Need help with money worries?
We know that money worries can feel overwhelming and it can be hard to know where to turn. The first thing to know is, you are not alone – there are a range of free money advice services available to you. We have pulled together some suggested resources, including free finance and saving apps, websites that cover all sorts of money matters and of course Mindful Employer – our free, confidential and independent telephone service available to all BrisDoc Staff.
Cost of Living Handbook
We have produced a Cost of Living Handbook for staff to offer practical advice on navigating the coming financial challenges. We would encourage all of you to take some time to read through and familiarise yourself with the support on offer to you.
Financial Support Webinars
See our range of FREE financial support webinars available to all staff to help you make better use of your money.
Local financial support
North Bristol Advice Centre
Free and independent welfare benefits and debt advice for North Bristol and South Gloucestershire
More information – HERE
South Bristol Advice Service
SBAS is a charity providing free, professional, confidential information and advice to the South Bristol Community in welfare benefits and debt.
More information – HERE
St Pauls Advice Centre
SPAC provides free, professional debt, immigration and welfare rights advice to people living in St Pauls, Ashley and East Bristol. Their advice is expert, independent and impartial. It is confidential, non-judgemental and free.
More information – HERE
Budgeting & savings apps to help you save money
All of the apps below are free to use and designed to help you manage you finances and save money. They are all Which recommended, FCA-approved and regulated open banking providers.
Money Dashboard
Price: Free
Availability: iOS, Android, Web
What does it do? As the name suggests, it’s all about the dashboard, which can bring together all of your accounts in one place. That means you can see your current account, savings and credit card balances at the same time, and really get a handle on how your spending is going.
Get the app – HERE
Oval |Money
Price: Free
Availability: iOS and Android
What does it do? Oval Money’s ‘thing’ is that it lets you set up a series of savings rules based on your habits – these are called ‘steps’. One example could be paying £1 into your Oval savings account whenever you go for a run, or whenever you post on Facebook. Or, you can just set up a fixed weekly deposit to make sure you’re saving regularly.
Get the app – HERE
Snoop
Price: Free
Availability: iOS and Android
What does it do? Whether you want to grow your savings or make better use of your money – Snoop is a free money management app where you can set up a savings account, track your spending, set budgets, cut your bills and control your finances.
Get the app – HERE
The Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service, has tool kits & calculators, letter templates, along with advice whether you need help with savings, debts, retirement, budgeting, redundancy, planning a family, even divorce. There is a webchat, WhatsApp service, and a FREE phone number 0800 138 7777
Visit: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Citizens Advice
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. Citizens Advice believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.
That’s why they are here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Step Change – Free Debt Advice
Step change is a charity that gives free debt advice they can help with Debt Management Plans, IVA’s and Bankruptcy.
Visit: www.stepchange.org
Money Savings expert
MoneySavingExpert.com is the UK’s biggest consumer website, with about 16 million users a month. The site’s dedicated to cutting your bills and fighting your corner with journalistic research, cutting-edge tools and a massive community – all focused on finding deals, saving cash and campaigning for financial justice.
The average person in the UK can give themselves the equivalent of a 25% pay rise by being an active, savvy consumer and shifting to the very best deals. This site’s here to show you how.
Visit: www.moneysavingexpert.com
Don’t forget – Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is here to help you with any problems including money worries
Freephone: 0800 083 3375
Access confidential and independent support, advice and counselling 24/7, via the BrisDoc Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).