Where to Get Free Financial Help and Guidance in the UK
Feeling lost with your finances? Our guide lists the best free, impartial government and charity websites in the UK for help with debt, pensions, and money management.
Navigating your finances can be challenging, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed, whether you're dealing with debt, planning for retirement, or simply trying to make your money go further. The good news is that you don't have to do it alone. The UK has a strong network of government-backed services and independent charities dedicated to providing free, impartial, and confidential advice.
At Plouta, we believe that financial wellness starts with having access to trusted information. This guide will introduce you to some of the most reputable UK organisations you can turn to for help across a wide range of financial subjects.
What You Will Learn in This Guide ⤵
Who Needs Free Financial Help: Understanding the situations where free guidance is invaluable.
The Go-To Government Service: A detailed look at MoneyHelper, the UK's primary source for free, impartial money and pensions guidance.
Specialist Debt Charities: Where to turn for expert, confidential help if you are struggling with debt.
Resources for Retirement Planning: Charities and services focused on the needs of pensioners and those in later life.
Scam Prevention: How to use official resources like the FCA ScamSmart service to protect yourself from fraud.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about free financial help and guidance services available in the UK and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. The services, contact details, and offerings of the organisations mentioned can change. Plouta is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any specific third-party service mentioned. Always verify information on the official websites of these organisations. If you require personalised financial advice, you should speak to a regulated financial adviser.
For All-Round Money & Pensions Guidance
This is the best starting point for most financial questions.
MoneyHelper
What it is: The primary government-backed source for all-round financial guidance. It combines the services of the former Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service, and Pension Wise into one comprehensive hub.
What it offers:
Money Guidance: Free, impartial help on budgeting, savings, banking, mortgages, and dealing with money worries.
Pensions Guidance: Specialist help with understanding workplace and personal pensions.
Free Tools & Calculators: An excellent range of tools, including a budget planner, mortgage calculator, and pension calculator.
Phone & Webchat Support: You can speak directly to a specialist for free.
Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Pension Wise (from MoneyHelper)
What it is: A specific government service for those aged 50 and over who have a defined contribution pension.
What it offers: A free, impartial, one-to-one appointment (over the phone or face-to-face) with a pension specialist. They will explain your options for accessing your pension pot, talk you through the tax implications, and help you understand how to avoid scams. They provide guidance, not regulated financial advice.
Website: Accessed via the MoneyHelper website.
For Debt and Budgeting Advice
If you are struggling with debt, these charities offer expert, confidential, and non-judgmental support.
StepChange Debt Charity: The UK's leading debt charity, offering free online or phone-based debt advice. They can help you create a budget and recommend a suitable debt solution. Contact StepChange Debt Charity.
National Debtline: A free and confidential debt advice service run by the Money Advice Trust. They provide advice over the phone, via webchat, or through digital advice tools. Contact National Debtline.
Citizens Advice: A network of independent charities offering confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person on a huge range of topics, including debt, benefits, housing, and employment. Contact Citizens Advice.
Shelter: A charity focused on housing and homelessness. They provide invaluable advice if you are struggling with rent or mortgage arrears and are at risk of losing your home. Contact Shelter.
For Later Life & Retirement Planning
Age UK
What it is: The UK's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.
What it offers:
Pension Advice: Clear guides on the State Pension, workplace pensions, annuities, and tracing lost pensions.
Benefits Advice: Help with understanding and claiming benefits you might be entitled to in later life, such as Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit.
Money & Legal Advice: Information on managing your money, paying for care, and legal matters like power of attorney.
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
Independent Age
What it is: A national charity providing information and advice for older people and their families.
What it offers: A range of guides and a free helpline covering topics such as paying for care, claiming benefits, and managing your finances in retirement.
Website: www.independentage.org
For Benefits and Financial Hardship
Turn2us
What it is: A national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants, and other support services.
What it offers:
Benefits Calculator: A powerful and easy-to-use tool to check which means-tested benefits you might be entitled to.
Grants Search: A tool to help you find charitable funds that might be able to provide financial support based on your circumstances.
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
For Scam & Fraud Prevention
Stop! Think Fraud
What it is: The official government campaign for advice on how to stay safe from scams, run in partnership with law enforcement.
What it offers: Clear, up-to-date guidance on spotting different types of fraud (including investment and pension scams) and straightforward advice on how to protect yourself.
Website: stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
Take Five to Stop Fraud
What it is: A national campaign led by UK Finance, offering simple and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from financial fraud.
What it offers: Memorable and straightforward advice, often summarised as "Stop, Challenge, Protect." It's a great resource for learning how to spot warning signs when you receive an unexpected call, text, or email.
Website: www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ScamSmart
What it is: The FCA's dedicated service to help investors avoid investment scams.
What it offers:
Warning List: A searchable list of firms that are not authorised or are known to be running scams.
Financial Services Register: A crucial tool to check if a firm or individual you are dealing with is genuinely authorised by the FCA.
Website: www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart
| Organisation | Purpose / What They Offer | Website |
|---|---|---|
| All-Round Money & Pensions Guidance | ||
| MoneyHelper | Government-backed service for free, impartial guidance on budgeting, savings, debt, and pensions. Includes calculators and phone support. | moneyhelper.org.uk |
| Pension Wise | A specific government service (part of MoneyHelper) offering free, one-to-one appointments for those aged 50+ to understand their pension options. | moneyhelper.org.uk |
| Debt and Budgeting Advice | ||
| Citizens Advice | Free, confidential advice on a wide range of issues including debt, benefits, housing, and employment. | citizensadvice.org.uk |
| StepChange Debt Charity | The UK's leading debt charity providing free debt advice, budgeting help, and debt solutions. | stepchange.org |
| National Debtline | A free debt advice service offering support over the phone and via webchat. | nationaldebtline.org |
| Shelter | Charity focused on housing and homelessness, offering advice on rent or mortgage arrears. | shelter.org.uk |
| Later Life & Retirement Planning | ||
| Age UK | Leading charity for older people, providing guides and advice on pensions, benefits (like Attendance Allowance), and paying for care. | ageuk.org.uk |
| Independent Age | A national charity offering advice and information for older people and their families on finance, care, and wellbeing. | independentage.org |
| Benefits & Financial Hardship | ||
| Turn2us | A national charity helping people in financial hardship access welfare benefits and charitable grants through online calculators and search tools. | turn2us.org.uk |
| Scam & Fraud Prevention | ||
| Stop! Think Fraud | The official government campaign providing advice on how to stay safe from all types of fraud. | stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk |
| Take Five to Stop Fraud | A national campaign offering simple, memorable advice to help you spot the warning signs of financial fraud. | takefive-stopfraud.org.uk |
| FCA ScamSmart | The Financial Conduct Authority's service to help investors avoid scams, including a Warning List and the official Financial Services Register. | fca.org.uk/scamsmart |
Know Where You Stand: Take the Plouta Financial Wellness Survey
Taking our Financial Wellness Survey is a great first step. It will help you reflect on your habits and identify the key areas to focus on in your journey towards financial freedom.
Plouta Tip: Before making any financial decision, especially one involving a large sum of money or your pension, it's always wise to get impartial guidance. Using these free, reputable services can provide you with the confidence and information you need to make the right choice for your future.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about free financial help and guidance services available in the UK and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. The services, contact details, and offerings of the organisations mentioned can change. Plouta is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any specific third-party service mentioned. Always verify information on the official websites of these organisations. If you require personalised financial advice, you should speak to a regulated financial adviser.