North Wales Housing

This area of the site gives you practical ideas of where you can make savings – and avoid getting into debt.

There are tips on reducing your energy bills, setting up a new home, information on banking, borrowing and saving and many useful moneysaving websites.

We hope this area of the site will make it easier to keep your finances in order and stop any difficulties in the future.

The key message is to get advice early if you face any financial difficulties.

Why Budget?

• Budgeting gives you an accurate picture of your financial situation
• Keep a spending diary for a month so that you can see where your money is going
• This will help you identify any problems and avoid getting into debt
• Budgeting makes your money go further, and helps you make savings and choices about your money
• It helps you live without worry, and gives you peace of mind today and for your future.

Guide to Budgeting

To help you with this we've provided a sample budget sheet for you to use:

If you need any assistance in completing a budget sheet then please contact us - there is always somebody here to help you.

Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion can be defined as everybody having access to appropriate financial products, and the confidence to use them to make a positive difference to their lives.

Many people, particularly those on low incomes, cannot access mainstream financial products such as bank accounts, low cost loans, home contents insurance and savings accounts. This is likely to cause hardship and means that those who can least afford to do so will end up paying more for their basic needs, including the cost of energy, as they cannot benefit from cheaper tariffs linked to payments by Direct Debit.

Those living on low incomes are likely to suffer more from debt problems as they struggle to manage limited budgets and cope with any unexpected changes or demands on their finances. Without access to mainstream services, money is often borrowed from the alternative lending market where interest rates are much higher.

North Wales Housing is committed to tackling these problems by helping our tenants and residents become aware of their rights to financial services and by offering help to improve their financial skills.

If you want to find out more about Basic Bank Accounts, Credit Unions, accessing debt advice or any other issues surrounding money you can contact our Financial Inclusion Officer Nicky Thomas on 01492 563297 or e mail her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Alternatively you can check out the ‘My Home – making every penny count’ link which has information on all these issues, tips for saving money and some useful money saving websites OR Watch the below video.

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This DVD has been written and produced by volunteers on behalf of all the Housing Associations in North Wales.

The aim of the DVD is to give you practical advice and ideas on how to save money when moving into your new home. It also shows what happens if you go into debt and make poor choices when dealing with money.

The information contained on the DVD is also available in hard copy from your Housing Association. This money Pack is called - My Home - Making every Penny Count.

Our aim is to help you maintain a successful tenancy. We look forward to a long relationship with you.