Make your finances fitter with help from the Consumer Council

ARE you struggling to budget each month and stay on top of your bills?

If so, you are not alone, with 90 per cent of people in Northern Ireland saying they are concerned about the cost of everyday living essentials.

With this in mind, the Consumer Council has launched a campaign designed to raise awareness about taking control of your finances and maximising your budget.

The campaign ‘Make your Finances Fitter’ promotes a range of tools which consumers can use as a ‘financial check-up’ to help them get an overview of their budget and spending each month.

The Consumer Council’s website also signposts to help and support that consumers can avail of, if they are worried about issues such as debt, borrowing or illegal lending.

Ivan Minnis, head of Financial Services at the Consumer Council, said: !We know that the majority of people are worried about the cost of everyday living essentials like housing, energy, food, transport and telephone/mobile and broadband.

"We want to equip consumers with the right information and tools to manage and maximise their money and get their finances into shape.

There are ways you can take action now, to make your finances fitter and make your money go further.

"For example, comparing the cost of utility bills and shopping around for the best prices can help to reduce what you spend each month.”

The Consumer Council’s campaign signposts to helpful information on budgeting, switching energy providers, food costs, social tariffs and reviewing your banking.

To help consumers save money, free online tools are available including the Electricity Price Checker, Gas Price Checker, Home Heating Oil Price Checker, Fuel Price Checker, Appliance Cost Checker and the MoneyHelper budget planner.

Ivan added that the campaign also signposts to free help and support with money issues for those who need it.

This includes advice on debt, borrowing and illegal lending and signposts to organisations who can help.

“There is help and support out there and there are steps you can take to work out what to do about your money issues,” he said.

“Worrying about money matters can have a negative impact on your mental health. Getting free debt advice on what action you can take can make a big difference.

If you are worried about your finances, getting advice on what your options are, will help you to make the right decision on the best way forward”.

For further information please visit: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/

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