There are lots of agencies and organisations out there to help you with your finances, whether it’s simply explaining financial issues or assisting you at court:

• Citizens Advice Bureau
  Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  Local offices throughout Newcastle.
  
  
• National Debtline
  Freephone: 0808 808 4000
  Web: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
  
  
• Uswitch
  Web: www.uswitch.com
  
  
• YHN Advice and Support Team - available at your local housing office. Find out more about YHN's Advice and Support service here.

Useful links

• www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
• http://www.dwp.gov.uk/other-specialists/now-lets-talk-money/
• www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks/

For more information on the dangers of lending from loan sharks please visit North East Illegal Money Lending Team There is also information about borrowing from loan sharks in Feeling the crunch? - credit crunch advice.

Moneymadeclear Divorce & Separation website

The UK’s first impartial divorce and separation financial advice website has been launched. The Moneymadeclear Divorce & Separation website has been developed by the UK’s Consumer Financial Education Body, established by the Financial Services Authority.

If you’re thinking about, going through or have recently experienced a divorce or separation, this website provides impartial information and guidance to help you stay on top of your financial situation.

• http://divorce.moneymadeclear.org.uk/

Money management tools

• Benefit calculator: www.entitledto.co.uk
• Debt test: www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/debt_test
• Financial statement budgeter: click here to download (pdf)

Skills for everyday life

BBC raw is a brand new website that has been created to help people develop skills for everyday life - visit www.bbc.co.uk/raw to find out more.

Raw money

The raw-money section of the site can help you get to grips with spending, saving and debt.  Here's a link: www.bbc.co.uk/raw/money.