Looking After Your Financial Wellbeing
Simple steps to help you feel more confident about money, payslips, support and scams while settling into life and work in the UK.
Moving to a new country for work is a big step, and managing money in a new system can feel confusing at first. This guide shares a few simple ways to help you feel more informed, prepared and confident when looking after your finances in the UK.
Start with a Simple Money Check-In
A good first step is to take a few minutes to look at your money clearly. Think about what money is coming in, what you need to pay for, and whether there are any costs that have changed recently.
You may want to check:
- how much you are paid each week or month
- your rent, bills, food, travel and phone costs
- any money you send to family or save
- any debts, loans or regular payments
- whether you have a small amount set aside for emergencies
Welcome Well has some helpful resources to support you with this:
Getting Help Before Money Worries Grow
Money worries can happen to anyone, especially when settling into a new country, paying relocation costs, supporting family, or adjusting to the cost of living in the UK.
It is always better to ask for help early, before a small problem becomes harder to manage. Free, confidential support is available if you are struggling with bills, rent, debts or repayments.
You do not need to deal with money worries alone. Speaking to a trusted adviser can help you understand your options and take practical next steps.
Understanding Your Payslip, Tax and National Insurance
When you start working in the UK, your payslip may include unfamiliar words such as gross pay, net pay, PAYE, tax code, National Insurance and pension deductions. Taking time to understand your payslip can help you check that you are being paid correctly and that the right deductions are being made.
Helpful starting points include MoneyHelper’s guide to understanding your payslip, GOV.UK’s information on tax codes, and Acas guidance on payslips, pay and deductions.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
When you are settling into life in the UK, it is important to be careful with unexpected calls, emails, texts or WhatsApp messages asking for money, bank details, passwords or personal information.
Scammers may pretend to be from HMRC, a bank, a delivery company, an employer, a landlord, or even someone offering help with immigration or work.
Take your time before responding. Do not feel pressured to click a link, transfer money, share a code, or give your bank details. If something feels urgent, threatening or too good to be true, pause and check it with a trusted person or official organisation first.
Helpful starting points include Citizens Advice guidance on checking whether something might be a scam, GOV.UK advice on reporting suspicious emails, websites, phone calls and text messages, and the National Cyber Security Centre guidance on spotting and reporting phishing scams.
Want to Talk It Through?
You do not have to work everything out alone. Talk to us and we can work things out together.
Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference
Financial wellbeing is not about having everything perfectly planned. It is about feeling more informed, more prepared and more confident about the choices ahead.
Start with one small action: check your payslip, review your spending, read one guide, save a small amount, or ask for advice if you are worried. Small steps can make a big difference over time.
Remember: You do not need to deal with money worries alone. Reliable help and guidance is available, and Welcome Well is here to support internationally recruited care workers as they settle into life in the UK.
Quick Tips: Simple Ways to Help Manage Costs
Small changes can sometimes help make your money go further. Here are a few practical ideas that may help you reduce everyday costs while settling into life in the UK.
Do a simple money check-in
Write down what money is coming in, what must be paid out, and what is left. Start with rent, bills, food, transport, phone costs, debts and any money you send home.
This can help you see where your money is going and spot any problems early.
Use a community grocery if there is one near you
Community groceries can help reduce the cost of food and household essentials. This may help your weekly budget go further.
Use a baby bank if you have young children
Baby banks can help families access essential items such as clothes, nappies, buggies, cots, toys and other baby equipment.
Look out for free days out and activities
Enjoying time with family or friends does not always need to cost money. Look for free local activities, parks, museums, community events and family-friendly days out.
These can help you settle into your local area while keeping costs low.
