Cutting back no longer cuts it. We have to look harder at our finances and think bigger than bills

With energy prices remaining high, it’s clear to us at Quids in! that we’ll all need to do more than just turning off lights to save money.

We need to think bigger than bills. What does that mean? It means taking a broad look at our finances, maximizing income through work or benefits, and then managing that income effectively.

Speaking of benefits, there’s currently around £23 billion in unclaimed benefits in the UK every year. This staggering figure highlights that millions of people are missing out on support, with each eligible person losing an average of £2,700 annually.

Debbie, a Quids in! participant, was in a tough situation—out of work and relying on foodbanks, she and her partner even had their electricity cut off. They resorted to eating cold food straight from the tins. But then Debbie took the Future-Proof Finance Quiz, which involves answering 25 straightforward yes/no questions about money management. Each ‘no’ answer triggers a small challenge to change financial habits, potentially saving hundreds of pounds a year.

“We did Clean Slate’s quiz—once at the start and once after,” Debbie shared. “I scored higher the second time, which felt like a real achievement. It helps you focus on the important stuff.”

On October 1, energy price increases hit once again, adding more pressure on households. But Quids in! is here to help, with practical tips and up-to-date advice on our website.

This November, we’re marking Talk Money Week by encouraging everyone to focus on their financial well-being. The single most important step you can take is completing a Money Health Check through the Future-Proof Finance Quiz. This simple, free tool helps identify where small changes could make a big difference in your financial situation, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds a year. Let’s make this Talk Money Week the moment we all take control of our money and future-proof our finances!

Image: Fizkes / Shutterstock

_{Article updated 2024.}