New guide aims to help York residents avoid cash worries (From York Press)

New guide aims to help York residents avoid cash worries

10:57am Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

MAKING every penny count is the aim of a new personal finance guide launched today by City of York Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

The free guide, called Small Changes, contains tips for York residents on personal budgeting, saving money and how to avoid getting into debt.

Those behind the guide, including York-based insurance giant Aviva, says it will also provide ideas on inexpensive ways to make the most of enjoying all York has to offer, such as low-cost family days out and free courses.

George Vickers, manager at York's CAB, said: "At the Citizens Advice Bureau, the thing which gives us most satisfaction is seeing people use the advice we give to take control of their own lives.

"The booklet used the expertise of our money advisors to set out in a clear way how people can take control of their finances and not let their finances control them."

The guide contains simple tips on saving money on everything - from doing the weekly shop to coping should you find yourself unexpectedly out of work.

Coun James Alexander, leader of the council, said helping people to manage their money was all part of the authority's drive to "make York a fairer place".

He said: "The contribution of Small Changes is timely and significant and will support those affected by imminent changes to welfare and universal credit, people in debt, single parents or those with large families."

The guide is available now from all York libraries and can be downloaded from http://goo.gl/pQ8v6. The booklet can also be picked up from York CAB when it opens at its new home at the council's West Offices headuarters on March 28.

Five simple tips from the Small Changes guide:

* Pay by cash, not credit or debit cards. You'll think about what you're spending and stick to your budget more easily.

* Make a list before you go shopping and stick to it.

" If you have central heating, turn it down. Just one degree could reduce your yearly bill by ten per cent.

* Start planning now and saving for next Christmas. Save through the year to help cover the cost.

* Don't leave stereos, televisions or computers on standby. They still use about the same amount of energy as when they are on.