Bad things can happen to anyone. Your washing machine might break. Your car might stop working. You might lose your job. When these things happen, you need money to fix them.

This is why you need to save money for bad days. We call this an "emergency fund." It's like having a piggy bank for grown-ups.

Why Save Money for Bad Days?

An emergency fund is money you keep safe for when something goes wrong. It helps you pay for things like:

• Fixing your car
• Buying a new washing machine
• Paying bills when you can't work
• Going to the doctor

Money experts say you should save enough money to pay your bills for 3 to 6 months. But even £500 can help a lot. The most important thing is to start saving now.

How to Start Saving Money

1. Start Small You don't need to save lots of money at once. Save just a little bit each week. Maybe £5. Maybe £2. Every penny counts.

2. Make It Automatic Ask your bank to move money from your main account to your savings account every time you get paid. This way, you won't forget to save.

3. Use Extra Money Sometimes you get extra money. Like birthday money or money back from the tax office. Put this straight into your emergency savings.

4. Spend Less on Some Things Look at what you spend money on each month. Can you:

• Cancel TV channels you don't watch?
• Make coffee at home instead of buying it?
• Use coupons at the shop?

Put the money you save straight into your emergency fund.

5. Save Your Change Some bank apps can help you save. Every time you buy something, they round up to the next pound. The extra money goes into savings. So if you spend £4.20, they take £5 and save 80p for you.

6. Save More When You Can When you get more money (like a pay rise), save some of it. Even if it's just a little bit more each month.

How Sheffield Credit Union Can Help

Sheffield Credit Union wants to help you save money. We have different ways to save:

Easy Savings Account

• You can put in as little as £1
• You can take money out when you need it
• No fees for taking money out

Special Accounts

• Christmas Saver: Save money all year for Christmas
• Bill Account: Keep money safe to pay your bills
• Children's Account: Teach kids to save

Save While You Borrow This is special. If you borrow money from us, you also save money at the same time. When you finish paying back the loan, you have savings too!

We Keep Your Money Safe Your money is protected. This means even if something bad happens to the credit union, you will get your money back.

Tips to Keep Your Emergency Fund Safe

• Only use this money for real emergencies
• If you use some money, start saving again straight away
• Set a new goal each year
• Tell a friend or family member about your goal - they can help you stick to it

Start Today

You don't need to earn lots of money to start saving. You just need to start. Sheffield Credit Union is here to help you save your money and cheer you on.

Come and talk to us about opening a savings account. We can help you make a plan that works for you. Together, we can help you be ready for whatever happens.

Sheffield Credit Union wants to help people in Sheffield. We lend money to people who need it. We are not trying to make lots of money from you. We want to help you and your family.

Our most popular loan is called a Progress Loan. This loan can help you when you need money for important things.

What is a Progress Loan?

A Progress Loan is money we lend to you. You pay it back bit by bit each month. You can borrow between £200 and £7,500. That means you could borrow a small amount like £200 or a big amount like £7,500.

You don't need to save money with us first. New members can ask for a loan straight away.

Why Might You Need a Loan?

People use Progress Loans for many things:

• Fixing their house
• Buying things for school or college
• Paying off other debts
• Buying important things they need
• Paying for unexpected bills

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost depends on how much you borrow:

• If you borrow £200 to £1,499: You pay back extra money at 42.6% APR. You have 6 months to 2 years to pay it back.
• If you borrow £1,500 to £2,999: You pay back extra money at 30.0% APR. You have 6 months to 3 years to pay it back.
• If you borrow £3,000 to £7,500: You pay back extra money at 15.0% APR. You have 1 year to 5 years to pay it back.

Good Things About Our Loans

No Hidden Costs We don't charge you extra fees. If you want to pay back your loan early, you can. This will save you money.

Top-Up Your Loan If you have paid back one third of your loan, you can ask to borrow more money.

We Look at Your Whole Situation We don't just look at your credit score. We look at:

• How much money you earn
• What you spend money on
• If you can afford to pay back the loan

We want to make sure the loan is right for you.

Who Can Get a Progress Loan?

You can apply if:

• You live or work in Sheffield
• You earn at least £500 each month (not counting housing benefit)
• You are not in debt trouble right now
• You haven't been bankrupt in the last 2 years

If you get Universal Credit or work for yourself, that's fine. Just show us proof of your income.

