Find out about upcoming events and workshops at:

Pennywise and Cashpoint wish you a happy and

thrifty season!

Pennywise (26+): 0117 9704548

www.pennywise.org.uk

Cashpoint (16-25): 0117 317 8800

www.1625ip.co.uk/

If you do feel like you need to talk to someone about any

money management struggles, feel free to give us a call or

send us an email. We’ll be able to discuss your options!

Seasonal Savings!

We can also offer one-on-one advice, just get in touch!

Pennywise (26+): 0117 9704548

www.pennywise.org.uk

Cashpoint (16-25): 0117 317 8800

www.1625ip.co.uk/

This can be an expensive time of year , so we’ve put

together this booklet of tips and ideas to make this

winter wonderful while not costing the earth.

We’ve broken this down into four topics:

Starting to save: budgeting and saving options

Top tips for a thrifty season

Winter craft inspirations

Borrowing options and help with debt

Who can help with my benefits and debt?

North Bristol Advice Centre - 0117 951 5751

www.northbristoladvice.org.uk

Drop ins and outreach in North Bristol

Appointments with specialist advisors in:

- debt, benefits, housing, employment

Citizen’s Advice - 0344 499 4718 www.bristolcab.org.uk Central Bristol drop-ins and outreach Appointments with specialist advisors in: - debt, benefits, housing, employment

Talking Money - 0117 954 3990 www.talkingmoney.org.uk

Old Market drop in’s and outreach Appointments with specialist advisors in: - debt, benefits, energy

St Paul’s Advice - 0117 955 2981 www.stpaulsadvice.org.uk/ Ashley and East Bristol drop-ins and outreach Appointments with specialist advisors in:

- debt, benefits, housing, employment, immigration

South Bristol Advice Service - 0117 903 8358 www.southbristoladvice.org.uk Drop ins and outreach in South Bristol Appointments with specialist advisors in:

- debt, benefits, housing, employment

Who can help with my bills and budgeting?

ONE-ON– ONE BUDGETING ADVICE

Pennywise - 0117 970 4548 www.pennywise.org.uk

For people aged over 25 One-on-one support from a Pennywise Advisor.

- Water, utilities, budgeting, benefits, charity applications

Cashpoint - 0117 317 8800

For 16-25 year olds One-on-one support from a Cashpoint Advisor.

- Water, utilities, budgeting, benefits, charity applications

HELP WITH BILLS

Energy advice Project- 0117 954 3544 (part of Talking Money)

Help you to switch provider/ offer energy saving tips

Apply to “energy trusts” for you to clear energy debt and get

white goods.

Web: http://www.talkingmoney.org.uk/services/energy/

Bristol Water- 0345 702 3797 (Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm)

Apply for a water meter

Arrange a payment plan

Apply to Water Assist/ Restart for lower bills and help to clear

any debt.

Get to grips with your money!

Why?

A budget done correctly is the best possible tool for looking ahead and planning celebrations.

It helps you answer:

1. Do I spend more than I earn, or should I have money left over?

2. What can I afford to spend?

3. Where can I save?

Once you know where you're spending, you can start to work our how to make your money go further!

How ?

1. Keep a spending diary– of what you

spend when. Write down every trip to the corner shop.

This can be quite an eye opener!

2. Write a list of what money you have

coming in on which day!

3. Put this on a calendar to keep track.

3. Write a list of ALL your expenditure including: pocket money, in-

ternet, tobacco and alcohol, leisure and hobbies.

Don’t forget those hidden costs– such as Vet bills, birthday pre-

sents and hairdressing.

How?

Divide yearly costs by 12 to get a monthly figure , or 52 to get a

weekly figure.

4. Work out how much you have spare each week, or how much

you fall short.

5. Look at your spending, can you reduce any costs by:

- switching e.g. gas/ electric/ internet/ phone

- reduce your food bill

- apply to water assist for a reduced water bill

6. How much can you afford to save each week towards celebra-

tions, even saving £2 a week would give you an extra £104 at

Christmas

Budgeting tips!

Use cash not card to keep track of spending

Use a calendar– Use a green pen for money coming in and a red

pen for money going out

Keep a spending diary—to keep track of the little spends which

add up

Borrowing

If as a last resort, you are considering borrowing , be careful who you borrow from.

The cost of borrowing can vary hugely, this is because different places charge you a different % rate on top of what you borrow. To make it easier for people to compare, all lenders have to declare their APR rate, the annual interest that they will charge. Be sure to check this if you are thinking of borrowing money...... Have a look at this table to see how much borrowing £100 for 3 months could end up costing you......

