Please note, our office and phone lines will be closed from 23rd December to 3rd January. All queries will be responded to in the new year. 

budgeting

If you're overspending each month, it may be time to set up a budget. Our useful tools can help you to start.

Rate this content

budgeting_banner_675x300.jpg

It pays off to get into good budgeting habits, however it’s something that many of us don’t do effectively.

If you’re struggling with debt, have never budgeted before or are spending more than you’d like each month, it's probaby the right time to create a budgeting plan.

Check out our blog below for insight and tips on the different types of budgets.

signs you need to budget

If you’re getting into habits such as overspending and impulse purchases or are seeing a decrease in your credit score, it’s probably the right time to create a budget. Here are nine signs you may need to start budgeting and some tips for how to start.

our tools

Take a look at our useful tools below to help get your finances on track. 

budgettool_icon.png

budget planners

Our free tools will help you to create an in-depth budgeting plan, easily showing a breakdown of income and expenditure.

3.png 1

savings calculator

If you're looking to get a hold of your savings and organise your finances, this tool is for you.

calc_icon.png

benefits calculator

Check which UK benefits you may be eligible for, including welfare benefits, grants and other support.

downloadable budgeting spreadsheet

If you're looking for an in-depth budgeting plan, our downloadable excel spreadsheet allows you to input your own income and expenditure to create a bespoke monthly budget breakdown.

saving money at home

We have some great advice for how to cut costs in the home. From ways to conserve energy, to reducing your heating bill and cutting your food shopping spend, we're on hand to get you through. 

our financial podcast

Our podcast The Cash Conversation explores all things personal finance, debt, budgeting and savings. Join our panel of financial and mental health experts here at caba alongside some influential names in the industry for a discussion about all things finance as they share ways to improve your financial health.

Gabriel image

 

“I wish I called caba earlier. Things were really out of hand by the time I spoke to them and I could have saved myself a lot of stress and anxiety if I’d have asked for help earlier.”

Becky

caba client

your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page and by using our interactive eligibility tool

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

How confidential is caba? Do you report members to the ICAEW?

Everything you tell us is kept in the strictest of confidence. We don't share your personal information with any third parties, and that includes ICAEW. caba is a separate organisation from ICAEW and is an independent charity with its own board of trustees. We do not have a duty to report anything to ICAEW.

How long does it take to receive financial support?

It depends on the individual situation, but we can work very quickly if it’s an emergency.

download our financial support flowchart

 

view more questions



Not got the answer to your question?

retiring with no pension -1282134093 - resized.jpg

pensions: what to do if you haven't got one

If you haven't got a pension, you could be worried about how you're going to afford to live when you retire. Here we discuss what your options are if you don't have a pension to fall-back on during retirement.

How to make your savings work harder thumbnial (43).png

how to make your savings work harder

We're here with some handy savings advice, information on the best savings accounts to use and tips to secure a better financial future.

Financial anxiety: cost of living thumbnail

how to cope with rising costs in 2024

Everywhere you look, prices are creeping up. The current cost of living crisis is leading to people experiencing financial anxiety, regardless of their income and overall money situation. This article shares practical advice for tackling the crisis and financial anxiety.

managing finances in retirement-1306153838 - resized.jpg

how to manage your finances when you're retired

Being retired means you’re no longer earning a regular wage, which means you have to learn to spend your money differently. Take a look at these practical tips for managing your finances in retirement.

ways to eat healthily on a budget -1058457932 - resized.jpg

how to create a food budget in 2024

Healthy eating can get expensive but with the right planning it is achievable. Here, we share some practical tips to stretch your budget.

MicrosoftTeams-image (23).png

how to save energy at home

Find out some ways to reduce your energy bills at home and how we can help support you through rising energy costs.

503020_banner_1350x300.jpg

how to create a rainy day fund

Be prepared for any financial hurdles or bumps in the road by setting up a rainy-day fund.

why budget -1149325200 - resized.jpg

how and why to create a budget

Do you have a personal budget? This article features plenty of practical budgeting advice and some key benefits of budgeting, as well as five simple budgeting tips to help you get started.

training and events

16 January 2025

communication skills - imparting information effectively

What would it be like if you could interact in a way that impresses, influences and inspires? Whether it’s in writing, video calls or in person, …
espresso series
22 January 2025

imposter syndrome, rewiring your mindset

Has that voice in your head ever told you (or someone you know) that you’re not good enough, you'll be discovered as a fraud and that your …
enhanced webinar
29 January 2025

eat well on a budget

Preparing appetising, nourishing meals without breaking the bank is an ongoing challenge for many of us. This interactive session is a …
espresso series
18 February 2025

power up your LinkedIn profile

Log on to this practical, three-hour session and put what you learn into practice as you update your profile. Discover how to optimise your …
enhanced webinar

view all training and events