How to Apply

Getting a loan is easy:

1. Fill in our form online (takes about 10 minutes) or ask for a paper form
2. Send us your bank statements using our safe website
3. We will look at your application and tell you yes or no within 2 working days
4. If we say yes, we put the money in your bank account quickly

We Want You to Save Too

When you have a Progress Loan, we ask you to save a little money each month too. This helps you:

• Have money for emergencies
• Get better at managing money
• Get cheaper loans in the future

Why Choose Sheffield Credit Union?

We Are Fair We are not like payday loan companies that charge lots of money. We are run by our members. We want to help you, not make lots of money from you.

We Help Sheffield When you borrow from us, you help other people in Sheffield too. We use our money to help more people get fair loans.

We Are Here to Help Our staff are friendly and helpful. They can answer your questions and help you understand everything. We want you to feel comfortable and safe.

Progress Loans Help You Move Forward

Sometimes life is hard and you need help. A Progress Loan is more than just borrowing money. It's a way to solve problems and make your life better.

If you think a Progress Loan might help you, talk to us. You can:

• Visit our website
• Call us on the phone
• Come to our office in Sheffield

We are here to help you make progress.

Important Things to Remember

• We have to check if you can afford the loan
• You must pay back the loan each month
• If you pay back your loan well, it can help your credit score
• If you need help, just ask us - we are always happy to help

The lazy days of summer are slipping away, which means it’s time to gear up for a new school year! With term starting in early September across Sheffield, parents, carers, and students are all on the hunt for the best back-to-school deals to stay September-ready—without bursting the budget. Whether you’re refreshing uniforms, ticking off stationery lists, or snagging a new pair of shoes, Sheffield is packed with affordable options to help you prepare for the academic year ahead.

Where to Find the Best Back-to-School Bargains in Sheffield

1. Uniforms, Shoes, and Sports Kit

Big retailers and supermarkets are rolling out wallet-friendly collections this year:

• Aldi: Grab a full school uniform set for just £5, including jumpers, trousers, skirts, polo shirts, and more. Aldi’s non-branded uniforms even come with a 150-day guarantee, making this an unbeatable budget pick.
• ASDA: School uniform items start from just £1.25, with a new sustainable range that’s friendly to both wallets and the planet.
• Matalan & Tesco: Complete school kits, including trousers, skirts, shirts, and school bags—polo shirts at Matalan start at £1.50, and Tesco uniforms often come in great-value 2-packs with up to a 100-day guarantee.
• Marks & Spencer (M&S): Known for durability, M&S offers up to 20% off on selected school uniforms this season. Look out for weather-resistant fabrics and easy-care innovations in-store.

2. Stationery, Bags, Water Bottles & Extras

Stationery and accessories can add up, but Sheffield’s city centre and retail parks have plenty of value options:

• WHSmith & Ryman: Both are offering major discounts on essential supplies (up to 70% off at WHSmith, "better than half price" at Ryman). Stock up now for the best selection.
• Poundland, The Works, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Smiggle, The Entertainer: Find trendy school bags, pencil cases, notebooks, and creative supplies to keep kids and teens inspired—without overspending.
• Online Deals & Bulk Buying: Amazon and other online retailers often have back-to-school bulk deals on basics like pens, pencils, notebooks, and glue sticks—buying in bulk saves money over the year.

3. Shoes and Trainers

Sheffield’s high street shops and Meadowhall’s iconic brands are offering:

• Schuh: Student discounts of up to 20% off selected lines—and keep an eye on in-store offers for new collections.
• Clarks, Deichmann, Sports Direct: Value-for-money shoes, sports kits, and trainers for all ages.

4. Health, Skincare & Lunchbox Items

Back-to-school isn’t just about supplies—staying fresh and healthy matters too! Visit:

• Boots & Superdrug: Great deals on teen-friendly skincare, toiletries, and school-appropriate deodorants. Poundland is handy for lunchbox basics, hair accessories, and travel toiletries when rushing out the door

Sheffield Credit Union: Affordable Loans for School Essentials

We all know the cost of getting ready for the new school year can be a struggle for many families. That’s why support from local financial organisations can make a world of difference.

Sheffield Credit Union offers affordable loans, designed specifically for back-to-school essentials. Here’s how they can help you be September-ready without stress:

• School Essentials Loan: If you’ve been a Sheffield Credit Union member for over 6 months, you can apply for a School Essentials Loan of up to £350. This loan covers uniforms, shoes, bags, sports kits, tech items, after-school clubs, and more.
  • Flexible repayment terms and competitive, member-friendly interest rates make this a safer option than expensive payday lenders.
  • Loan repayments on £350 can be as low as £8.50 per week, with the borrowing process tailored to support families through this busy season

• For New Members: Progress Loan: If you’ve joined the credit union recently, you aren’t left out. Progress Loans are available for between £200 and £7,500—a practical solution for families facing bigger expenses or needing to consolidate costs as the school year begins.

Applying is straightforward: Bring your proof of income (pay, benefits, or self-employment) and last 3 months of bank statements. Responsible lending and a community focus mean you'll get support beyond the loan—including savings advice for your family’s long-term financial well-being.

Budget-Smart Back-to-School Tips

Make those back-to-school pounds go further with these local tips:

• Shop Early and Compare: Don’t leave everything until the last week of August. Start now, compare prices across supermarkets, high-street stores, and online to catch the best deals
• Buy in Bulk: Stock up on essentials like pens, notebooks, and glue sticks to avoid emergency supermarket runs mid-term.
• Use Cashback & Loyalty Schemes: Many retailers offer extra discounts via newsletters or loyalty programmes.
• Don’t Forget Pre-Loved: Sheffield’s charity shops, nearly new uniform sales, and local Facebook groups often have top-quality uniforms and school supplies for a fraction of the high street price.
• Plan Ahead for Holiday Clubs: If you need childcare over the summer, look for discount deals on local holiday clubs—many offer sibling discounts or early-bird rates.

Get Ready for a Brilliant Academic Year

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to break the bank. With Sheffield’s mix of retail bargains, supportive community credit union loans, and clever budgeting, you can kit out your kids with everything they need for September—without the financial stress. Shop smart, plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to look into local support to ease the burden of back-to-school spending. Here’s to a fresh start and a successful academic year in Sheffield!

Summer in Sheffield offers countless opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Whether you're a member of Sheffield Credit Union looking for budget-friendly activities or simply seeking fun ways to keep the children entertained during the holidays, our beautiful city has something for everyone. Here's our guide to the best free summer activities that will keep your little ones happy and engaged.

Explore Sheffield's Magnificent Parks and Playgrounds

Graves Park - Sheffield's Crown Jewel

Free Entry | Parking: £1 per hour or £4 all day
Website: www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/attractions/graves-park

At 248 acres, Graves Park is Sheffield's largest park and offers something for everyone. This magnificent space combines open greenspace with woodland areas, featuring several streams flowing through it. The park boasts two excellent children's playgrounds, perfect for burning off energy on those long summer days.

Special Features:

• Free Animal Farm: Get up close with Tamworth pigs, Highland cattle, Jacob sheep, goats, donkeys, and many more animals at Graves Park Animal Farm, which is completely free to visit.
• Sports Facilities: Tennis courts, cricket pitches, football fields, bowling greens, and a free pitch and putt course that's open all summer
• Rose Garden Café: Perfect for a rest and refreshment

Rivelin Valley - Nature's Playground

Free Entry | Free Parking
Location: Rivelin Valley Road, Sheffield

Rivelin Valley offers some of the best wild swimming spots within Sheffield city limits, perfect for adventurous families during summer. Children can enjoy paddling and playing with interactive water play equipment at Rivelin Valley Water Play, which opens from Spring Bank Holiday onwards and closes the first weekend of September.

What to Expect:

• Beautiful waterfalls and stepping stones
• Multiple wild swimming spots including the popular stone bridge area
• Woodland walks with stunning scenery
• Art installations celebrating Sheffield's heritage
• Picnic areas throughout the valley

Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Free Entry | Suggested Donation Welcome
Location: Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield S10 2LN
Website: Contact Sheffield City Council for details

These stunning gardens are a true gem, featuring wildly varied exotic and historical gardens right in the heart of Ecclesall Road. Home to 5,000 species of plants spread across 19 acres, this Grade II listed botanical garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species.

Perfect for families to explore together, enjoy picnics, and let children discover the wonders of nature in beautifully maintained surroundings.

Free Museums and Cultural Attractions

Weston Park Museum

Free Entry | Suggested Donation £5
Location: Weston Park, Sheffield
Website: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/visit-us/weston-park-museum
Closed Mondays

Weston Park Museum tells the stories of Sheffield and its people, from pre-history to present day. The museum features exhibitions about Sheffield, history, art, and plenty of nature and science themes, with changing exhibitions ensuring there's usually something new to discover.

