20/05/2026
You're not on your own.
New figures this week from NHS Highland show nearly 1 in 5 under-fives in the area are growing up in relative poverty. It's a local statistic, but it points to a national reality — families across the UK are stretching every pound further than they did a year ago.
There's no clever trick that fixes that. But there are small, doable things that genuinely take a bit of pressure off:
Plan the week's meals before you shop. A rough list trims waste and saves the impulse top-up trip.
Do a 10-minute bills check. Energy, mobile, broadband — make sure you're on a tariff you actually chose.
Ask your council about the Household Support Fund. It's there for exactly this, doesn't have to be repaid, and is run locally — search your council's name plus "Household Support Fund".
Talk to free debt advice before things feel urgent. Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper are confidential and don't sell anything.
Save this for the next stretchy week. Share with anyone who needs a calmer plan.
Free, confidential help:
Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk
MoneyHelper — 0800 138 7777
StepChange — 0800 138 1111
General information only. Not financial advice.