Worried About Your Finances?
The increased cost of living is affecting everyone. You’re not alone and we’re here to support you.
As a member focused mutual, we’ll do all we can if you’re worried about paying bills or you’ve fallen behind with payments. Our specially trained colleagues will listen to you to understand your situation without judgement.
We’ll talk through your finances, including money coming in, money going out and talk about any financial worries you have now or for the future. Speaking to us is confidential and won’t affect your credit score.
We’re here to help so please don’t struggle alone.
To speak to us please call 01633 844371
We have signed up to the Government Mortgage Charter.
This is only available to residential mortgage accounts that are currently up to date.
These are the commitments we are offering our members as part of this charter:
- If you’re struggling, or think you might be soon, please talk to us and we’ll look at the options available to help you
- If you need support with your mortgage, please reach out to us to ask for help, speaking to us won’t impact your credit rating
- If your current deal is coming to the end of its term and your account is up to date, you can switch your existing balance to another mortgage deal with us without an affordability check (if you move to another lender, you will need an affordability check)
- Secure a new rate up to 4 months before your current rate ends
- You will be able to extend the term of your mortgage to lower your monthly payments. You’ll pay more interest overall so you should only consider this if you think you will struggle to maintain your payment
- You can change to interest only as a short term measure if your account is up to date. This will lower your payment for 6 months. Your payment will however be higher after the 6 month period, so you should only consider this if you think you will struggle to make your payment
- If we offer a better rate than the one you’re currently on and your account is up to date, please just contact us to discuss
- We won’t force anyone to leave their home for at least 12 months after a first missed payment.
Even if you’re not in debt, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re budgeting well.
Our Budget Buddy will help you to keep track of your money so you better understand your finances. Pop into one of our branches if you need any help to get started with your budgeting.
Alternatively, www.moneyhelper.org.uk is a great website that provides helpful hints and tips, including a free budget planner and advice on how to save money on everyday household bills.
If someone is controlling your money, you may be experiencing financial or economic abuse.
Financial abuse can take many different forms within different relationships, including partners, family members or carers.
It might involve:
- withholding money from you
- restricting your access to statements
- stopping you from accessing your money
- stopping you from using your credit card
- stopping you from removing your name from a joint account you can’t access
If anything like this is happening or has happened to you, you may be a victim of financial or economic abuse or fraud.
Find out more from Finance UK.
We can help you
If this is an issue that affects you, please call us or pop into a branch if it’s safe for you to do so.
Our colleagues have had training that covers a wide range of circumstances and will understand the difficulties you may be facing. Once we understand you situation, we can offer to help you stay safe and regain control of your finances.
We won’t do anything that puts you at risk of harm and we’ll never ask you to contact your abuser.
You are the best judge of whether making any changes might put you at risk of harm or place you in danger.
Free Independent Help and Advice
There are lots of safe and reliable organisations that provide free and independent help and advice.
Note: We are not affiliated to any of the above organisations
Note: We are not affiliated to any of the above organisations
If you are based in Wales and are struggling to afford your mortgage payments, you may be eligible for help under the Welsh Government’s Help to Stay scheme- more information can be found here.
Need Extra Support From Us?
If you don’t understand anything about your account with us or if you need extra help in any way, please let us know.
For example, you may want:
- To come into branch and speak to us about a sensitive subject in a private room
- You may want a longer appointment
- You may need more time to make decisions
- You may want to bring someone to help you make decisions or ask us to speak to someone on your behalf.
- To request Braille or Large Print documents
Our colleagues are specially trained and will support you without judgement.
