Good budgeting and financial planning can help reduce stress, improve your wellbeing, and support you as you move into education, volunteering, apprenticeships, university, or employment.
A budget is simply a plan for how you manage your money. It can help you understand:
- How much money you have coming in
- What you spend it on
- Where you may be able to save money
- How to plan for future goals and unexpected costs
Developing money management skills is an important life skill and can help you feel more confident and in control of your finances.
Useful Budgeting Resources
Barclays LifeSkills
Barclays LifeSkills offers free tools, advice, and resources to help you improve your budgeting, money management, and financial confidence.
Website: https://barclayslifeskills.com
MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper provides free and impartial guidance on budgeting, saving, debt, pensions, benefits, and financial wellbeing.
Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk
If You Need Support
If you are struggling financially, worried about debt, or need advice about benefits and money matters, support is available.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, and independent advice on:
- Benefits
- Debt and money management
- Housing
- Employment
- Cost of living support
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Support at Fircroft College
If financial concerns are affecting your wellbeing, studies, or progression plans, you do not have to manage them alone.
Fircroft College has a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead who may be able to provide support, guidance, or signposting to appropriate services. You can also speak to your tutor or the Careers and Progression Coordinator if you are unsure where to start.
Considering Self-Employment
Self-employment can be a rewarding option if you’d like more flexibility, enjoy working independently, have a business idea, or want to turn a skill, hobby, or passion into a source of income.
Being self-employed means you work for yourself rather than an employer. Some people become self-employed full-time, while others start alongside employment or study.
Things to Think About
Before becoming self-employed, consider:
- What service or product will you offer?
- Who are your customers?
- How will you find clients?
- What skills or qualifications do you need?
- How will you manage your finances?
- Do you need insurance, licences, or permits?
- How will you market yourself?
- Can you manage periods where income may vary?
Self-employment can offer flexibility and independence, but it also comes with responsibilities such as record keeping, tax returns, invoicing, and budgeting.
Useful Resources
GOV.UK: Becoming Self-Employed
Information about registering as self-employed, paying tax, and your legal responsibilities.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
HMRC Business Support
Guidance for new businesses, sole traders, and self-employed workers.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader
Barclays LifeSkills
Useful resources on enterprise skills, business planning, networking, and financial planning.
Website: https://barclayslifeskills.com
The Prince’s Trust (for younger adults)
Support with starting a business, developing ideas, and building confidence.
Website: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk
Business Growth West Midlands
Local support, advice, and resources for people looking to start or grow a business in the West Midlands.
Website: https://businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk
Need Advice?
If you’re considering self-employment but aren’t sure where to start, a careers appointment with us can help you explore whether it is the right option for you. We can discuss your ideas, identify transferable skills, look at training opportunities, and signpost you to specialist business support services.
Email: robyn.dawes@fircroft.ac.uk
Phone: 07984 444750