APR rates as at 14/1/15

If you need to borrow money remember these important tips:-

Shop around and check the total amount you have to repay

Get advice if you find it hard to understand the small print

Be sure you can afford the repayments and that you can pay the loan

back in the time frame (think about emergencies that might crop up)

Check for any late payment charges

If you struggle to repay - talk to someone (this is REALLY important

to stop things getting worse)

Do not borrow from loan sharks (unlicensed money lenders) - if it

seems too good to be true that's because it probably is!

If you find yourself falling behind, speak to someone!

Top tips:

Speak to creditors when you start falling behind, they will

often accept low payment offers.

Don’t ignore letters, open them and seek advice

There is a lot of help our there, e.g. water assist for water

debt and energy trusts for energy debt.

Get specialist help using the traffic light system below and

contacts overleaf:

You are on top of your payments,

but might want some advice around

budgeting:

Contact Cashpoint or Pennywise.

You are starting to fall behind with

some payments and want to get

back on track.

Contact Cashpoint, Pennywise, or

your local debt advice service .

You have large debts which you

can’t manage.

Contact your local debt advice

service.

Borrowing

If as a last resort, you are considering borrowing , be careful who you borrow from.

The cost of borrowing can vary hugely, this is because different places charge you a different % rate on top of what you borrow. To make it easier for people to compare, all lenders have to declare their APR rate, the annual interest that they will charge. Be sure to check this if you are thinking of borrowing money...... Have a look at this table to see how much borrowing £100 for 3 months could end up costing you......

APR rates as at 14/1/15

If you need to borrow money remember these important tips:-

Shop around and check the total amount you have to repay

Get advice if you find it hard to understand the small print

Be sure you can afford the repayments and that you can pay the loan

back in the time frame (think about emergencies that might crop up)

Check for any late payment charges

If you struggle to repay - talk to someone (this is REALLY important

to stop things getting worse)

Do not borrow from loan sharks (unlicensed money lenders) - if it

seems too good to be true that's because it probably is!

Lender Amount Time period APR rate Amount you will pay

Wonga £100 3 months 1509% £413.10

Pay day Express £100 3 months 1297% £364.73

Barclay card £100 3 months 24.9% £104.18

Credit Union £100 3 months 12.7% £102.12

DATE ITEM CASH

DEBIT CARD /

CHEQUE

CREDIT

CARD

TODAY'S

TOTAL

TOTALS

Spending Diary

Saving for Celebrations

Can you save, even £1 a week? The best way to deal with this is SAVING, but it isn’t always easy

Try having a separate account or even a pot of money for

celebrations even putting a pound a week in

will make a big difference.

Separate pots You could make separate boxes or pots

for different things you need to spend on or save for.

Banking options You can set up an account to save your money in. Look at the

different options, a Cashpoint/ Pennywise mentor can help with this.

Basic Bank Accounts More banks are offering basic bank accounts, some good ones are: Nationwide Barclays Co-op Credit Union This is a local, ethical bank. They can offer: Current accounts Jam jar accounts Saving accounts Low cost loans

Home Made Mints

Home Made Mints 1 egg white 1 tsp peppermint extract 425g icing sugar (plus extra for dusting) 175g chocolate To make: Whisk the egg white in a bowl until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed. Slowly whisk in the peppermint extract and icing sugar until it forms a stiff paste. Tip the mixture onto a work surface dusted liberally with icing sugar and roll out thinly. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out shapes and place them onto a baking tray. Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture has set. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. (Do not let the base of the bowl touch the water.) Dip each peppermint cream into the melted chocolate and set aside on a baking tray. Chill the mints until set.

Try making some homemade mints

for your friends and family this

year. A refreshing treat that lasts

until long after the special day!

You can place them in a jar and give

them as gifts, or keep them in a

bowl as an after-dinner snack!

How to Make Presents

Luxury Hot Chocolate

Home Made Hot Chocolate 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup marshmallows To serve: Remove marshmallows and mix remaining ingre-dients Bring 1 cup of milk to simmer on low heat Add 3 tablespoons of the cocoa mix and stir until combined. Pour into cup/s and add marshmallows! Enjoy!

Nothing shows more thought for

someone than home-made gifts!

Follow the recipe below and

place each ingredient in the jar

on top of each other. Finish it off

by adding a piece of ribbon and

tie the hand-written recipe on a

tag to your jar!

Top Tips for a Thrifty Season!

Plan ahead! It’s never too early to start saving!

One of the best ways to prepare for birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations is to plan ahead and save in advance. This isn’t easy, but a few simple tips might be able to help.

Start Early:

Save a little each month—it could make more of a difference

than you think!

Shop in the January sales for next

year.

Make a food cupboard especially

for celebrations and add in items

as you go.

Compare prices between supermarkets online.

If you’re sending cards, send them second class by the 19th

December for Christmas.

If you’re sending presents over 2kg by post, places like In-

terparcel.com buys slots from DHYL or UPS and sells them at

a discounted rate to the public.

