https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/This group contains a range of tips, resources and signposting to support in relation to the cost of living. en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/help-for-households-512987174Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:37:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9efedcd9-9812-4672-90b9-66763ebf6efeRN Forum ModeratorFind out about Cost of Living payments or how to lower your energy bills as well as support with mortgage payments and help with childcare and travel costs. See here If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland there may be different or additional help available. Links to regional sites available through the above link.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/places-kids-eat-for-free-in-school-holidays-and-half-terms-2023Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:47:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9b1f4976-57cb-4130-93f2-11cb060cff11RN Forum ModeratorCheck out this website where you can find details of places kids eat for free in school holidays and half term in 2023. Places Kids Eat for Freehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/m/resources/3377Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:51:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2ac8213b-3e7b-455b-a519-51e382ebe42dRN FPS HQhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/m/resources/3376Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:50:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:52939f92-0906-4a91-90b7-18a82ea9bdc0RN FPS HQhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/serve-and-protect-cu---cost-of-living-and-financial-resilience-webinarsThu, 11 May 2023 08:20:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:60994e69-69f2-481b-8c70-27ca6bd59ff9RN Forum ModeratorJoin Serve and Protect's Business Development Officer, Jon Sykes, as he shares an insight into financial challenges and explores ways you can improve your financial resilience through the webinars below: - COST OF LIVING - BUDGETING & SPENDING WEBINAR - CREDIT & BORROWING WEBINAR REGISTER FOR FREE! Serve and Protect Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative which is owned by and run for our members. Our mission is to help improve the financial resilience of our members – helping them to save, but also being there if they need to borrow with repayments straight from their pay. We are proud to serve over 10,000 members of the Armed Forces – including Service Personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their family members. You can learn or join today at: www.serveandprotectcu.co.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/ask-for-henry---limited-offerWed, 26 Apr 2023 08:56:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:48781c63-22fa-4d3e-886d-503e7990190bRN Forum ModeratorAsk Henry is back. Get a free jacket potato with beans in all Morrison Cafe's when you ask for Henry from now until Sunday 7th May 2023https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/rnbt---easier-access-to-supportTue, 21 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:90e0d854-0779-4275-8425-7d3abc564357RN Forum ModeratorRNBT is already supporting more of the naval community in need due to the cost of living crisis – up 23% on last year, with awards up 35% in value. In January we rolled out a new way to apply for assistance on-line, using the Lightning Reach portal, which is also being used by The Royal British Legion and The RAF Benevolent Fund. This system is already proving its worth with many applications coming to us direct, allowing swift assessment, decision and then response to those who need our help. The Grants Team of Sam Allardyce, Tracy Mawer and Simon Brickell have handled more applications than at any time in the last four years, with Phil Shuttleworth and Chrissie Hughes following up to offer holistic support and guidance to our people. We are proud to be able to be there for those in our community who need our help. To learn more about Lightning Reach visit their websitehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/headspace---mindful-money-webinar-23rd-march-2023-11-00-am-12-00-pmFri, 10 Mar 2023 14:22:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f11c0f77-a8be-4737-a137-2ca3af8f0702RN Forum ModeratorMeditation and mindfulness can be useful tools to help you manage any financial stress, anxiety, and fear that you may be experiencing due to the current cost of living crisis. In this webinar Leila (Headspace Engagement Manager) explores financial well-being and how meditation and mindfulness can be useful tools to help you manage any financial stress, anxiety, and fear that you may be experiencing due to the current cost of living crisis. Leila will discuss the benefits of financial mindfulness, practical tips to cultivate this, and which Headspace content can empower you including the Mindful Money collection. Open to military, civil servants and families. To find out more visit Things To Do in the Events tab. Please Note: The event details are held in a protected area. You will need to be a Forum member and request to join 'Members Events and Activities' under the 'Events' tab for access.