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Managing your money

Budgeting and saving

Budgeting and saving is important. It means you can build up your money to help you to pay for your bills or days out.

Setting up a budget means you are:

  • less likely to end up in debt
  • less likely to get caught out by unexpected costs
  • able to spot areas where you can make savings
  • in a great position to save up for a holiday, a new car, or another treat.

It's a good idea to get a family member or a friend to support you with setting up a budget. Sit down together to come up with a plan to help you budget.

Find more tips to help you budget

Open a bank account

A bank account can help you become independent. It means that you can save and access your money to help you pay for bills, shopping, and days out.

Every bank offers different ways to help you and work towards your goals. They may have special offers for new customers. Including discounts on shops or railcards.

There are different kinds of accounts.

  • A current account is often used to pay in money and pay bills or buy things with.
  • A savings account where you want to save money and do not want to take money out as often.

You should talk to the bank in person if you can. To find out what questions to ask when you go to the bank, visit Scope's website.

Read an easy read guide to banking

Paying your bills

Once you learn to budget for daily activities, paying your bills will be easier.

Paying bills allows you to live independently in your own home. But, if you're unsure or feel worried about any decisions, never be afraid to ask for help.

Examples of bills you need to pay are:

  • rent
  • water
  • Council Tax
  • gas and electricity
  • phone
  • TV and internet
  • subscriptions.

Who you pay your bills to and when will depend on your provider. There are many ways to pay a bill, including online, direct debit, and in person.

Find out about discounted bills. You may also be able to get benefits to help you pay for your bills, see what benefits you can get.