Current Exhibitions Include:

• Ancient Egypt gallery featuring pharaohs, pyramids, mummies and myths
• Natural science showcase with Spike the Woolly Rhino and company
• Sheffield's African Caribbean community stories

Kelham Island Museum

Free Entry | Suggested Donation £5
Location: Alma Street, Sheffield S3 8RY
Website: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/visit-us/kelham-island-museum

Kelham Island Museum celebrates 300 years of Sheffield making history, exploring the story of making in the city from master craftsmen to mass production. Don't miss the mighty River Don Engine - the most powerful working steam engine in Europe - in action at 12pm and 2pm Thursday to Sunday.

Family-Friendly Features:

• Little alphabet trail and opportunities for children to dress up
• Interactive 1916 House where families can step back in time
• Little Mesters Street showcasing Sheffield's craftspeople heritage

Millennium Gallery

Free Entry | Suggested Donation £5
Location: Sheffield City Centre (next to Winter Gardens)
Website: https://www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/visit-us/millennium-gallery/

Located in the heart of Sheffield, the Millennium Gallery opened in April 2001 as part of the city's Heart of the City project to revitalise the city centre and promote cultural activities. The gallery features changing exhibitions alongside permanent collections.

Additional Free Museums Worth Visiting:

• Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet - A unique industrial museum on a former steel-working site along the River Sheaf, with history dating back to the 13th century
• Bishops' House - A half-timbered house from around 1500, one of three surviving timber-framed houses in Sheffield
• Shepherd Wheel - A working museum in a former water-powered grinding workshop on the Porter Brook

City Centre Discoveries

Sheffield Winter Garden

Free Entry
Location: Sheffield City Centre

Visit the Winter Garden to wander amongst 2,500+ plants from around the world. It's the ideal place for families to enjoy nature even when it's cold or raining, as you're fully sheltered inside. Right outside, you'll find the Peace Gardens - a beautiful city square perfect for picnics and people-watching.

Peace Gardens

Free Entry
Location: Sheffield City Centre (next to Town Hall)

A beautiful inner city square where families can sit and admire the surrounding architecture or enjoy a packed lunch. Sometimes there are seasonal events like markets in summer and music concerts.

Summer Holiday Activities and Events

Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

Free for Eligible Families
Website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/schools-childcare/holiday-activities-and-food-programme

The HAF programme provides free holiday club sessions for school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) who receive income-assessed/benefits-related free school meals during Easter, summer and winter holidays. Children receive a nutritious meal whilst enjoying various activities at the clubs.

Sheffield Children's University Activities

buy a Passport to Learning for £3.50 from Sheffield Libraries | Donations Welcome
Website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/schools-childcare/childrens-university

Join the Festival of Fun for free taster activities during summer holidays. Children can earn credits in their Passport to Learning, with activities catering to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Library Activities

Free Entry
Contact: Local Sheffield Libraries

Libraries in Sheffield host lots of activities during the holidays for children and young people of all needs. All venues are wheelchair accessible and all sessions are inclusive.

Unique Sheffield Experiences

Pop-Up Markets and Community Events

Free to Browse
Various Locations

During summer, more and more pop-up markets can be explored for free around Sharrow Vale, Nether Edge and other lovely community spots across the city.

Planning Your Summer Adventures

Getting the Most from Your Visits:

• Pack Picnics: Most parks have excellent picnic areas, so bring your own food to keep costs down
• Check Weather: Sheffield's changeable weather means it's always good to have indoor backup plans
• Parking: Many attractions offer free parking, but some (like Graves Park) have small charges
• Donations: While entry is free to museums, small donations help keep these fantastic resources available for everyone

Top Tips for Families:

1. Start Early: Popular attractions can get busy during school holidays
2. Bring Water: Stay hydrated during summer activities, especially in parks
3. Comfortable Shoes: Sheffield's parks offer excellent walking opportunities
4. Camera Ready: Plenty of photo opportunities to capture family memories
5. Check Opening Times: Some attractions have limited hours or close on certain days

Making Memories on a Budget

Sheffield truly is a fantastic city for families, offering an incredible range of free activities that prove the best things in life don't cost a penny. From exploring ancient woodlands to discovering the city's industrial heritage, from splashing in natural swimming holes to marvelling at exotic plants, there's something to capture every child's imagination.

