Money matters on roadshow agenda

Financial advice will be on offer to Coatbridge residents when the new national Money Talk roadshow visits the town later this month.

The event takes place at the Time Capsule on Tuesday, September 24, when expert advisers will be available to help people look at ways to save money, reduce household bills and check they are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to.

Attendees will be offered information about the service, which includes one-stop, personalised advice on money matters.

Organisers say there are “around 450,000 cases of unclaimed benefits in Scotland” and that“low-income families who seek free financial advice from the Money Talk team are on average £1850 better off”.

Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said:“Money Talk is making a huge difference to the thousands of families that have already taken advantage of this free service; the friendly, experienced advisers talk callers through the options, letting them know what they are entitled to and helping them save money.

“If you’re a parent struggling to pay bills at the end of the month, you’re not alone.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out of work, a visit to the roadshow can tell you how to get advice from the free helpline that could be a massive help to your household.”

Money Talk is the new name for the former financial health check, delivered by the citizens’advice network in Scotland and which can be accessed by calling 0800 085 7145 or by visiting the local bureaux at Anderson Street in Airdrie and at Fountain business centre in Coatbridge.

Citizens’Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “People should be claiming what they are due.

“That’s how the system works –we all pay in and get support when we need it.”