IT should come as no surprise that research from the Financial Services Authority shows that many people - particularly those aged between 18-40 - are struggling to deal with their personal finances.

There has been a huge increase in the number of ways in which we can spend our money and also in the ways in which we can pay for things and in the range and complexity of available financial products and services.

It is deemed acceptable to talk about iPods, computers and similar new technology and okay to admit that it is difficult to understand. But it isn't so easy to say that you don't understand your finances.

Struggling to cope with money can make lives miserable and result in health and relationship breakdown, especially when it is hard to find straightforward and clear information without someone trying to sell you something.

Any community groups, church leaders or employers who would like to organise short user-friendly workshops on personal finance, should contact Family Matters York on 01904 639767.

Mel Griggs,

Family Matters York,

The Spurriergate Centre,

Spurriergate, York.

Updated: 09:59 Monday, April 03, 2006