Money
Money is what you use to buy things.
You can earn money doing a job or you can get benefits.
It is important to look after money so you can spend it how you want.
There are different ways to look after money.
What can you spend your money on?
You can spend money on things you need and on things you want.
Things you need include...
- A place to live: paying rent or buying a house and paying bills.
- Food: paying for meals and food shopping.
- Clothes: buying clothes and being able to wash them.
- Transport: Going to places and around town.
You can also spend your money on things that you want...
- Leisure: like holidays, going out, sports, books, videos
- Travel: visiting people and getting around town.
- Food: eating out and treats.
Who looks after your money?
Sometimes people who have a learning difficulty don't get to look after their own money.
It is important that your money is looked after properly and that you know how it is getting spent.
People who can help you look after your money should be people who you can trust.
You should try to find out what your money is spent on.
For a lot of people who have a learning difficulty some spending is paid for straight from the Government in benefits.
Direct payments are a way for people with a disability to choose what they spend their money on.
Look after your Money!
- Work out a budget. You can ask someone to help.
- Make sure the person helping is trustworthy.
- Find out where your money is kept.
- Work out what money is left for you to save or spend.