If you’re struggling to manage your money it is worth looking at what you are spending to see if there is anything you can cut back on or do differently.
We have set out some ideas, including tips to cut your household costs and make sure your income is maximised.
Tips to cut your costs
If you find it hard to keep your home warm you may be interested in trying Home Energy Scotland's funding finder tool.
They provide clear and impartial advice on how to keep your home warm and they may be able to help you access financial support to make energy-efficiency improvements to your home, such as a new heating system or improved insulation.
They can also check if you are eligible for any discounts from your energy supplier.
Fuel poverty
If you are finding it difficult to afford to heat your home to a comfortable level or to power your home sufficiently you are experiencing fuel poverty. You can get help with fuel bills and heating your home over the winter.
Free school meals
All Primary 1 to 5 children in North Lanarkshire are entitled to receive free school meals but if your child is in Primary 6 or above you need to apply for free school meals. If you are eligible and apply your child can get a free school meal and this will cut your ongoing spending on school lunches.
The school clothing grant is a one-off payment of £150 for early years and primary school pupils and £175 for secondary school pupils for eligible applicants. You must apply for the school clothing grant, regardless of what primary your child is in. This is extra income that will help you manage your money when you need to buy school uniform items.
Check out the eligibility criteria for free school meals and for the school clothing grant.
Free bus travel
You may be able to reduce your outgoings by making use of the free bus travel available to all 5 to 21-year-olds living in Scotland. You will need to apply for a National Entitlement or Young Scot Card (NEC) for your child to benefit from free bus travel. The Young Scot Card also offers a number of discounts that might help you make some further savings.
You can also benefit from free bus travel around Scotland if you are over 60 years old or if you have a disability. For this, you must apply for an NEC.
If you need to travel with a companion due to a disability your companion is entitled to travel for free with you if your card has the Companion Travel logo on it.
Friday and Saturday Night Project
If you have a child aged nine years old or above you can make use of the free Friday and Saturday Night Project, which provides a fun and safe environment for young people to socialise with friends and play a variety of sports within a leisure venue.
This can help to reduce your costs if your child normally attends entertainment or leisure activities that are not provided free of charge.
Active 60 membership
If you are a North Lanarkshire resident aged 60+ you can benefit from signing up for the low-cost Active 60 membership which costs £60 for the full year and provides access to leisure facilities including gym, fitness classes, swimming and much more. This can reduce your costs if you spend more than £60 on leisure activities.
Energy savings tips
You can also try out these tips from the Energy Savings Trust to reduce your energy consumption and check out the advice from Which for reducing fuel usage, food costs, energy bills and more.
If you are struggling to pay for your broadband service but want to stay connected you could check with your internet provider about going on to a Social Tariff.
Tips to ensure your income is maximised
You may be able to boost your income by £26.70 per week per child if you are responsible for a child or children under 16 years old and are on a low income by applying for the Scottish Child Payment.
You may also be able to apply for a community care grant or crisis grant through the Scottish Welfare Fund if you are on a low income and struggling to meet your essential needs.
If you are unsure if you are entitled to any of the support available or, worried that you have missed out on support, we have a team who can help. Email TPteam@northlan.gov.uk or phone 01698 332551.
Other tips you may find useful
If you are worried that you have been a victim of a financial scam and you want to report it or need some advice you can contact Consumer Advice Scotland.
Information is also available from Trading Standards Scotland to help you stay alert and avoid scams.
You can get help with saving money by receiving a bonus to boost your savings by signing up to the UK Government's Help to Save scheme. You can sign up to the scheme if you are on a low income and receive Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit.
If you need to take a loan or buy items on credit, there are different options for affordable credit available from responsible lenders, such as your local Credit Union.
The Money Savings Expert website provides a money makeover by looking through all of your outgoings to check if there is anything you are paying for which you do not need or use.
If you have debts that you are struggling to repay, we offer Debt Advice for all matters including rent, mortgage council tax, gas and electricity arrears and general debts including credit cards.
Financial support for families with children at school
If you have children at school or pre-school and you have a low income you may be entitled to financial support. This booklet covers the range of financial support that may be available and details how to apply.
NL Money Worries leaflet
If you are worried about getting money support in North Lanarkshire, this helpful guide provides three steps to help you.
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