Got money worries? Our Money Advice Team have got your back

Decorative header image reading 'Got money worries? Our Money Advice Team's got your back. Just ask.'

Through our Money Advice Team, we offer confidential and independent advice on a full range of money matters for anyone living in a Bolton at Home property.

In 2023/24, we secured £12,800,000 in financial benefits and supported over 2,500 families. If you have money worries, asking for help isn't always easy, but once you do, we'll help you every step of the way.

If you live in a Bolton at Home property*, you can contact our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 or email them using moneyadviceteam@boltonathome.org.uk. They'll reassure you and provide free, non-judgemental, and confidential support.

Hayley explains how the Money Advice Team can help:

Here's Hayley (our Money Advice Team Manager) to talk you through some of the things our team can help with. Please get in touch if you think you could use our support.

*What if I don't live in a Bolton at Home property?

If you don't live in a Bolton at Home property but live in Bolton, Bolton's Money Skills Service offers free, impartial money guidance. 

They can help with a range of issues including high energy costs, budgeting guidance, and dealing with debts. For more information, just tap here visit the Bolton's Money Skills Service website.

What if I don't live in a Bolton at Home property, and I live outside of Bolton?

Support is still available. You can:

What should I do if I have money worries?

Do:

Don't:

  • Ignore debts. They will not go away and the longer you leave them, the worse they will get.
  • Panic. Friendly staff in our Money Advice Team provide a free, independent, and confidential service to help with money worries.
  • Take out more loans to pay off debts. Talk to us first.
  • Feel alone with your money problems. We're here to help, so please contact us.
  • Feel harassed or intimidated. You still have rights even though you owe money.

Be aware of high interest lenders:

Debt management companies, doorstep lenders, loan sharks, and high street money lenders all exist to make money from you. They will charge high interest rates and make charges for lending money. You can tap here for our guidance on how to prevent and deal with debts.

We understand people may need to borrow money sometimes. If you need a loan, we’d recommend a local credit union like Hoot – Bolton’s Credit Union. They offer low-cost loans at a fair rate of interest and help you save money for the future. Tap here for more information on Hoot Credit Union.

You can access advice and guidance on a range of money topics on our website:

What can the Money Advice Team help me with?

In addition to helping you with any money or debt-related issues, our Money Advice Team can also:

What can I expect when I get in touch with the Money Advice Team?

  • A confidential, friendly, and free service.
  • No judgements about your financial situation or any problems you're facing.
  • Updates on anything that happens with your case.
  • Advice about any other services that can offer help and support.
  • To be treated with respect.

What are my options for dealing with debt?

Dealing with debt: your options (thumbnail image)

Wondering which options are available to help you pay off your debt? Download our factsheet below and we'll talk you through your options:

Debt-and-Money-Fact-Sheet-[pdf]-189KB

As always - if you'd like some help or have any further queries or questions, please get in touch with our Money Advice Team.

Frequently asked questions about money and debt-related issues

You can get answers to frequently asked questions about money and debt-related matters on our website. Just tap on one of the buttons below to learn more:

Leanne (our Money Advice Officer) shares her top money-saving tips in this short video:

As always, please get in touch if you think you could use our support.

Header image of Hayley Lord, our Money Advice Team Manager.'

Hayley Lord - Money Advice Team Manager:

Hi, I’m Hayley.

I manage Bolton at Home's Money Advice Team, where we support customers year-on-year with financial savings and ongoing support.

We offer a range of services including benefit entitlement checks, benefit application support, appeals, tribunals, debt management, negotiation with creditors, budgeting, and so much more.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01204 328000 to arrange an appointment with one of our advisors and we'll be more than happy to help.

Header image of Laura Booth, Money Advice Officer.'

Laura Booth - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Laura.

I've been a Money Advice Officer for over seven years and currently support customers in the Deane and Great Lever areas, as well as customers across the region.

Header image of Carla Graveson, Money Advice Officer.'

Carla Graveson - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Carla.

I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for over four years and currently support customers in the Little Lever, Kearsley & Tonge Moor areas.

Header image of Jo-Anne Maycox, Money Advice Officer.'

Jo-Anne Maycox - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Jo-Anne.

I've worked for Bolton at Home for over nine years and have been a Money Advice Officer now for over four years.

I've recently successfully completed the Certificate In Money Advice Practice qualification and currently support customers in the Brownlow Way & Johnson Fold areas.

Header image of Emma Jones, Money Advice Officer.'

Emma Jones - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Emma.

I've been a Money Advice Officer for over five years and I support customers in the Blackburn Road area.

I previously worked for Bolton Council as part of the Access Bolton team delivering housing benefit and council tax advice.

Header image of Karlston Kirk, Money Advice Officer.'

Karlston Kirk - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Karlston.

I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for over four years and currently support customers in the Farnworth area.

Header image of Tracey Wylie, Money Advice Officer.'

Tracey Wylie - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Tracey.

I've been a Money Advice Officer for over six years and support customers in the Breightmet area.

Header image of Leanne Crompton, Money Advice Officer.'

Leanne Crompton - Money Advice Officer:

Hi, I’m Leanne.

I’ve been a Money Advice Officer for over five years and currently support customers in the Horwich and Westhoughton areas.

Decorative header image reading 'Pregnant or have a child under four? Here's an important update from our Money Advice Team'

If you're pregnant or have a child under four, our Money Advice Team would strongly recommend checking if you're entitled to £17+ a month in 'Healthy Start' payments to help with food costs:

More than 215,000 people are missing out on Healthy Start prepaid cards offering at least £4.25 a week to spend on healthy food, milk and vitamins. If you’re eligible**, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. The NHS will add your benefit onto this card every four weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

  • plain liquid cow’s milk
  • fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
  • fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
  • infant formula milk based on cow’s milk

You can also use your card to collect:

  • Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to four years old


Other people who can help with money matters

There are other people who can help with money and debt-related matters. All of these services offer free and impartial help and support:

MoneyHelper (formerly the Money Advice Service):

Stop Loan Sharks:

The IVA Specialists:

Bolton’s Money Skills:

Hoot Credit Union:

Find Your Credit Union (if you don't live in one of the postcodes covered by Hoot Credit Union):

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB):