Cost-of-Living crisis: Money saving tips from Bolton groups

Organisations from across the borough gathered at the Albert Halls on Saturday morning for a free drop-in event, organised by Bolton Council.

Stallholders offered advice and guidance for anyone looking for ways to save cash over the coming months and help for those worried about their finances as the cost of living continues to rise.

Great British Bake-off contestant Mak Patel also attended for a cookery demonstration, showing the audience how to make their own naan bread.

Here is their advice for making your money go further this winter.

1. “Talk – there is always someone there to listen.”

Natalie Stopforth, from housing charity Bolton at Home, urged residents with money worries to seek help as soon as possible. 

“If you don’t pick up the phone, then we can’t help,” she said, “everyone has been through their own place of hardship, no one should be embarrassed.”

Bolton at Home provides help with a range of issues including money and benefit advice, help with debt, and supports warm hubs and food pantries across the borough.

They also run a men’s group to help tackle the high number of male suicides in the UK, providing a space for men to talk about their feelings.

2. Get digital savvy

Jen Rudd from the Digital Employment and Skills Team at Bolton Council says getting online and learning basic digital can help people find ways to save money.

The team help people to navigate training and learning and to access digital skills.

Jenn said: “Do what you can to get online because there are so many opportunities to save money.”

The service provides free one-to-one digital support, including using a laptop, phone or tablet, online shopping or applying for jobs. They also hold drop-in sessions in libraries across Bolton.

3. Anticipate rising costs

The team at Bolton's Money Skills offer free, impartial money advice to anyone who lives, works or studies in Bolton who is struggling in difficult times.

Shakeel Ahmed, who provides energy guidance, recommends using a slow cooker or microwave instead of a large oven to prepare meals, especially in smaller households.

Volunteer Peter Faulkner says to “keep energy companies updated with regular meter readings” to avoid being met with sky-high bills after periods of extreme cold.

“It's about personal wellbeing”, he adds, “it’s going to be a stressful time for many people and households.”

He also advises keeping the thermostat to between 18-21C unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional, such as a health visitor for those with young children.

GBBO's Mak Patel gives a cooking demonstration (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

4. Get help with debt

Tracey Reilly, money advisor for Bolton Money Skills urges anyone with unmanageable debt to call the service for help.

Bolton Money Skills offers full financial assessments and can help with a variety of issues, including eviction threats, or credit card debt, and can help to negotiate with creditors for solutions and easier payments.

5. Use your local library

Jactina Frank and Charlotte Higham from Bolton Library Services say residents can access a wide range of services for free, including physical books and online resources.

The library also offers a fortnightly delivery service for those who find it more difficult to get out and about. Residents can phone and have a chat with staff who can tailor deliveries to what they like.

Libraries across the borough will also be offering ‘warm hubs’ for those struggling with energy costs.

Jactina Frank and Charlotte Higham from Bolton Library Services (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

6. Know if you are eligible for free childcare

Cathy Growney from Childcare Choices says around 30 per cent of eligible parents in Bolton are not currently taking up their free childcare entitlement for their two-year-old.

She adds that parents of three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare and those on benefits can claim an additional 15 hours per week on top of this. 

“Make sure to claim everything you can for free childcare,” she said, “It benefits the child and gives you time back.”

7. Shop Local

Assistant Markets Manager, Steven Turney, says supporting local traders at Bolton Market is a boon for both the consumer and the community.

He said: “There are lots of stalls, competitive, all local and independent businesses.

“It comes back to the local community and makes the town stronger and more vibrant.”

Steven says offers on the market change daily and encourages people to join the market’s Facebook page for special offers and deals.

Assistant Markets Manager, Steven Turney (Image: Isabel Oldman/Newsquest)

8. Get a free home fire safety assessment

Prevention advisor, Robert Muir says Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service provides free home safety checks for eligible residents.

Trained staff will assess your risk of fire and provide advice about how to stay safe.

The assessments include a discussion of your environment and daily activities and advice about fire safety and smoke alarm use.

He added that those in fuel poverty are at greater risk of fires.

9. Get a benefit check

Chiara Knott, information and advice service manager at Age UK Bolton, urges all over 50s to get a benefit check to see what they could be eligible for.

She says: “It can be really simple and you can find out very quickly if you’re entitled to anything.”

Chiara says a quick phone call with Age UK can help residents see if they are entitled to things like pension credit.

10. Come to Bolton Council’s drop-in sessions

Bolton Council will hold a second cost-of-living drop-in session on Wednesday, November 9 from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

The first hour of the day is set aside for people who require a quieter time at the event for example, those with autism, learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders who would like to attend with their families.

A number of local organisations will be in attendance offering advice and guidance to visitors on ways to make food, fuel and money go further.

On Tuesday, November 15, from 10am-1pm, Bolton’s Money Skills is giving residents a chance to speak to an advisor about how to save energy and money, and to be in with a chance of winning a slow cooker.