Money advice campaign marks new Financial Health Service

A campaign to help people struggling with debt to find the best money advice for their circumstances has been launched by the Scottish Government, to mark the arrival of the "Scotland’s Financial Health Service" website.

Created by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, the website does not provide advice itself but aims to point people in the right direction, in confidence, for advice and information on matters ranging from rent or mortgage arrears, through managing debt, borrowing or saving, to help with budgeting. It also covers ethical lending, signposting users to practical credit and protection solutions offered by credit unions across Scotland.

Business Minister Fergus Ewing said: “January can be a difficult time for families when the bills associated with the festive period start to come in, but it can also be a time when people turn their attention to their finances for the year ahead.

“This campaign is intended to encourage people to access the full range of financial advice services available to help them manage their money in the months ahead.

“Since it was launched by Accountant in Bankruptcy last month, Scotland’s Financial Health Service has already been making a difference to people seeking guidance on how to prevent worries about money turning into a crisis."

Frank McKillop, policy manager at ABCUL Scotland (the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd), said: “Helping people get – and stay – on top of their finances is a key part of what credit unions are all about.

“We welcome this campaign, and hope that through Scotland’s Financial Health Service, more people from all walks of life will turn to credit unions and take a responsible approach to saving, borrowing and budgeting.”