News
All the things changing in April - including Universal Credit, prescriptions charges and driving tests
March 30, 2020
There will be new laws coming into effect in April that we should all be made aware of as we can all be affected in one way or another.
Coronavirus support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses
March 13, 2020
A range of extra support and measures will be in place to help workers, benefit claimants and businesses affected by coronavirus.Following announcements in the Budget, the Department for Work and Pensions is making temporary arrangements to support those impacted by coronavirus. For more information CLICK HERE
When her oldest daughter left home, Audie had to go part-time in order to be there for her two younger children after school. Previously, she'd made ends meet by working long and unsociable hours. Now she was sinking into debt - and at first there didn't appear to be a solution..... Click here for the full story
February 05, 2020
Taking the time to manage your money better can really pay off. It can help you stay on top of your bills and save £1,000s each year. You can use these extra savings to pay off any debts you might have, put them towards your pension, or spend them on your next car or holiday. Read on for money management tips, including how to set up a budget, sticking to it and how to save.
What is APR and How Does It Work?
November 21, 2019
What is APR?
Annual percentage rate (APR) is the official rate used to help you understand the cost of borrowing. It takes into account the interest rate and additional charges of a credit offer. All lenders have to tell you what their APR is before you sign a credit agreement.
How does APR work?
APR is used for comparing credit cards and unsecured loans, and is expressed as a percentage of the amount you’ve borrowed. For example, a personal loan with a 15% APR should be cheaper than one with a 17.5% APR, although you should always check the terms and conditions. Click here to read full article
First Choice AGM 2019 - Save the Date
December 05, 2019
Our AGM will be on Thursday 5th December 2019 at 6:30pm at
Haslingden Community Link
Bury Road
Haslingden
Rossendale
BB4 5PG
Why not come along and meet the team?
Thomas Cook collapse: Your questions answered
September 26, 2019
The collapse of Thomas Cook has understandably left many people searching for answers about the impact on their holiday plans.
Here are some of your typical questions, which we have done our best to answer,
Consumer rights
Q: "I have paid for flights to Goa in January with Thomas Cook - can I claim the money back from my credit card company? If so, how do I go about this?"
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Universal Credit changes in October: Why claimants could get MORE money from next month
January 01, 2020
UNIVERSAL CREDIT claimants will see changes to their payments from next month, as the Department for Work and Pensions roll out revisions to the benefit. Some claimants could get more money in their pocket as a result of the changes.
New 'Family Loans'
September 05, 2019
First Choice Credit Union are now offering 'Family Loans'
A 'Family Loan' is where a parent or guardian can borrow up to £500 as long as they arrange for their Child Benefit to then be paid into an account with the credit union.
Part of the weekly Child Benefit is then taken to repay the debt and part is placed into savings.
This is an ideal way to help cover those expense that don't crop up everyday and haven't been budgeted for.
Genius trick to get a school uniform for less than £1
August 17, 2019
A mum-of-five who faced a £600 bill to send her kids back to school set up a £1 swap shop to trade outgrown uniforms with other parents.