Topic: Money

Worried about money

Money worries can place enormous stress on your health, relationships and even your guardianship. You can speak to our team or another specialist organisations to get emotional support and practical advice.

Judgement-free support

You may feel worried or embarrassed to talk about your financial situation, but that shouldn’t be the case. Money worries are a common topic for our team and they can happen to anyone. 

We supported guardians through job loss, benefits, debt, gambling, bereavement, addiction and many other situations. You may not be able to see a way out, but there are a lot of things that you can do to improve the situation.

However, we can only help when we know about the situation. It’s important for both you and the child you care for that you contact us as early as possible. 

Some guardians say they feared their guardianship would be at risk if they shared their financial situation. But it is far more risky to not share at all. By asking for help, you increase the chances of getting the support you need to change things.

When guardians call our team, they often say it feels like a relief to finally share their worries and start working on solutions.

Call our advice line

Specialist support

You may feel more comfortable researching or discussing your situation with a different, specialist organisation first. That’s absolutely fine and we can recommend the following organisations if you would like to get expert help for free.

Citizens Advice ↗ is a good place to get information about:

  • benefits

  • how to deal with debt

  • what you're entitled to if you're made redundant

  • who to speak to if you're at risk of losing your home

Citizen Advice has online information and a virtual chat service. You can also make a free appointment to speak to someone in person at one of their local branches. Or you can call their debt helpline on 0800 240 4420 between 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.

GOV.UK ↗ has information about:

Other organisations that offer advice online and over the phone:

Things you can do now

  • Contact our team

    We can listen to your concerns and give you practical advice and emotional support without judgement.

    Contact our advice line

  • Get support from Citizens Advice

    You can get independent advice and guidance on your situation either online, over the phone or in person.

    Visit the Citizens Advice website ↗

  • Read our financial and housing support guide

    Learn more about the financial support and benefits that you may be eligible to apply for.

    Read our financial support guide

  • Track and boost your current finances

    MoneySavingExpert offers simple and effective online tools to help you get a good understanding of your money, budgeting and ways to manage and boost your money.

    Visit MoneySavingExpert's website ↗

  • Read government guidance on benefits

    The latest advice is available online and explains the different benefits available. You can access step-by-step guides on applying for or reviewing benefits.

    Read gov.uk benefits advice ↗