I’ve recently had to give up work due to a back injury and I’m worried about how I’m going to cope with the drop in income.

I’m not sure what benefits I can get – where should I start? Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s definitely worth checking what you can get. Claiming benefits also means you can get access … Continued

I bought a jacket online and when it arrived it looked nothing like the images shown. The company said if I want a refund I must pay to ship it to an address in China, but the website claimed the brand was UK-based.

Is this a scam and how do I avoid it in future? This is a really frustrating situation and unfortunately it’s becoming more common than you might think. It is in fact a type of retail scam and often leads … Continued

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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