A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old.
1 Dec 2025

A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old.

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Where should I start? The first thing to know is that anyone can make a lasting power of attorney; it’s not something purely for older people to consider.  Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone such as … Continued

I’m stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is.
5 Nov 2025

I’m stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is.

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Can I use a food bank if I need to? It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially – especially with the cost of your bills rising. You’re not alone, as Citizens Advice … Continued

After last winter, I’m really worried about falling behind on my energy bills again as we head into the colder months. We’re careful about what we use but with small kids it’s hard.
8 Oct 2025

After last winter, I’m really worried about falling behind on my energy bills again as we head into the colder months. We’re careful about what we use but with small kids it’s hard.

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What can I do if I’m struggling to keep up with payments? It’s understandable to feel anxious about energy bills at this time of year. If you’re struggling to afford your bills, it’s important to act quickly; support is available … Continued

I’m starting to book tickets for Christmas events, but I’ve seen lots of stories in the news about people being left out of pocket if these are cancelled at the last minute, which is making me nervous.
8 Sep 2025

I’m starting to book tickets for Christmas events, but I’ve seen lots of stories in the news about people being left out of pocket if these are cancelled at the last minute, which is making me nervous.

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How can I get a refund if this happens to me? Keep an eye on the organiser’s website and social media profiles for all the latest updates. You won’t be entitled to a refund if you change your mind about … Continued

I’ve just returned to work after a long time out of the workforce and I’m slightly embarrassed to say I don’t understand what all the different sections of my payslip refer to.
6 Aug 2025

I’ve just returned to work after a long time out of the workforce and I’m slightly embarrassed to say I don’t understand what all the different sections of my payslip refer to.

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How do I know what each means? Payslips contain lots of information which can be overwhelming at first but are important to understand. All employers are required to give employees a payslip showing your pay and deductions. This might be … Continued

I got a text asking me to click on a link to reschedule a parcel delivery I’d missed. I was waiting for a parcel from Royal Mail at the time, so I clicked on the link and was asked to make a payment. Luckily, my daughter told me the text is a scam and to ignore it, but I almost gave away my personal details.
3 Jul 2025

I got a text asking me to click on a link to reschedule a parcel delivery I’d missed. I was waiting for a parcel from Royal Mail at the time, so I clicked on the link and was asked to make a payment. Luckily, my daughter told me the text is a scam and to ignore it, but I almost gave away my personal details.

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How can I spot the signs of this type of scam myself in the future? Parcel delivery scams are becoming increasingly common. Ones involving texts and emails are known as phishing scams, and aim to trick you into giving away … Continued

My son and I are both struggling to find work at the moment. He’s just finished university and looking for his first job, and I’m retired but need to top up my income.
5 Jun 2025

My son and I are both struggling to find work at the moment. He’s just finished university and looking for his first job, and I’m retired but need to top up my income.

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We’ve both been sending out applications for a while now, could unpaid work help us find something? Whether you’re trying to get into work for the first time or after time off, finding a job can be really challenging. It’s … Continued