Everyday money and budgeting — Easy Read

See what comes in and goes out

Make a simple record of income, bills and spending. Use bank statements, benefit letters and receipts to check it. Include costs that happen less often, such as repairs or annual bills. A calendar, pictures or separate lists may help. MoneyHelper has a free budget planner that someone you choose can use with you. Check whether income arrives weekly, every four weeks or monthly so dates do not get mixed up. A budget should include disability-related spending, care charges and the things that matter to your life, not only basic bills.

Turn the figures into a usable plan

Choose one period, such as a week or month, and work out money in, essential costs and what remains. Mark payment dates on a calendar or use pictures of each bill. Allow for annual charges, replacing equipment and irregular income. If there is a gap, check benefits and support rather than pretending a smaller food or heating budget will solve it. Use the blank worksheet with someone you choose.

Plan savings and larger decisions

You might save for an activity, replacement appliance or an unexpected bill. Set a realistic amount and review it without pressure. Ask about access, fees and whether money is locked away before opening an account. Savings, ISAs or inherited money can affect means-tested benefits even when the goal is important. Get a benefits check before a large transfer or gift. Use the inheritance guide for wills, trusts and property.

Agree the support you want

You might need help reading a bill, comparing costs or checking an account. Tell your supporter which tasks you want help with. Ask your bank about safe arrangements for assistance and accessible information. Do not share your PIN or banking password. A supporter should not assume that helping means owning your money or making every choice.

Set safe boundaries for a helper

Agree which tasks the helper can do, what you want to decide, what records they keep and when you will review the arrangement. Ask the bank about authorised ways to help, such as a third-party mandate where suitable; its powers depend on the bank and it is not appropriate if you cannot make the relevant decisions. Do not share your PIN, password or one-time security codes. A joint account or transferring money into a helper’s name can create additional risks and should not be the automatic solution.

Check bills, subscriptions and borrowing

Open bills with help if needed and check the service, amount and payment date. Ask suppliers for accessible information or a payment discussion early. Review subscriptions and renewals you no longer want. Before borrowing, check the total repayable amount, interest, fees and whether repayments fit the budget. Do not borrow because a stranger or friend pressures you, or take new credit simply to stop an adviser or creditor asking questions. Free debt advice can help compare options.

Get help with missed payments

Contact a free debt adviser early if you may miss rent, Council Tax, energy or other important payments. Explain any court papers, bailiff contact or risk of losing your home or essential supplies. Bring letters and account information. Ask the adviser to explain priorities and options in a format you understand before agreeing a repayment arrangement.

Watch for pressure and scams

Pause if someone pressures you to send money or reveal private information. Do not follow unexpected payment links when you cannot check they are genuine. If money has gone missing or you shared banking details, contact your bank promptly using a trusted contact route. In England, online fraud can be reported to Report Fraud through the official GOV.UK link.

Keep records and review help

Agree how you will check bills and spending together. If a helper controls access to your money, takes it without permission or makes you frightened to ask questions, tell someone independent you trust and seek support. Ask the bank about concerns. The right arrangement should protect your money and support your participation.

Think ahead with specialist advice

For wills, inheritance or a trust, ask a qualified adviser about the person’s wishes, legal authority, tax, benefits and care charges. Special tax treatment for some trusts does not mean every trust protects benefits. Use the deputyship and benefits guides if someone needs formal help managing finances.

Planning and getting help with your money

Make a money plan

Choose safe support

Check bills and costs

Get help with money problems

What you can do next

More useful links

Everyday money, bills and debt