‘money Week’ – Helping You Get To Grips With Money
Saturday 22 November 2008
With the countdown to Christmas underway, there’s never been a more important time for consumers to make the most of every penny. Monday 24 November sees the start of Money Week – a new initiative from the Consumer Council in association with Coleraine Borough Council to help you take control of your money.
Consumer Council research shows that consumers in Northern Ireland are bottom of the UK league when it comes to being financially savvy[1]:
- One third of people here believe they are only one month away from financial hardship should they face an unexpected drop in income[2];
- More than a quarter of people said they did not use any information at all before choosing a financial product like a bank account, loan or mortgage[3].
- Keeping warm, putting proper food on the table, covering the cost of Christmas and keeping a roof over their heads are all top concerns for consumers[4]; and
- Some people are doing without essentials like heat to cope with the rising cost of living. Some people are coping by cancelling insurance, dipping into savings or not saving at all.[5].
Money Week is packed full of events, presentations and workshops across Coleraine to help people of all ages get to grips with money, manage it wisely and stay out of debt. Events will take place in schools, colleges, universities, advice centres and workplaces. .
Money Week ends with a Christmas Money Market at Coleraine Town Hall in Coleraine on Saturday 30 November. The Money Market will have lots of practical help and information from organisations who can help you with saving, budgeting and making the most of your money.
For more information and a diary of Money Week events visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk
