Pensions
Additional Voluntary Contributions
Do you want the opportunity to retire early or have more money when you retire?
If you are a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme you’re eligible to join AVC Wise, which facilitates a cost-effective way to save for your retirement.
AVC Wise offer a number of webinars for members at various times and dates:
- Over 50? It's time to avoid retirement regret
- How to retire early and with more money
- Tax, Inflation and the Cost of Your Morning Coffee
To book your place, please register or sign into your account at avcwise.co.uk/book and head to the events page
Greater Manchester Pension Fund
GMPF administer our pension on behalf of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). They look after over 375,000 pensions and pay over £750 million of benefits each year.
The LGPS is one of the largest public sector pension schemes in the UK for people working in local government.
The LGPS is a ‘defined benefit’ pension scheme which means it pays out a secure income for life, with pensions being reviewed each year in line with general price rises.
Contributions are made by both the employee and their employer.
For more information, please visit GMPF.
Savings
When did you last move your savings? With the top rates at their highest for more than 10 years, it's important to check your savings are earning as much interest as they can - and if not, move them. Find out more at:
Savings accounts: 2.5% easy access or up to 5.05% fixed (moneysavingexpert.com)
Which Savings Accounts
Find expert advice on locating the best rate savings account and how to pay less tax on your savings interest.
which.co.uk/money/savings-and-isas/savings-accounts
Hoot credit union
Hoot Credit Union provides a flexible, approachable financial service, whether it’s for personal loans or savings.
Their products and services are designed to help their members manage their money well and their profits are shared amongst members or used to benefit the whole community.
The service is also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Help to Save
Help to Save is a type of savings account. It allows certain people entitled to Working Tax Credit or receiving Universal Credit to get a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save over 4 years. It’s backed by the government, so all savings in the scheme are secure.
Advice and guidance
MSE’s Academy of Money
The Open University has joined forces with MoneySavingExpert (MSE) to produce this new free course to give you the skills and knowledge to master your finances.
Packed with videos, audios, quizzes and activities, the course covers all the key aspects of personal finance in six sessions of study that each take around two hours to complete.
MSE’s Academy of Money - OpenLearn - Open University
Which Money Health Check
Answer a few simple questions to access tailored money saving information around bills, utilities, housing, shopping and managing debt.
which.co.uk/tool/my-money-health-check
Bolton’s Money Skills Service
The service aims to empower and equip local Bolton residents with the necessary awareness, information, skills and tools to enable them to respond positively to the challenges of the financial world.
Digital Unite
Having good digital skills can help you make and save money online. Find tips and resources to help you including switching suppliers, shopping online/price comparison sites, signing up to online vouchers and special offers and learning about budgeting.
How to save money online | Digital Unite
Citizens Advice - The advice guide
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. Citizens Advice believe that no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. They give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Bank switching offers
Unhappy with your bank? Switching is quick and easy and now's a great time to do it as banks will pay you to move to them! However you don't need to switch to get a good deal – other accounts give cashback on bills or pay savings interest. Have a look at this guide for more information and to compare the top-pick accounts.
moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper strives to make your money and pension choices clearer, cut through the complexity and explain what you need to do and how you can do it. It provides impartial guidance that’s backed by government and recommends further, trusted support if you need it.
Ask Bill
Bill knows that creating environmental value goes hand in hand with creating financial value for gas, energy, and water users. Bill’s got a simple goal: to make it as easy as possible to get support with money and help you live a sustainable life at home. His website supports customers who might be anxious they are spending more than they have or are considering being kinder to the environment with their water, gas and electricity use.
Money and Pensions Service
We help people – particularly those most in need – to improve their financial wellbeing and build a better, more confident future. Working collaboratively across the UK, we make sure customers can access high-quality money and pensions guidance and debt advice throughout their lives, how and when they need it.
Barclays Digital Wings
Barclays Digital Wings will boost your digital skills and confidence, for free. Find out how to stay safe online, use social media, make your business digital and more, whether you’re a Barclays customer or not.
It’s an online learning tool designed to help you become more tech savvy and keep up-to-date on recent digital trends. It’s accessible from anywhere, by anyone, from any device.
You’ll cover a whole range of interesting and exciting topics, from internet basics and different software to advanced analytics and coding. Work your way through the modules, testing your knowledge and earning points as you go, to achieve Barclays Digital Wings Badges.
HSBC Financial Wellbeing Programme
Being comfortable and confident with your finances is a big part of your overall wellbeing. HSBC are committed to helping you improve your financial fitness - not just for now, but for the future too. The Financial Wellbeing programme is available free to all employees, even if you don’t bank with HSBC.
Visit Financial Wellbeing Programme and 9 steps to financial fitness.
If you’d like to register for one of their Always On workshops or a financial health check, visit:
Bolton Council Services
If you are on a low income or if you or one of your family have a health issue or a disability, there may be benefits you could claim. To start, take a look at some of the benefits information and benefit calculators available online. These include:
Benefits calculators - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Council Tax Reduction
Check if you could get a council tax reduction by visiting:
Apply for Council Tax Reduction
Crisis Support
If you are in crisis , Local Welfare Provision may be able to help
Local Welfare Provision Online
Unison support for members
Members experiencing financial and emotional difficulties can contact UNISON Welfare, which provides confidential advice and support services for members and their dependants.
There for You (UNISON Welfare)
Some of the resources on this page are found on the Intranet. If you do not have access to the Intranet, please speak with your manager.