PERENNIAL, the charity for people in horticulture, is helping those working in the sector to take control of their finances and combat their money worries in the run-up to Christmas.

The charity is encouraging everyone, regardless of their financial position, to visit its website and use the tools available to help them manage their money for Christmas and beyond. The easy-to-use budgeting tool will help people to find out how they are using their money, check their financial situation and receive useful hints and tips.

Perennial also offers a range of financial support from short-term help towards the cost of food, heating and clothing to those that may go through a period of illness, or families who have experienced a recent bereavement. 

Wendy Tozer, debt advice manager at Perennial, commented: “Most of the people we help require financial help and support of some kind and we know it is a huge contributing factor to stress and other mental health issues. But financial wellbeing is so much more than managing debt and we want everyone working in horticulture to have the confidence to take control of their money.

“Using the budgeting tool is a great first step towards understanding personal finances and achieving a good balance between income and spending. By being money-aware and creating a budget, we hope that those who are struggling financially will then be encouraged to spend wisely this Christmas. The tool also gives lots of tips for increasing income and reducing expenditure, giving people the means to make a change for themselves or find out where to go for further help.”

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Perennial’s online budgeting tool is available via the Perennial website and can be used on a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone.

All information provided is completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone else. People can use it anonymously if they wish or they can register to allow them to revisit their budget at any time and see how their planned changes are working.

Speaking about his experience of using the Perennial budgeting tool, one person said: “I used the Perennial budgeting tool on my phone, and it was very easy to use. It has helped me to understand my finances better and encouraged me to contact Perennial for additional help and advice. I’d certainly recommend it to others who might be worrying about money.”

Perennial’s qualified debt advisers are on hand to support individuals with their financial concerns, from better budgeting, talking to creditors, or more complicated issues such as bankruptcy. They also work with individuals to ensure that they are receiving the support they are entitled to from the state. This is vital support as many people have experienced a change in financial situation during 2020.

Perennial also offers direct financial help in some circumstances, including help for spouses/partners and dependent children.

Julia Hayne, director of services at Perennial, said: “We know that unplanned expenditure remains a challenge for families managing a stretched monthly budget. We can often make a positive change to people’s circumstances and we find that when people seek our help early, we can prevent their situation worsening. If you would like help, information or are worried about money please use our online tool and speak to us as soon as possible.”

www.perennial.org.uk/help

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