Coventry residents are biting back at the credit crunch by
upping their online skills in a bid to save cash, after research
showed more than a fifth of people in the west midlands struggle to
find best value for money.
Housing provider Whitefriars Housing has teamed up with online
training specialists Numidia Education & Training, based at
Park Road, to offer residents free guidance on how to save
money.
The new partnership follows research by learndirect which shows
that more than a fifth of people in the west midlands struggle to
work out the best value for things such as electricity and gas,
mobile phones and TV packages.
The research also showed that 45 per cent of people in the west
midlands think they will have at least £25 less per week to
spend this year, and almost a quarter are preparing to be at least
£50 per week worse off - meaning that people need to know how
to save cash more than ever.
The free Worth Learning Guide offers tips, advice and
information on the skills needed to do everything from easy
budgeting and savvy spending, to choosing the right products and
services.
Leisa Dixon of Whitefriars said: "It's easy to overlook how
simple savings on everyday items can amount to big savings overall
and some people get into a rut of buying the same products or using
the same providers.
"This training will help people to learn new skills to be able
to make more informed decisions and make sure they feel confident
that they are getting the best deal for them."
Independent financial expert, Jasmine Birtles, who helped create
the guide, said: "We know it's tough at the moment with rises in
VAT, petrol and energy prices, and other increases in the costs of
living.
"The research by learndirect has shown that many people don't
have the skills to access information they need to get more for
their money. This guide offers them tips and guidance on everything
they need from easy budgeting and savvy spending, to choosing the
right products and services."
WM Housing, of which Whitefriars is a part of, is running a
campaign to work with its residents to increase training, skills
and work aspirations in a bid to increase job opportunities and
employability for customers.
To find out how you can get the skills you want to help manage
your spending and get qualifications in maths, English and IT, call
Numidia Education & Training Ltd on 024 76 632942.