ASK AN EXPERT

I been things HAVE holding together barely financially this past costs increasing and the prices of other items jumping up, I’m beginning to really struggle. I do not know where to start. Can you help?

THERE are sources of support available that can help you and being prepared to discuss your finances in an open and honest way is a good start.

You should begin by making a list of all the expenses you have, including any payments you make for energy, council tax, rent or mortgage, and anything else you pay out on a regular basis.

Next, look at the sources of income you have available to you, including money from employment and any welfare benefits or other income sources that you have.

It is also important to make a list of any debts you may have, including credit or store cards, personal loans and hire purchase payments.

Consider the obligations that require immediate attention, such as any rent or mortgage arrears, overdue council tax, or other commitments that could have more severe consequences for non-payment.

Once you have gathered this information, you can more easily understand what you have coming in and going out and put a plan in place to improve your situation.

The next step is to look at ways of increasing your income and reducing expenditure, where possible.

You may be entitled to additional benefits you are not aware of.

You can use Advice Direct Scotland’s benefits calculator, available at www. advice.scot to get a free and impartial assessment of all the benefits you may be due, as well as information on what you need to do to claim them.

You will be asked questions about your circumstances, household, and finances. It will then search across all the benefits and grants you can claim, calculate how much you can get and what you must do to receive them.

Advice Direct Scotland also run moneyadvice.scot, a source of support for people struggling with debt.

Their advisers work with you to assess your current situation, look at your income and outgoings, and consider what to do next.

You can contact moneyadvice.scot on 0808 800 9060 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm).

The energy crisis has meant that none of us are certain about the increased costs we face for electricity and gas in the coming months, but there are sources of support available for those struggling.

If you are worried about the cost of energy or have questions about increases in direct debit amounts for your supply, contacting your energy supplier to discuss the situation can be a good start.

The team at energyadvice.scot can provide support to people worried about billing and payments for energy,

Those who are in the unfortunate position where they are rationing or limiting the amount of energy they use to afford other things can apply to the Home Heating Support Fund for assistance.

The Scottish Government have made funding available to provide relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship, regardless of the fuel or payment method used.

Trusted referral partners who provide energy and/or money advice can make referrals to the fund, but individuals can seek help by reaching out through Advice Direct Scotland.