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/naval-children-s-charity---helping-naval-families-with-the-cost-of-living-crisisThu, 23 Feb 2023 20:29:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5a7c0706-4616-4ac7-b618-698983075b0cRN Forum ModeratorThe cost of living crisis continues to affect families across the UK. While inflation is expected to fall over the coming year, the reality of higher food, fuel and energy prices will leave lower income households worse off for some time. We would like to remind our community that we can help. Means-tested, targeted support is available for all families with a serving, or veteran Naval parent. To learn more, please get in touch via our website , or email our caseworkers inbox directly . A member of the team will be in touch with you to explain the process, and discuss options going forward. For those families that don’t need our immediate support, we still want to provide some help. We’ve put together an article with a list of resources that can offer general advice, and specific help for Naval families during this turbulent time.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/step-change-debt-charityFri, 11 Nov 2022 19:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:41021677-a258-4704-a1d3-af9d7cf33433Former MemberStep Change are here to help you they provide free, confidential and expert debt advice and money guidance They recommend the best solution or service for you based on your circumstances and will support you while you deal with your money worries, for as long as you need our help. To access further information about Step Change and how they can help please visit Step Change . Click the follow bell at the top of the page to receive regular notifications and updates from the Cost of Living groupEnergy crisisfinancialMoney WorriesStep Changedebt managementcost of livingCost of living crisisdebtFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/lightening-reach-financial-supportWed, 09 Nov 2022 13:41:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:358dcfbc-bb9d-4382-9b99-b182554ccd06Former MemberThe Royal British Legion have partnered with Lightening Reach to connect people in financial hardship to the support they need, quickly and securely. Lightning Reach understand the financial pressures many people are currently facing and n o matter what the reason, they're here to help you find and access the support you need to get on the road to financial recovery. To find out more information and to sign up please visit Lightening ReachLightening ReachMoney Worriesdebt managementcost of livingCost of living crisisRoyal British LegionRblhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/is-it-time-to-changeMon, 24 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a34f52e7-ff34-42d3-87eb-bc9207809c82Former MemberIs you mobile phone, broadband or TV contract or traffic come to an end? Then maybe its time to think about switching. Switching allows you to access better coverage, faster internet speeds, improved devices and better perks. If you've been with the same provider for many years, you could be using handsets or old equipment that's no longer supported with important updates, and new devices allow you to also guard against emerging cyberthreats. One of the biggest benefits during the time is being able to find better tariffs or contracts which save you money. The articles below provide some good advice and what to consider when switching. MSE Mobile Phone Finder: Compare Mobile Phone Deals - MoneySavingExpert MSE Broadband and TV: Broadband & TV Guides - MoneySavingExpert OFCOM: Advice for consumers - OfcomEnergy crisisfinancialMoney Worriesdebt managementcost of livingCost of living crisisdebtFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/kids-eat-free-during-the-school-half-terms-across-the-ukThu, 20 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:106e046a-cb7a-479c-b993-3c534bea0e74Former MemberRestaurants and cafes where kids can eat free during the various UK 2022 school holidays. For further details on the offers, availability and dates please visit Money Saving Central .Kids eat freecost of livingCost of living crisishttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/debt-and-financial-worriesSun, 16 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:bfc3f7e4-3ba9-4541-a6a2-0455c6fd7cf4Former MemberIf you are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, you aren’t alone. Millions of households are finding it hard to pay for everyday items due to rapidly increasing prices. If you are worried about debts, you can get free impartial advice to support with making the right financial decisions and as well as making affordable payment plans. Follow the links below to access financial advice, guidance and support: - National Debtline - Citizens Advice - Step Change Keep your details secure from scammers, unfortunately during this time scams are on the rise, with many clone firms. Clone firm links often appear at the very top of a search engine results page, as scammers will pay money to grab your attention first. And now, scammers are impersonating debt advice charities such as StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice. When you click on a link through to a clone firm, all may seem well at first. It’s a professional-looking website. They're talking about debt solutions and freezing interest. They even have helpful interactive tools and glowing reviews of their service. Remember, real and trust worthy organisations will never: - Contact you unless you contact them first, - Message you via apps such as WhatsApp - Charge you for debt advice - Refer you to a third party for a repayment plan Click the follow bell at the top of the page to receive regular notifications and updates from the Cost of Living groupEnergy crisisMoney Worriesdebt managementLoanscost of livingCost of living crisisdebtFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/tax-free-childcare-accountFri, 14 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9e052981-d010-4bed-ae78-1903e12a7b2bFormer MemberDid