Michael praises our Money Advice Service
Our Money Advice Team is available right across our region and our Money Advisors are here to help you if you’re struggling with your finances.
From supporting you in claiming the benefits you’re entitled to, to helping you maximise your income and planning budgets, our team is ready to help you.
Michael Smetana from Derby has recently worked with our Money Advisor Penny Jeffers and he can’t praise her highly enough.
“I was worrying about being able to pay my bills, but because of how she was, she made it all fun rather than making it so serious!”
Upon reaching state pension age, Michael’s benefits stopped and he was stressed about how he’d pay his bills.
After being referred to our Money Advice Service and working with Penny, Michael managed to get his finances under control and he now wants other customers to know that they shouldn’t be shy about asking for help.
“Penny was so helpful, she just put my mind at rest,” he said.
“I didn’t know what was going on when I got to pension age and everything stopped. I was worried about how I was going to pay my bills.
“Penny was calling me up a couple of times a week to keep me on track as I didn’t know where to turn.”
Benefits advice
Penny gave Michael advice on how to claim Housing Benefit and also explained how some benefits can be claimed alongside the state pension.
Michael, who’s lived in his flat in Derby for around 30 years, now gets full Housing Benefit and has also set up his direct debits for utilities and other priority bills to coincide with his pension payments.
“The main thing she did was giving me the advice on where to turn and how to do things,” Michael added.
“Penny showed me how to do all the forms and she was so polite about it all.
“She also made me laugh about it!
“Penny has a lovely warm and comforting personality and she’s helped me achieve peace of mind. I’m relaxed about it all now.
“My message to people reading this is please don’t be like me and try to struggle through when there are wonderful people like Penny to give you advice.
“Don’t be shy to make the call. Don’t be like me. Let go of your pride and ask for help.”