Avoid January blues by getting the right money advice

Advice Works is a free, confidential and independent service funded by Renfrewshire Council that gives residents advice in a straightforward manner.

They run a drop-in service during office hours on Mondays through to Fridays at Johnstone Town Hall and at the customer service centre at Renfrewshire House.

Further drop-in sessions are also available at Renfrew Health Centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8.45am and 11.00am.

The team can help with a wide range of money and debt advice issues including budgeting, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy, mortgage and rent arrears, checking you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to, help with forms, and lots more.

Appointments can also be made to speak to an adviser about welfare rights, benefits or debts by calling 0300 300 1238 during office hours.

Finance and Resources Convener, Councillor John Shaw, said: “Getting advice ahead of January bills coming in is vital and I encourage all residents who feel they may struggle to pay the bills when they come in to get advice now.

“Advice Works, Advice Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau can all help residents who need money advice right now.

“Residents should avoid high-cost and pay-day loans as they only lose more money in the high-cost interest they need to pay back. Cheaper credit, such as a loan from a credit union, is a much more affordable way to manage your money.”

Advice Renfrewshire is a one-stop-shop website that links residents with the appropriate organisation to help with their issues. Their dedicated freephone helpline – 0808 164 2922 – is managed by Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

To find out more about credit unions in Renfrewshire, visit http://mycreditunionrenfrewshire.co.uk.

To contact Advice Works, phone 0300 300 1238 or visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/adviceworks.

For the Advice Renfrewshire website, visit http://advicerenfrewshire.org.