We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).

Saving money and increasing income

How to save money or increase your income

It may seem very difficult to save or make more money than you’re currently bringing in, especially when you’re dealing with increased living costs, and you’re already falling behind with payments.

However, there are some ways to boost your income or reduce your spending that you might not have considered.

We put together these guides to help people keep to fixed budgets while they deal with their debts.

 

We know a lot of people need more than budgeting tips to cope with the current cost of living. If you're running out of ways to pay your bills and heat your home, don't wait to get free and impartial help.


Spending less on utilities

Shopping around for and switching to a different energy supplier with the best deal isn’t practical for many of us. Instead, visit your energy supplier’s website and see if they’re offering any cheaper deals for new customers. If they are and you raise this with them, they may consider offering you a better.

Generally speaking, you will spend less if you’re able to pay by direct debit, rather than paying through a prepayment meter.

Save Money Save Water provides free gadgets to help you reduce your water usage.

You may be able to save money by installing a water meter.

Most water companies run hardship schemes or fund independent charitable trusts which can help people in financial difficulty. Find out if you can apply for help with your water bills.

Are you worried about not being able to cope with the rising cost of living? Read our guide.

Pay less for your mobile phone, landline and broadband

Regularly check with your phone provider to see if they can give you a better deal.

More tips for saving money on broadband, mobile and digital TV.

Clothing and footwear

Learning to sew, darn and do basic stitch repairs on your clothes can mean that you get a lot more wear out of them. If sewing's not your thing, you could run a clothes swap party between you and your friends.

More tips for saving money on clothes.

Save money on food

There are lots of ways to save money on food, from downshifting branded food to supermarket own-brand products, to creating shopping lists so you only buy what you need and making food plans for the week.

More tips for saving money on food.

Ideas for making money

Bring in a second income

Could you consider freelancing (doing self-employed work) alongside your main employment? There are several freelance vacancy websites you can sign up for, and most job sites have many freelance vacancies.

Please note that you must always declare any self-employed income to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Find out more about how to maximise your income. Read our money advice guide.

Do a benefits check

Are you getting all the income you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can you know if there are any benefits you should be claiming.

Check you’ve been paid the minimum wage

Did you know you can make a complaint about a previous employer if you weren’t paid the correct National Minimum Wage? There’s a calculator and a guide to raising complaints on the Gov.UK website. Find out more about the National Minimum Wage

Voucher websites

Whenever you shop online, make sure you do a quick search for any online discount voucher codes for the shop you're buying from.

There are a number of mobile phone apps you can use to build up points you can then swap for retail vouchers or cash.

Make some money by de-cluttering

Every six months or so, resolve to do a spring clean. Look through clothes, games, and DVDs. You might find a gem or two you can put up on an online auction site, or sell to an exchange, for some extra money.

I’m unable to make or save extra money. What can I do?

Sometimes it can be a real struggle to bring in extra money or save the money you already have coming in. There could be a whole host of reasons for this; lack of time, ill health and being over stretched on living expenses to name a few. We can help you no matter how much income you have – or don’t have – coming in, no matter how serious your situation may seem.

Free debt advice

If you’re struggling to pay your debts, use our online debt advice tool. It will give you a personal budget to help you manage your money, and advice that's specifically tailored to your situation. Or, if you’d prefer to talk to us, call us and our expert advisors will help you get back on track.