In the UK we are experiencing a period of uncertainty. With precarious incomes, ever-rising housing costs and unprecedented levels of indebtedness, distress, as a direct and indirect result of money, is epidemic across the UK. Currently, 11.5 million people in the UK have less than £100 in savings and nearly nine million of us are in serious debt (FinCap 2019). Yet money and personal finances can often be a taboo subject.  

Jesus Money is a new resource from the Just Finance Foundation and Transforming Communities Together.

Taking about money isn’t easy - especially in groups - we have created this resource to help break the ice - a simple and effective set of thought-provoking questions across four topic areas: SPEND, GIVE, SAVE, BORROW…

Our partner in the Black Country recently met with Gabi from The Big Issue in the Midlands to chat about the impact of their staff attending a Cash Smart Credit Savvy, Training the Trainer course.

Keely Flowers is a local teacher. She is also project manager of Ablewell Advice (Image copyright - Ablewell Advice)

We have produced a simple guide: ‘Universal Credit: Everything You Need to Know’ - a short guide to what the new benefit system is, who it’s for, and how to support someone applying for it.

JFF recently submitted a joint response to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with the Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs Council, relating to its proposals to introduce price controls on the Rent-to-own (RTO) market…

Black Country Chamber President Julie Cunningham alongside Revd Cassius Francis, from Just Finance Black Country, Jazzmynne Dixon from Wolverhampton City Credit Union and Dharminder Dhaliwal from Castle & Crystal in Dudley.

A recent evaluation report by Public Perspectives shows that LifeSavers has successfully taught children about money, including where it comes from and how to save, which we believe are essential aspects of learning, especially helping a child’s growth into adult life.

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced a proposed price cap on rent to own firms. Subject to consultation this will come into force on 1st April 2019.

The Just Finance Foundation’s Money First Aid equips staff and volunteers in support services to guide someone to the help they need. The online tool hosts key resources, tips for taking about money and links to organisations that can offer advice. For quick access wherever you are it can be saved to your phone, laptop or tablet.

The Church Times (7/9/18) reports on reactions from campaigners to the demise of Wonga including Frank Field MP, Citizens UK and JFF. 

‘Today we are seeing the result of the much-needed tougher financial regulations starting to bite.’

One man’s mission needs to become a movement, says Rowena Young.

Becca Menzies from Transforming Notts Together has been running UCSavvy courses across the city to help community organisations.

60 organisations gathered in Wolverhampton in May 2018 for the first Just Finance Black Country Summit.

It’s really engaging and motivating for people to work through budgeting challenges in a supportive social environment.