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Personal finance

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It's important for you to start thinking about your finances from an early age as it's crucial to be financially aware in all aspects of your life. Personal finance is about understanding the causes and effects of debt, borrowing and interest rates as well as the benefits and drawbacks of financial products such as credit and debit cards.

What you don’t know about money can affect many aspects of your life

Whether you're going to university, joining the world of work or moving out of home for the first time, now is the best time to start thinking about how you can manage your money. Having an understanding of personal finance and being able to make sound decisions when it comes to money could really benefit you both now and in the future.

Being financially capable means:

  • having an understanding of financial matters;
  • knowing how to manage your money sensibly;
  • being able to make informed decisions about financial products to help you plan for the future.

Resources

Take a look at our resources below for guidance on managing your personal finances.

Further help

Individual advice for managing your personal finances is available through the following organisations.

  • Citizens Advice
    The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice.
  • Money Helper
    MoneyHelper brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. Support is available over the phone and online.
  • National Debtline
    UK Government funded website and helpline providing information and self help materials on what to do if you're in debt or are struggling to manage your money.
  • My Money Steps
    A free and easy-to-use online debt advice service from National Debtline. It will give you a personalised action plan to manage your debts.