Perennial, the UK horticulture industry’s charity, has launched an online budgeting tool to help people understand their financial position and plan ahead. As the cost of living continues to rise beyond that of economic recovery, more and more people working across the UK horticulture sector are struggling to make ends meet, or are unable to put anything by for savings or emergencies.

Taking control of finances, particularly when earning a low wage, is not easy but Perennial’s new online tool is designed to help people manage their money and to suggest changes to improve their finances.

Matthew Cooper, debt advice manager at Perennial, says: “Creating a budget is important because it helps you understand how you are using your money and where your biggest expenditure is. Seeing this written down is the first step towards making changes to achieve a good balance between your income and spending. The tool also gives lots of tips for increasing your income and reducing your expenditure and point you in the right direction for further help.”

The new tool is available via the Perennial website and can be used on a desktop computer, tablet or smart phone. It is very easy to use and does not require any technical or financial expertise. The information users input is completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone else. People can use it anonymously if they wish or they can register to allow them to revisit their budget at any time and see how their planned changes are working.

Those with urgent debt issues can contact Perennial’s qualified debt advisers who can help by negotiating with creditors, preparing financial statements, advising on bankruptcy, helping with court paperwork and offering representation at hearings. In addition, Perennial offers direct financial help in some circumstances, including help for spouses/partners and dependent children. If you need one to one help, call Perennial free of charge and in complete confidence on 0800 093 8546.

Find out more at www.perennial.org.uk/budgeting-tool

Perennial’s Debt Advice Service is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fca.org.uk)