I do?

There are many people finding themselves in the same boat, with the cost of energy and other goods and services increasing so much. It’s important to remember that help is available when we need it! With suppliers and other organisations closing or operating reduced hours during the festive season, it is important that you seek …

I am struggling with energy costs and am terrified that I am going to run out of electricity and gas over the festive period with my baby here. I have a prepayment meter, and only top up small amounts, with a large chunk of the payments taken for debt. What can I do? Read More »

I have had a difficult couple of months financially and am struggling with the cost-of-living. The thought of Christmas is filling me with dread, as I know I am going to have to avoid paying bills, such as my council tax and electric bill to afford presents and food. Can you help?

Many are struggling with the cost of energy and other goods and services with the dramatic increases we have seen over the last few months. The lead up to Christmas can be a daunting prospect, especially when we are facing issues with our finances. You are not alone in your situation, especially this year. It …

I have had a difficult couple of months financially and am struggling with the cost-of-living. The thought of Christmas is filling me with dread, as I know I am going to have to avoid paying bills, such as my council tax and electric bill to afford presents and food. Can you help? Read More »

I am a single parent with kids aged two and four, and I am struggling to get by. I can barely afford to keep the lights on – it was bad before, but it seems to have got much worse for me. I work part time and get very little support in terms of benefits. Can you help?

The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on everyone, particularly those who were struggling before the prices of energy, goods, and services increased. The thing to remember is that you are not alone and there are sources of support that can help! Scottish Child Payment You may be entitled to Scottish Child Payment, which is …

I am a single parent with kids aged two and four, and I am struggling to get by. I can barely afford to keep the lights on – it was bad before, but it seems to have got much worse for me. I work part time and get very little support in terms of benefits. Can you help? Read More »

I am really struggling with my finances at the moment. I am paying out a fortune in utility bills, and recently received notification that my wages will be arrested for non-payment of a debt that I have with one of my creditors. Can you please help?

Once a decree or decision from a court or tribunal has been made, and a ‘charge for payment’ or ‘charge to pay’ has been issued by the creditor and delivered to you, deductions can be made by your employer for debts owed if the process has been followed correctly. If your employer has already started …

I am really struggling with my finances at the moment. I am paying out a fortune in utility bills, and recently received notification that my wages will be arrested for non-payment of a debt that I have with one of my creditors. Can you please help? Read More »

I keep hearing about all the support that is being made available to help with the cost-of-living, but I am unsure where to start. My landlord has told me they will be putting my rent up, my energy costs are sky-high, and I can barely afford to get by. Can you help?

The cost-of-living crisis has left many of us feeling the pinch when it comes to our personal finances. The good news is that there are various sources of support being made available to assist Scottish consumers who are struggling with their various costs. Energy Price Guarantee (Energy Costs) The UK Government has announced the ‘Energy …

I keep hearing about all the support that is being made available to help with the cost-of-living, but I am unsure where to start. My landlord has told me they will be putting my rent up, my energy costs are sky-high, and I can barely afford to get by. Can you help? Read More »

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