‘Budget Not Blues’ is Christians Against Poverty’s newest campaign for Blue Monday week
Free debt advice charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has launched its ‘Budget Not Blues’ campaign to help people in the Newbury area out of debt, writes Grace Clift.
Blue Monday is known as the year’s ‘saddest day’, and it fell this week – on the third Monday in January.
It’s cold, expensive and moods are low – one of the busiest times for CAP.
Forty per cent of CAP’s clients have considered or attempted suicide, and Blue Monday manipulates these people to emotionally spend, telling them it’ll help ‘beat the blues’.
CAP is suggesting another option – resolve to get your spending under control in 2025.
CAP will soon be starting up a new money coaching course in Newbury, after a successful run in Hungerford.
Nearly 300 money coaches in the South East have been trained so far by CAP.
The course will guide people how to create their own budget and stick to it, with tips and tricks to stay on track.
Newbury CAP will be running a pilot course in February, with hopes to open up the course officially in February or March.
CAP’s Newbury Debt Centre manager Colin Cunningham said: “Everyone can be helped, one way or another.
“The bravest thing is phoning us in the first place.
“This campaign is about taking control over your budget, and empowering people to help themselves.”
He offers five simple steps to improving your finances in 2025.
1. Find out your financial personality
Try out CAP’s new Money Personality Quiz, which helps people understand their spending habits. You can access the quiz here: https://capuk.org/money-personality-quiz/
2. Create a personal budget
Creating a personal budget is key to understanding your financial situation in order to make positive changes. Download CAP’s budgeting guide at capuk.org/budgeting to create your own personal budget.
3. Cut back, cut costs and cut out
To make your money go further, you can reduce spending by cutting back (reducing how much or how often you buy something); by cutting the cost (finding it cheaper elsewhere), or by cutting the expenditure out completely (identifying if it’s a need or want).
4. Build up an emergency fund
It’s important to save for future emergencies. Start small so that it is manageable within your budget, and set up your bank account to transfer the money into a savings account automatically each month, so that you’re not tempted to spend it. An emergency fund can offer huge peace of mind if and when unexpected costs arise.
5. Seek free help
Attend a CAP service in your local area to help you further improve your financial situation. You can find more information on all CAP’s free services in your area at capuk.org/help.
If you’re struggling with unmanageable debt, call the free helpline on 0800 328 0006. Alternatively, visit moneyhelper.org.uk for a wide range of support.
CAP provides practical solutions and emotional support to those in need – its free services delivered through Newbury churches have transformed lives by helping individuals gain control over their finances.
To learn more about CAP’s free services and resources, including a free benefits calculator, visit capuk.org
For local enquiries contact Mr Cunningham on 07393 496480 or email colincunningham@capuk.org
