So, what exactly is Money Advice?
This is offered in cases where 
people are having difficulties meeting their commitments. This could be caused by a sudden drop in income or change in personal or family circumstances. People are anxious to repay their debts but may not know how to deal effectively with creditors. As people are threatened with Court Action, Eviction or Disconnection of services, they are inclined to panic, and pay the most forceful and vociferous creditor. This may not be wise.
Money Advice looks at ways of improving income and getting expenditure under control, encouraging savings in expenditure wherever possible. Money Advice work largely involves negotiating with primary creditors to agree debt repayments within a realistic budget.
What parts of the service could be free?
Money Guardians offers debt and benefits advice free of charge as part of our overall service, but does not take on this type of work in isolation of other work. Money Advice is available free-of-charge from Citizens Advice, MACS Advice Line (telephone 01273 664040) or through other telephone help-lines. There may often be a long wait for these free services.
When Money Guardians come to cover this part of the service, debt and benefits advice, it remains free. A potential client would only use their own resources to pay for further services if they agreed to take up an ongoing Money Guardians service.
Do you give Financial Advice?
No, financial advice on investments and tax planning does not form part of Money Guardians core work. We cannot recommend a particular registered financial advisor, but a joint home visit could be arranged if you are anxious about such advice.
And what is Money Management?
This is a way of relieving people of the anxiety of living from one crisis to another. This could be a short-term service to sort out financial affairs because you are moving into residential care or on behalf of relatives on death.
Alternatively, this could be a longer-term service; we could receive one or more of your income sources, such as retirement pension, and administer this to pay creditors and utility bills.
And Money Handling?
The money handling element of the enterprise is its unique feature and is offered in such a way as to avoid undermining the independence of the people we help.
Money Handling involves Money Management as above, but also by giving people access to the balance in cash, possibly through a weekly home visiting service.
Find out how we have helped someone in this situation by reading case studies.
What is a social enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business venture that trades with a social aim and purpose, and is designed to directly address a specific social problem and simultaneously make a modest profit. Well know examples include The Big Issue, Café Direct and Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, Fifteen.
Is Money Guardians a social enterprise?
Yes, any profits from the enterprise will be reinvested in our sister charity and service provider – MACS for social and local community purposes. This will allow additional individuals in the community to benefit from our services. Money Guardians has the skills needed to run a new business successfully; dealing with vulnerable people, keeping clear boundaries, communication skills, debt and welfare benefit expertise, financial accounting, management and supervision procedures etc.
How do I know my money will be safe with you?
For over twenty years our service provider, MACS, has been working closely with Brighton and Hove Council’s Social Services and SouthDowns NHS Trust to provide a service for people they refer for a full Money Management Service. Working to their very exacting standards and the Legal Services Commission’s Quality Mark has ensured that this service has become so successful that there is now a long waiting list.
How much does it cost?
As a not-for-profit organisation Money Guardians is committed to keeping charges to a minimum, and offers its services at cost rather than for a profit. Currently we offer three different levels of service; Bronze; Silver and Gold. A basic Bronze service costs from about £5 per week. Each service level includes an initial free assessment, access to regular cash collection, statements of your account with us and a limited amount of casework. Extra casework can always be added as necessary.
Silver and Gold service levels are appropriate for clients who want to have regular home visits; monthly for a Silver service and weekly for a Gold service.
What are Direct Payments
These are cash payments given by social services departments to people who have been assessed as needing services. They are designed to give more flexibility in how services are provided and offer people greater choice and control over their lives. This would enable you to make your own decisions about how your care is delivered. Money Guardians can assist if mobility or personal experience is limited. Not all the money made available by Direct Payments need be spent on care – you might prefer to spend the money on education, training or sporting facilities linked to health.
The Direct Payments Direct website provides information and advice on direct payments for people with physical or learning disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health issues, and their carers. The site was developed by Brighton and Hove City Council, the Brighton & Hove Federation of Disabled People and the Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove. If you decide to use the direct payments scheme, you will need further assistance from the Direct Payments Advice Service.
What is an Appointee?
When someone becomes mentally incapable of managing their own financial affairs, it is possible to apply to the Department of Works and Pensions to act as appointee for that person. This is a service which Money Guardians can provide.
State benefits will then be paid to the appointee, who then has a duty to ensure that the monies are dealt with in a proper manner. An appointee is personally liable for the monies received.
For more information on appointeeship and benefits, visit the website of the Department for Works and Pensions.
What is a Deputy
Deputies are appointed by the Court of Protection (COP) to manage the property, affairs and personal welfare of someone who lacks capacity to make decisions for themself. Money Guardians are well placed to act as Deputies as we are well able to fulfil the personal care requirements of the court, as well as managing money issues.
We can apply to the Court of Protection on behalf of our clients. This is appropriate when someone has not previously appointed an attorney in a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and does not have the mental capacity to make an LPA .
For more information on the Court of Protection and LPAs, visit the website of http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk
