Money Made Clear
"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happiness."
Charles Dickens
These words said over a century ago, are as valid now as they were then. Because of the world banking crisis and the subsequent tough recession, many people are unable to match the sentiment of this saying. Trying to make ends meet by stretching your money to cover all your outgoings is a tough job to do and not everyone can do this. And that's where the recently announced new money guidance service - Moneymadeclear can help. Being able to budget properly is a life skill and with the ever changing financial landscape it sometimes seems impossible to keep pace with the change.
Moneymadeclear is a new service offering people the chance to speak with a dedicated Money Guide who can provide free information and guidance to help sort out people's finances so they can make the most of their money.
In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that people are in control of their finances. But sometimes it's difficult to know where to start.
The Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB), established by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK's financial regulator, is here to help. It provides a money guidance helpline and a range of free, impartial handbooks, guides, resources and online information, tools and calculators to help. And, because it is independent, there's no selling.
Adrian Firth, CFEB's North West Regional Manager, comments, "It's important that people are able to take control and have the knowledge to make informed decisions when it comes to their money. Our money guidance programme and impartial resources can help people to do this. And, crucially, because we're an independent body, there's no selling. Just clear, impartial information to help people get to grips with their money."
As an indication of the scope of the service, the money guidance team can help answer questions about such topics as:
How can I manage to pay my rent and other bills?
Can I get help to manage on a tight budget or to claim all the benefits I'm entitled to?
I'm retiring soon what are my options?
What are the best options for saving for me and my family?
This service is totally impartial and only uses easily understood language with no financial jargon.
URTU has teamed up with the FSA to provide every member of the Union with a copy of their Moneymadeclear booklet, which you should find enclosed in the September 2010 issue of Wheels. The booklet, is also available to download here:
"No selling. No jargon. Just the facts about making the most of your money"
To speak with a Moneymadeclear Money Guide call 0300 500 5000 or visit the website www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
