The Times newspaper recently reported that the cost spent raising a child from birth to 18 in the UK is £223,256!
We know that household costs are increasing, and that this can put a real strain on families. We've been helping local families for over thirty years, and if you live or work in Essex, we can help you too.
If you are struggling, perhaps have an unexpected cost to meet like needing a new buggy, paying out for school uniform, or repairing your car - we can help with a low-cost loan that you can pay back out of your Child Benefit. For eligibility, and how to apply, see our loans page.
Perhaps you aren't in need of a loan, but you are finding it hard to make ends meet - we offer our members free budgeting advice and support, and we can also refer you to some of our partners who will also be able to support you. Maybe you just feel a bit overwhelmed and need help untangling your bills - we can help with that too.
We offer savings accounts for you and for your little ones - again, we can arrange to pay in directly from your Child Benefit for you. So many of our members find it easier doing this than trying to save alone. Once you have built up savings with us, you have them ready for a rainy day, and this can also help you become eligible for a loan in the future should you need one. Start your savings journey with us here.
All our members are given free life assurance which can give you real peace of mind as a parent. This life assurance will pay off any outstanding loan you have with us. It also pays a bonus on your savings - the same value as you have saved with us, up to £5,000.
Signing up your baby or toddler means that you can start to save for their future, but more importantly, as they become older, you can help the develop the savings habit that will set them in good stead for the rest of their lives. Even if they are only paying in a few pence from their pocket money, they can come in with their savings book and see it all adding up.
Even if you just put £1 aside each week for them, they would have over £900 by the time they are 18 - which they can keep saving for their future with, withdraw and use for driving lessons, university costs, travelling....most of all, it gives them options. You can sign them up here.