From advice service MoneyHelper
Big money decisions often need to be made when looking after family members, expecting a baby, or you’ve got family problems like illness, divorce, or bereavement. Here are easy to understand guides to help you.
Becoming a parent
Having a baby can be an exciting and scary time all at once. We know you need to think about your finances and make sure you get the support you’re entitled to. MoneyHelper's guidance covers all the money basics you need to know when you’re having a baby – from how to budget for your new addition or paying for childcare, to what your rights are when it comes to maternity and paternity pay and when you return to work.
It’s completely normal to feel financially overwhelmed when you’re having a baby. Many people do. Your income, spending, and priorities are likely to change, especially if a partner is taking time off work. That’s why it’s so important to plan. Talking openly about money can help reduce stress and avoid surprises. Writing your plan down can make it easier to stick to and adjust as things change. Here are a few simple ways to stay on track:
- Be honest about your finances – share everything so you’re both on the same page.
- Set some ground rules – for example, agree to check in before spending over a certain amount.
- Make time to talk – even short, regular chats can help you stay in control and support each other.
MoneyHelper - becoming a parent
Death and bereavement
Money may not be the first thing on your mind if you’ve lost someone close to you – and that’s okay. When you’re ready though, you’ll find there can be a lot to sort out. MoneyHelper has put together clear and easy to understand guides to help you know what you need to do and how to go about doing it. They've also got guides to help you prepare – including how to make a will, how to plan around inheritance tax and general guidance on getting your affairs in order.
- Putting your affairs in order
- Writing a will
- Inheritance tax planning
- What to do when someone dies
- Sorting out the estate of someone who’s died
- Sorting out the money of someone who’s died
MoneyHelper - death and bereavement
Divorce and separation
MoneyHelper's divorce and separation resources are there to give you all the guidance you need when it comes to managing your finances during a relationship break-up. It doesn’t matter what your situation is. You may be divorcing or separating; have children or not; own your home or rent.
- Breaking up - sorting out money and assets
- Sorting out the family home
- Sorting out pensions
- Divorce and separation agreements
- If you have children
- Managing on a lower income
- Your money after you divorce or separate
MoneyHelper - divorce and separation
Illness and disability
If you're living with a disability or illness, or looking after someone who is, thinking about money can be worrying, especially if you've had to stop work, cut back your hours or you're facing life on a lower income. There's guidance about the support that's out there to help you manage better financially and lead a more independent life by adapting your home or making travel easier. They also look at day-to-day things to help you, whether that’s tips on getting a mortgage or insurance, or grants and entitlements to support you in work or study.
- How to sort out your money if you become ill or disabled
- Finding support to help you work or study
- Extra financial support
MoneyHelper - illness and disability
Long term care
Needing to arrange care for yourself or a friend or relative is more common than ever and the first steps are stressful. This section covers all you need to know, looking at the basics of arranging care. If you’re struggling to afford the care you need, there are guides on government funding and other ways of raising funds. Looking after someone long-term isn’t just about finding a care home, so there's guidance on helping people with their money in later life and how to talk through difficult situations.
- Paying and arranging for care
- Government funding for care
- Problems with long-term care
- Setting up and managing a power of attorney
And finally…
MoneyHelper from the Government’s Money and Pensions Service exists to help anyone with free, independent, and impartial money and pensions guidance. No matter what your circumstances are they can help you with financial worries or just to learn something new on a money matter.
www.moneyhelper.org.uk
0800 011 3797