Financial Wellbeing

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Good levels of financial wellbeing include being able to afford day-to-day expenses, cope with unexpected changes in circumstances or the rising cost of living, and being able to save for the future.

Like our physical and mental health, this can change over time; and money worries (financial concerns) can cause us to lose sleep, make it hard to concentrate or to make decisions.

On these pages you’ll find information, resources and support for your financial wellbeing, including planning, dealing with worries, pensions and discounts.

pensions and planning your retirement

We want to ensure colleagues at all career stages understand how their pension works and have the information they need to build a secure financial future.

We also partner with Pension Geeks, the team behind the annual Pension Awareness Week. View their website here, and also access the following guides to help you understand and get the most out of your LBU pension, whether you’re just starting your career, you’re mid-way through, or are approaching retirement.

Our occupational pension schemes provide a valuable benefit to employees and all eligible staff are automatically enrolled into one of the University's occupational pension schemes at appointment.

advice and guidance

Financial and legal advice- EAP- 0808 196 2016

Finding financial and legal support when needed can often be an expensive and time-consuming process, however Spectrum have legal and financial experts available to speak with you (via the 24/7 helpline above) and point you in the right direction, free of charge.

Spectrum understand that when legal or financial issues occur, they can have a significant impact on our physical, emotional and mental health. So, whether you are wanting advice re property issues, debt, retirement or consumer law, the employee assistance programme can provide fast, reliable advice.

If you are worried about how the rising cost of living is impacting your finances, support is available via the government's Cost of Living Support webpage.

employee benefits

Our range of employee benefits can help you afford some of your day-to-day (including childcare) expenses and make your money go further.

We partner with Leeds City Credit Union to provide a savings and loan scheme through which you can save a minimum amount from your salary on a monthly basis. Once a certain level of saving is reached you can apply for a low-cost loan of up to five times the amount saved.

We’re also delighted to announce our employee discounts partnership with Discounts for Teachers. All colleagues can now access exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers. Choose from over 600 UK retailers and over 1,300 deals. Choose from hundreds of deals across holidays, fashion, homeware, days out, mobiles, TV & Broadband and even insurance.

It’s free to join and free to use Discounts For Teachers, it only takes a couple of minutes to register, and you can start to save money every time you shop with one of their deals.

Where can I get help if I'm struggling with my finances?

West Yorkshire Pension Fund - Financial Wellbeing Sessions
The West Yorkshire Pension Fund have have partnered with Affinity Connect to provide a number of Financial Wellbeing online courses, which are aimed at strengthening your financial health. The courses are suitable for members at any age. The 4 key areas being covered are:
- Understand income and plan spending
- Review and keep track of borrowing
- Plan financial goals and prepare for unexpected costs
- Start to plan for life beyond work, whenever that may be
Upcoming dates:
- 25th June 2024, 10.00 am - 11.30 am book here
- 3rd September 2024, 13.00 pm - 14.30 pm book here
- 9th October 2024, 10.00 am - 11.30 am book here
- 11th November 2024, 10.00 am - 11.30 am book here
- 10th December 2024, 10.00 am - 11.30 book here
Education Support
At Education Support, their mission is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff. They believe that better mental health leads to better education. They recognise that having good levels of financial wellbeing is crucial to achieving this. They have a range of financial support schemes available.

For full details or to check your eligibility, please visit their website.
Money & Pensions Service

The Money & Pensions Service is available to help you improve your financial wellbeing and prepare for the future.
Unison

If you are a Unison member, they have advice and guidance available if you are experiencing financial difficulties; including budgeting tools, available grants and benefit calculators.

Unison members who are looking to study may also be eligible to apply for learning grants or discounts, via the Unison learning webpage.
Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice have a range of tools and guidance available to help support you with the rising costs of living. From budget planners, to information about debt management and available government support.
Stepchange

For free, confidential and expert debt advice online or over the phone, you can contact the national charity StepChange.