If travelling, book train tickets at least 12 weeks in advance.

Use vouchers you can get from loyalty cards or trade in

points you’ve collected for vouchers.

Act Now:

Budget first—don’t make a list of presents

and budget around that.

Use Secret Santa for giving gifts at Christmas

(remember to set a max price!)

Put your old stuff on eBay to make some

quick cash—and more space for your gifts!

Be wary of gift cards—retailers can go

bust, the cards expire and we always forget to

use them!

Take part in the Downshift Challenge, where you swap buying

your branded items for value or own brand, to save £1000s.

Kids don’t care about cost or brands… A recent experiment

showed that a cardboard box filled with balloons excited

young children just as much as an Ipad!

Get a free reply letter from Father Christmas—the Royal Mail

and Royal Institute of Blind People will reply to your letter if

you include a stamp!

After the Celebrations:

Save reusable items from this year i.e. wrapping paper from

your gifts.

Write “it’s a gift” on receipts—retailers only have responsibil-

ity to accepted returned items from the person who bought

them, but this way you can pass on your rights.

Take unwanted or faulty goods back early—don’t miss out!

Make sure to start saving for next year!

How to Make Decorations

Glitter Leaves and Pine Cones

Bunting

Glitter makes everything and everyone

sparkle! Try coating leaves and pine

cones in glue, covering them in fine

glitter and adding a piece of ribbon for a

touch of glamour!

Use pinking shears (zigzag scissors)

to cut out triangles and place them

at an equal distance along Bias

binding or ribbon. Fold over the

long edge of the triangle and sta-

ple in place for a classic decoration

which can be used time and time

again!

Winter Craft Inspirations!

How to Make Cards

Fingerprint Reindeers

Button Baubles

Use your, or your child's, thumb

print to make a reindeer's head.

You can use pens, leaves, twigs

and even googly eyes to add char-

acter to this classic!

Inspired Idea! You can

use finger prints to

make other images

such as robins or

wreaths!

Use buttons to add weight to a

simple card and create beauti-

ful shapes such as baubles,

trees and wreaths!

Savvy Shopping for Celebrations

One of the biggest expenses for Christmas or any other celebration is the food! Here are some tips, tools and recipes so you don’t have to empty your bank account to keep your tummies full. In the Supermarket

Always write a list

Shop while the kids are at school or take snacks with you

Don’t shop when you’re hungry

Look at the price per gram/kg to compare costs

Check offers carefully—they’re only a good deal if you need

them

Shop at cheaper shops e.g. Aldi

Buy from local markets

More taste, less waste

Plan out meals to reduce waste

Buy reduced goods and freeze on the day

Freeze leftovers, or cook with them again

Other Tips!

Shop online so you know how much you’re spending

Make the most of vouchers and coupons

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/vouchers

Compare supermarket prices from home at:

Www.mysupermarket.co.uk

Seasonal Biscuits

Ingredients

300g flour (plain or self-raising)

100g butter or margarine

100g sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4.

2. Rub the butter into the flour until it has a breadcrumb-like

texture and there are not lumps of butter.

3. Add the sugar and cinnamon, then beat in the eggs to

form a dough.

4. Flour your hands and the work surface and roll the dough

out to about ½ a centimetre thick using a rolling pin (or a

clean, empty glass bottle).

5. Cut out shapes using a biscuit cutter, the top of a mug or a

knife.

6. Place the biscuits on a lightly greased baking sheet and

bake at the centre of the oven for 12 minutes.

7. Leave to cool, then you can add a dusting of icing sugar.

Gingerbread Muffins

Ingredients

100g margarine

2 tablespoons black treacle

100g dark muscavodo sugar

100ml milk

175g plain flour

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 large egg – beaten

50g stem ginger – drained and finely chopped

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 C gas mark 4

2. Put the butter, treacle, sugar and milk into the saucepan and

put over a low heat and melt gently.

3. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for a couple of

minutes.

4. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, cinnamon

and salt into the mixing bowl.

5. Pour the cooled treacle mixture into the dried ingredients

then mix in the egg.

6. Mix thoroughly then mix in the stem ginger.

7. Spoon mixture into the cases.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until firm to the

touch.

9. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

Where to find Recipes

A girl called Jack– www.agirlcalledjack.com

Use the “search for a recipe” bar to find a tasty cheap recipe

e.g. her “Proper Vegetable Masala Curry, 89p, serves 3-4 at

less than 30p each!”

Good to know– Over 9,000 recipes and a really good search

function www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/cheap-quick-%26-

easy

- Put in your family size and it will make a meal planner for

you!