you know that you can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare using the Tax-Free Childcare account? If you get Tax-Free Childcare account online, for every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider. Your eligibility depends on your household income, and your children's age, and you can still usually get Tax-Free Childcare if you are on sick leave or on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave. For more information and details on how to apply please visit GOV.UK Tax-Free Childcare . To find out what other options and support are available for childcare please visit Childcare Choices . Remember to also visit follow Children and Young People for specific updates.Energy crisisMoney Worriesdebt managementcost of livingCost of living crisisFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/tips-when-planning-a-budget-plannerWed, 12 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:38c0861c-a050-44b6-9b47-1889b3a954b2Former MemberHave you thought about making a budget planner? Are you not sure where to start or unsure if it would help you? A personal budget can show how to distribute you income effectively, how to support with savings, and get out of debt. We have found 3 helpful articles about budget planning and how to get started, click on the links below to find out more: Money Helper - Budget Planner Debt Camel - Get a simple budget that works - don't make excuses! Money Saving Expert - The Budget Planner Have you got your own tips or suggestions? Why not share them in Cost of Living - What are your top tips?Energy crisisMoney Worriesdebt managementcost of livingCost of living crisisFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/cost-of-living-help-guide---money-saving-expert-90-ways-to-saveMon, 10 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:62181b48-ce8a-4840-b2c8-229f34764a47Former MemberIn response to the Cost of Living Crisis the team at Money Saving Expert (MSE) have compiled 90+ ways to save money during this situation. To access the suggestions please visit Money Saving Expert Ways to Save , MSE also have a whole range of supportive resources and tools to help during this period, to read them please visit Money Saving Expert Cost of Living Crisis Help .Energy crisisMoney Worriescost of livingCost of living crisisFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/free-prescriptions-and-nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificateSat, 08 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:243150db-5c86-4acc-9135-8959849a3aefFormer MemberFree Prescriptions You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you: are 60 or over are under 16 are 16 to 18 and in full-time education are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx) have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx) hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability are an NHS inpatient You're also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive: Income Support income-based Jobseeker's Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance Pension Credit Guarantee Credit Universal credit and meet the criteria If you're entitled to or named on: a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate You qualify to recieve Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both) a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help. To find out more on eligibility, and how to apply for an exemption certificate please visit: NHS Who can get prescriptions - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/ NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC's) A PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions. The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months. To find out more please visit: https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/buy-prescription-prepayment-certificate/startMoney Worriesdebt managementMoneycost of livingCost of living crisisdebtFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/benefits-calculatorsThu, 06 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:17f0641c-18b9-4a82-b3e3-80722925afc0Former MemberMillions of people are missing out on support that they are entitled to. To completed a free quick assessment online visit Entitled to or turn2us and find out if you can claim any further support. If you already are receiving support make sure you household details are up to date, this includes: - Number of Adults - Children's Details - Rent amount - income Make sure you also check that any deductions that are being taken are correct, please ensure that you check your statement page of your universals credit online journal, if you have, and check your latest award letters for any other suggested benefits that you should be receiving.Money Worriesdebt managementMoneycost of livingCost of living crisisdebtFinanceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/financial/cost-of-living/b/announcements/posts/energy-bills-support-schemeTue, 04 Oct 2022 18:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:52df3a70-5036-4010-8698-79222dd7cb61Former MemberThe Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the discount. You do not need to apply for the discount, and there’s no need to contact your energy supplier. For further details on the Energy Bills Support Scheme discount please visit, Getting the Energy Bills Support Scheme discount - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Also visit Help for Households for information and guidance on Household costs, childcare cots, Income support, transport costs and finding work.electricEnergy crisisMoney Worriesdebt managementgascost of livingCost of living crisisFinances