Making a budget
- Write down what comes in each month and what goes out.
- Put essentials first: home, food, energy and transport.
- Set an amount aside before spending on anything else.
- Check your budget every month and adjust it.
Good habits with money.
Short, practical guides for every age.
Eight guides
Saving
- Start small and save regularly; habit matters more than amount.
- Keep an emergency reserve for unexpected costs.
- Be wary of any promise of high returns with no risk.
Paying safely
- Never share passwords, codes or recovery phrases with anyone.
- Check who you are paying before you confirm a payment.
- Use trusted devices, and keep their software up to date.
- Report a lost card or phone to your provider at once.
Understanding inflation
- Inflation is a general rise in prices.
- When prices rise faster than your income, your money buys less.
- Stable prices protect savings and make planning easier.
Looking after banknotes
- Keep notes flat and dry, away from heat.
- Do not write on, staple or tape banknotes.
- Learn the features of each note, so that you can check them.
Borrowing wisely
- Borrow only what you can repay from your regular income.
- Compare the total cost of a loan, not just the monthly payment.
- Read the terms before you sign, and ask about fees and penalties.
- Keep a record of every payment you make.
Money for young people
- Money is earned, spent, saved and shared.
- Saving a little from every amount builds a habit for life.
- Waiting before buying helps tell a want from a need.
Spotting a scam
- Pressure to act quickly is a warning sign.
- Offers that seem too good to be true usually are.
- The Bank will never ask you for money or personal details.