Churches helping people get on top of their finances in austere times

Hundreds of churches are helping people get through hard times by teaching them how to manage their money.

With rises in energy bills, petrol charges and VAT adding to the pressure on purses, Christians Against Poverty expects to see even more people take up its CAP Money course this year.

Last year 7,000 people went on the course, which teaches people how to take care of their finances the old fashioned way – by sticking to a budget and paying into a savings account.

Now 782 churches are ready to pass on what they have learned by running the course on their own premises. Some 268 courses taking place in January and February alone.

CAP’s founder and international director John Kirkby said some people had hit rock bottom and were losing their homes or unable to feed their children.

“’Buy now and pay later’ is a message we hear at every turn,” he said.

“This is why we began this preventative course three years ago and we’re delighted to see it becoming a real favourite of the church to debt-proof people in this age of austerity and maybe even put the joy back into dealing with our money.”

He advised people to get on top of their finances by acknowledging the reality.

“So many of us are guessing at our finances. We’re hoping for the best while continuing to spend, really without knowing what we have available," he said.

“The Bible says the truth will set you free and certainly when you know what your situation is – even if it’s a mess – you can start to tackle the issue.”

To find out more visit www.capmoney.org or telephone 01274 760567