BBC Good Food’s Cheap Eats- www.bbcgoodfood.com/

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/cheap-eat

- Lots of good recipes here

All recipes- budget recipes- www.allrecipes.co.uk/

Cheap eats - economical midweek suppers, cheap but impres-

sive party food, desserts and puds, and lots more.

www.allrecipes.co.uk/recipes/budget-recipes.aspx

Net Mums– lots of ideas and budget recipes

http://www.netmums.com/family-

food/family-recipes/budget-recipes

Cooking from Scratch for Celebrations

Research recipes online, make a meal plan and cook it your-

self— this will save you money! Here are some ideas to get

you started.

Spicy Parsnip Soup

Ingredients

1 large onion - chopped

500g parsnips peeled and

chopped

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

1 onion chopped

1 clove garlic chopped

1 litre stock (made with low

salt stock cube/ or powder)

1/2 Bramley apple peeled and chopped (optional)

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the spices, gently

fry for a couple of minutes.

2. Add the chopped onion to the spices and cook for 5

minutes then add the garlic.

3. Add the prepared parsnips to the saucepan with the stock,

the chopped apple and simmer without a lid for 45minutes.

4. Cool a little then liquidise the soup, return to the pan and

re-heat when ready to eat.

Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients

200g boneless, skinless chicken

4 spring onions

2 peppers

100g mushrooms

150g broccoli

250g pak choi or white

cabbage

A handful of beansprouts (optional)

A pinch of dried chilli flakes (optional)

A splash of soy sauce

A pinch of salt

1 tbsp. oil

Method

1. Finely chop the spring onions, mushrooms, peppers, broc-

coli and pak choi. Heat the oil in a frying pan until hot,

then add all the vegetables.

2. Lower the heat to medium-high and keep stirring the vege-

tables until they begin to soften.

3. Cut the chicken into small chunks and add those to the

pan. Keep stirring until the chicken is no longer pink and its

juices run clear .

4. Add the chilli flakes, salt and soy sauce and mix well.

5. Serve with rice or noodles.

Bubble and Squeak

Ingredients

25g butter

1 onion

450g cooked mashed potatoes

225g cooked cabbage

1 tbsp flour

1 tbsp oil

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Finely chop the onion.

2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan and add the onion.

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until soft.

3. Tip the onion into a large bowl and add the potatoes and

cabbage. Season with salt and pepper and mix well, then

lightly flour your hands and shape the mixture into 4 rough

cakes (about 2cm thick).

4. Wipe the frying pan clean, add the oil and heat to a medi-

um temperature. Add the cakes and fry them for 15

minutes, turning once, until both sides are golden brown

and crisp.

5. Serve hot or eat cold.

Cheesy Bread

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, melted

plus extra for greasing

225g self raising flour

1 tsp mustard powder (optional)

100g mature cheese, grated

1 egg beaten

150ml of milk

2 tbsp snipped fresh chives or half an onion (grated)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190 C/gas mark 5 and line a 23cm/9 inch

square cake tin with baking paper.

2. Put the flour and mustard powder into large bowl.

3. Set aside 3 tablespoons of cheese for sprinkling on the

top and stir remaining grated cheese into the bowl. Mix

together well.

4. Add the beaten egg, melted butter, chopped chives or

grated onion and milk to the dry ingredients and mix well.

5. Pour the mixture into the tin and spread with a knife.

6. Sprinkle over the remaining grated cheese.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30minutes.

8. Leave the bread to cool slightly in the tin when cooled

turnout onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Cut into triangles to serve.

Turkey & Vegetable Curry

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

1 onion peeled and chopped

1 teaspoon of garlic granules

1 -2 tablespoons of Curry Paste

( according to taste)

400g cooked leftover cooked turkey cut into bite sized

pieces

400g tin of tomatoes or passata

1 tablespoon tomato puree

1 teaspoon of low salt stock powder (optional)

300g of vegetables – carrots, green beans, red peppers,

cauliflower, cut into bite sized pieces or use same amount

of frozen mixed vegetables

200ml of water

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

2. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook gently to soften, then add the curry paste and cook for a few minutes.

3. Add the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes and 200ml of water to the pan then simmer for 5 minutes, add the stock powder if using.

4. Add the vegetables and cook for 10 – 15 minutes or until soft.

5. Stir in the turkey pieces and simmer for a few more minutes.

6. Serve with rice/couscous/naan bread

Nut Roast

Ingredients

2 slices of bread

220g nuts (of your

choice)

3 mushrooms

1 carrot

½ courgette

1 can of baked beans in tomato sauce

2 tsp herbs

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6.

2. Finely chop the carrot and boil until soft. While boiling,

Break the bread into breadcrumbs and chop the mush-

rooms and courgette into small pieces.

3. Mix the chopped vegetables, boiled carrots, bread-

crumbs, mixed nuts and baked beans in a bowl. Add the

herbs and stir well.

4. Put the mixture into a greased loaf tin and bake in the

oven for 40 to 50 minutes.