Budgeting

You could get money off your winter electricity or gas bill under the Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme. (Find out more here).

You may be entitled to a council tax reduction, depending on your circumstances. Check with your local council. You will need a letter of support from a health professional.

Be aware of the cost of ‘premium business’ phone numbers (often starting with 09, 118, 0871, 0872 and 0873).

Every now and then, review your larger payments on a price comparison site.

To stop you over-spending while still allowing you independence, keep a separate account or a pre-loaded card (with a limited amount in it). Or use PayPal with a limit on it.

My husband has third party access to my account, so he always checks it.

If controlling your spending becomes a problem, you can ask your bank to set a daily spending limit on your account and cards.