Fermanagh launches Money Week scheme
A unique initiative to help people cash in on managing their their finances took off in Fermanagh yesterday.
Economy Minister, Arlene Foster joined the Financial Capability Partnership NI, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and Fermanagh District Council, at the Clinton Centre in Enniskillen, where she launched Money Week 2010.
From family budgeting sessions to debt and benefits workshops and from a community ‘shred event’ to a presentation for businesses on managing their relationship with their bank, the events will take place from 6-12 March across Fermanagh. They are free to attend and open to individuals, families and businesses.
Opening the event Mrs Foster said: “The current economic climate is putting real financial pressure on everyone.
“Easily accessible and informed advice is therefore key to ensuring that people who are struggling to make ends meet are aware of the range of financial assistance available.
“Money Week is here to help local consumers, families and businesses develop their skills and confidence to manage their money better. I would encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties, whether they are an individual or a business, to seek professional advice.”
Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council which chairs the Financial Capability Partnership said research showed Northern Ireland comes bottom of the UK league in terms of having the skills and confidence to manage money.
“Therefore the support that we receive from Financial Services Authority is absolutely vital, as it allows us to carry out targeted initiatives like Money Week, which really get into the heart of the community to help people with their money worries.”
Chris Pond, Director Financial Capability, FSA said the aim of the initiative was to reach all sections of the Northern Irish community from new parents through school, university, work and beyond to help people manage their finances.
“Our National Strategy for Financial Capability aims to give people skills, knowledge and confidence in money matters and improve their ability to make sound financial decisions. Recent FSA research has shown us the link between financial well-being and psychological health. If people feel in control of their money they feel better in themselves and can handle the challenges life throws at them. Money Week is a great opportunity for people across Fermanagh to get involved and help us raise the level of financial capability across Northern Ireland.”
Also attending the event was Dominic Burns, winner of the Partnership’s ‘Savvy Susie/Frugal Frankie’ competition to find a local person who has managing money down to a fine art.
Dominic: “I have always been good with money. For instance, I buy my bus travel weekly on Ulsterbus Smartlink cards and I save about 500 a year doing that. I buy gym membership monthly for 30 instead of going 12 times at 4.50, so I save 30/40 a month on that too. I also buy supermarket own brand products and that makes a big difference, and the quality is just as good. My motto is bulk buy where you can to make savings, as long as you’re buying things you’ll need and use, of course!”
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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