Barbara is backing a Citizens Advice campaign aimed at helping people in Salford to save money and to manage their money.

Citizens Advice is inviting local people to try out five tips to help them keep on top of their bills and save money.
The advice is to:

• Build your budget – List your regular income and spending to help stay on top of your money and save for unexpected costs or the future . You can use the Citizens Advice online Budgeting Tool.
• Drill those bills – Check with your energy provider that you are on the best deal. Ask your local Citizens Advice if they are running Energy Best Deal group advice sessions or use Citizens Advice’s price comparison tool for help cutting your energy bills.
• Control your credit – If you have debts, keep a list of them and compare it with your monthly budget. If you think you will struggle to pay some of them, ask your local Citizens Advice for help negotiating with your creditors.
• Plan your pension – If you are able to, you should top up your State Pension with your own pension to make sure you’ll have enough money to see you through retirement. Pension Wise offers free, impartial guidance if you are over 50 and on a defined contribution scheme.
• Seek advice – Citizens Advice offers free, impartial advice on money management and other issues. However, for more complex issues like buying a house or considering investments, you may wish to consider paying to speak to an Independent Financial Adviser. Organisations like the Personal Finance Society can help you get in touch with Independent Financial Advisers.

Barbara said:

“In Salford, Citizens Advice provides essential help and support to local people on financial issues. They offer real help to people who are struggling financially. Now they are offering valuable tips including how to budget and how to shop around to get the best deals from energy suppliers.

“Understanding how to work out a budget, save money on bills or learning how to use online and mobile banking can all help people to keep on top of their bills and avoid unaffordable debt. 

“I would encourage anyone in Worsley and Eccles South who needs help with their finances or who wants to improve the way they manage they money to contact their local Citizens Advice. The details for local offices for people in Salford can be found here.”