Sheffield is wonderfully green with surprising wild swimming opportunities, beautiful botanical gardens, and fantastic green walks where you can move from park to park without feeling like you're in a city.

Whether you're planning a full day out or just need a quick activity to keep the children entertained, Sheffield's free summer offerings provide endless opportunities for family fun, learning, and adventure. So grab your picnic blankets, pack some snacks, and discover what makes Sheffield such a special place for families to explore together.

Have we missed your favourite free family activity in Sheffield? Share your recommendations with other Sheffield Credit Union members and help us create an even better resource for families in our community.

You're sitting in the bank, nodding along as your adviser rattles off terms like "compound interest," "equity," and "diversification," but inside you're completely lost, wondering if everyone else just magically knows what these words mean, and feeling too embarrassed to ask for clarification because surely you should understand this stuff by now. Sound familiar?

Don't worry – you're not alone. Financial jargon exists to make simple concepts sound complicated, but we're here to change that.

The Basics: Money Words You'll Actually Use

Interest Think of this as rent for borrowing money. When you take out a loan, you pay the lender a bit extra for letting you use their cash. When you save money, the bank pays you a bit extra for letting them use yours. Simple as that.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) This is the real cost of borrowing money for a year, including all the fees and charges. It's like the full price tag on a loan – not just the sticker price, but everything you'll actually pay.

Credit Score Your financial report card, basically. It tells lenders how reliable you are at paying back money. Pay your bills on time, keep debt low, and your score goes up. Miss payments or max out credit cards, and it goes down.

The Saving and Investing Crowd

Compound Interest Einstein supposedly called this the eighth wonder of the world, and he wasn't wrong. It's when your money earns money, and then that money earns money too.

Here's how it works: You save £100 and earn 5% interest, so you have £105. Next year, you earn 5% on the full £105, not just your original £100. Over time, this snowball effect becomes massive.

Equity Simply put, it's ownership. If you own shares in a company, you have equity in that business. If you've paid off half your mortgage, you have 50% equity in your home. It's the bit that's actually yours.

Diversification Don't put all your eggs in one basket – that's diversification. Instead of investing all your money in one company or one type of investment, you spread it around. If one thing goes wrong, you haven't lost everything.

The Property Game

Mortgage A loan specifically for buying property. The house itself acts as security – if you can't pay, the lender can take the house. Most mortgages last 25-30 years, so you're essentially renting money for decades to buy your home.

Deposit The chunk of money you pay upfront when buying a house. If a house costs £200,000 and you put down a £20,000 deposit, you're borrowing £180,000. Bigger deposits usually mean better mortgage deals.

Remortgage Switching your mortgage to a new deal, either with your current lender or a different one. People do this to get better interest rates or release some equity from their home.

The Insurance Maze

Premium What you pay for insurance – monthly or yearly. Think of it as membership fees for financial protection.

Excess The amount you pay towards a claim before insurance kicks in. If your car repair costs £1,000 and your excess is £200, you pay £200 and insurance covers the remaining £800.

No Claims Bonus A reward for not claiming on your insurance. The longer you go without claiming, the bigger your discount becomes. It's insurance companies saying "thanks for not costing us money."

Credit Card Mysteries

Balance Transfer Moving debt from one credit card to another, usually to get a better interest rate. It's like switching energy suppliers, but for debt.

Minimum Payment The smallest amount you can pay on your credit card each month without penalty. But here's the thing – paying only the minimum means you'll be in debt for years and pay loads in interest.

Credit Limit The maximum amount you can borrow on your credit card. Just because you can borrow it doesn't mean you should – ideally, use less than 30% of your limit to keep your credit score healthy.

Making It Work for You

Understanding these terms isn't about impressing people at dinner parties. It's about making informed decisions with your money.

When someone mentions APR, you'll know to compare the full cost. When they talk about compound interest, you'll understand why starting to save early matters so much. When insurance salespeople mention excess, you'll know exactly what you're signing up for.

The financial world loves its jargon, but behind every complicated term is usually a pretty simple idea. Once you know what these words actually mean, you can ask better questions, make smarter choices, and feel confident in financial conversations.

After all, money talk shouldn't be a foreign language – it should be as clear as asking for directions to the nearest coffee shop.

At Sheffield Credit Union, we believe everyone deserves to understand their finances. If you'd like to chat about any of these terms or explore how we can help with your financial goals, pop in for a conversation. No jargon, we promise.