When money is tight, small steps can make a real difference.
You might be worried about debt, trying to cut household bills or looking for ways to make your money go further.
You don’t have to face money worries alone. Support is available, and there are steps you can take today.
- Don’t ignore letters or messages about money
If you’re worried about a letter, bill or message, it can be tempting to put it aside.
But ignoring it won’t make the problem go away.
If you’re a believe housing customer and are struggling with money, please talk to us.
You don’t need to wait until things reach crisis point before asking for help.
Our Money Matters Team can listen, talk through your situation and explain the support available.
- Get free help with debt
If debt or repayments are becoming hard to manage, getting advice early can help you understand your options.
If you’re a believe housing customer, our Money Matters Team can help. Free support is also available from organisations such as MoneyHelper and StepChange.
Debt advice is available free of charge, so be careful about paying a company for help.
There is no shame in owing money. Asking for help is a positive first step.
- Avoid loan sharks and consider safer alternatives
If you need to borrow money, avoid loan sharks.
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders. They can charge high interest rates and fees. They may also use threats or harassment to collect money.
Credit unions offer a safer, legal alternative. They are owned by their members and offer savings accounts and loans. England’s Illegal Money Lending Team works with credit unions to help people find alternatives to loan sharks.
If you think you’ve borrowed from a loan shark, help is available. Stop Loan Sharks provides free, confidential support in England, and reports can be made anonymously.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
- Keep your Universal Credit account up to date
If you receive Universal Credit, keep your online account and journal up to date. Report any changes that could affect your claim.
Your Universal Credit journal includes important messages about your claim, including information about some overpayments and deductions.
Checking your account regularly can help you spot issues before they become problems.
For official guidance, visit Universal Credit on GOV.UK
- Check you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to
Changes to your income, working hours or family circumstances could affect the support available to you.
A benefits calculator can help you check what you may be entitled to. It provides an estimate, not a guarantee, but it’s a useful place to start.
You can find benefits calculators on GOV.UK
If you’re a believe housing customer, our Money Matters Team can talk through your circumstances and the support available.
- Track your weekly budget
A weekly budget can help you understand where your money is going.
Write down what comes in and what goes out each week. This can help you identify spending you may be able to reduce.
Start with essentials such as:
- rent
- gas and electricity
- food
- Council Tax
- water
- travel or fuel
- broadband and mobile phone costs
- loan and debt repayments
Then look at other spending, such as subscriptions and memberships.
You don’t need to change everything at once. Even one small saving is a step forward.
You can also use MoneyHelper’s free money guidance.
- Compare prices before you buy or renew
Regularly checking you’re getting good value can help reduce household costs.
Shopping around and using comparison websites can help you compare the cost of:
- gas and electricity
- broadband
- car insurance
- fuel
- your regular food shop
Don’t focus on price alone. Check what’s included, the terms of the deal and any fees before switching.
Even if you don’t switch, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions.
- Start an emergency fund with as little as £1 a week
Unexpected expenses can put pressure on any household budget.
If your circumstances allow, a small emergency fund can provide a financial safety net.
You don’t need to save large amounts. Our Money Matters Team suggests considering saving as little as £1 a week with a credit union.
If you were able to save £1 every week, you’d have £52 put aside after a year.
Credit unions encourage regular saving and can also offer legal loans to members.
The most important thing is to save an amount you can afford. If money is already too tight, talk to our Money Matters Team rather than putting extra pressure on your budget.
- Domestic or financial abuse causing money problems? Confidential help is available
Domestic abuse can include controlling someone’s money and finances. It can leave people facing debt as well as concerns about their home.
If you are a believe housing customer and domestic abuse has led to money problems or debt, please talk to us.
We can provide confidential support and help you to access the right support services, so abuse-related debt does not become a barrier to keeping your home safe and secure.
You don’t need to explain everything before asking for support. Taking the first step and telling us you need help is enough to start the conversation.
If you are affected by domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, you’re not alone.
Find out what domestic abuse support is available.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
Talk to our Money Matters Team
Money worries can happen to anyone, and getting support early can give you more options.
If you’re a believe housing customer and you’re worried about money, our Money Matters Team can help.
Whether it’s debt, benefits, rent, bills or understanding what support may be available, get in touch rather than struggling alone.
Find out more about our money guidance service.
You can also contact believe housing on 0300 1311 999 or email hello@believehousing.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I’m worried about debt?
Get help as early as possible. Don’t ignore letters or messages about money. If you’re a believe housing customer, our Money Matters Team can provide help, and free support is available from organisations such as StepChange and MoneyHelper.
Where can I get free debt advice?
Free debt advice is available from StepChange. If you’re a believe housing customer, our Money Matters Team can provide guidance. MoneyHelper also provides free, impartial money guidance.
What should I do if I’ve borrowed money from a loan shark?
You’re not committing a crime by borrowing from an illegal lender. StepChange confirms that it is the lender’s illegal conduct, rather than the act of borrowing, that’s the issue.
In England, visit Stop Loan Sharks for confidential support. Information can also be provided anonymously.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
How can I reduce my household bills?
Review your spending and compare the cost of energy, broadband and other regular services. Look at the full deal, including terms and charges, not just the headline price.
How much should I save for emergencies?
There’s no single amount that’s right for everyone. If you can afford to save, even a small regular amount can help build a buffer. For example, £1 a week adds up to £52 over a year. Don’t put essential spending at risk in order to save.
Where can I check if I’m entitled to benefits?
Use a benefits calculator on GOV.UK as a starting point. It can give you an estimate of what you may be entitled to, although it is not a guarantee. If you are a believe housing customer our Money Matters Team can help.
Can believe housing help if domestic abuse has caused debt?
Yes. We can provide confidential support to believe housing customers, so abuse-related debt does not become a barrier to keeping your home safe and secure. Contact us to talk about the support available.
It all counts
You don’t have to transform your finances overnight.
Opening a letter. Checking a bill. Writing down this week’s spending. Saving £1. Updating your Universal Credit account. Asking for help.
They’re small actions, but small actions add up.
If you’re a believe housing customer find out how believe housing can help with money worries here.
