MoneyHelper in Welsh – the Welsh Language Scheme

Rhian Hughes and Lawrence Davies work for the Money and Pensions Service in Wales. In this blog they talk about why it’s important for Welsh speakers to have access to free and impartial money and pension guidance in Welsh. They also give an introduction to all the MoneyHelper services available for Welsh speakers, as well as give an outline of the Welsh Language Scheme which makes these services possible.

Covid-19 has not only impacted on us physically, but it’s found some of us going through money troubles and worries for the first time ever. We understand this, and whether you’re looking for help because you are struggling and have financial concerns, or you just need some guidance around benefits, budgeting, having a baby, mortgages or your pension; we want you to feel comfortable when you contact MoneyHelper.

MoneyHelper offers free and impartial money and pension guidance that you can trust and makes it quicker and easier for you to find the right help.

You can access MoneyHelper by phone, online, WhatsApp or webchat. We are here to help.

If you decide to contact us by phone, our contact centre colleagues are there to guide you on any questions you may have around your money and pensions.

Medwen Roberts, from Rhuthun, called us a couple of weeks ago and spoke to Lawrence as she wanted to speak to someone in Welsh about her pension.

Medwen says:

“I was trying to get some help deciding what to do with my pension. I wouldn’t say I’m active when it comes to looking after my pension. It’s quite mind-boggling and I find that there are more interesting things to do with my time…!

“When I called the MoneyHelper Welsh language pension helpline, I found that discussing my pension options in Welsh was more natural and relaxing. I’m more comfortable talking about important things, especially awkward things like money, in Welsh. Lawrence, my pensions expert, he was great, and he covered lots of extra things that I didn’t realise I needed to know. I would recommend it to anyone.”

We have loads of tools, calculators and articles that can help you. Do you have a budget? If not, why not have a look at our Budget Planner and see how you could possibly make your money go further and set some goals for the future. It’s also a good way of keeping track of your money, knowing how much you have to spend, and helping avoid those money pitfalls. 

Are you expecting or planning a baby? Why not try our Baby costs calculator? Looking at the cost of everything is a good way to start planning for what you need.

Caryl Hughes from Colwyn Bay in Wales has done just this and shares her thoughts:

“I used the Baby costs calculator on the MoneyHelper website to work out how much money we need for our second baby. It’s been a great help for me to remember what we’ve already got and what I need to buy as new, and of course, how much money we need to actually buy these items. And being able to access this in Welsh makes it even more useful. By using this Baby costs calculator, I’ve also come across another useful tool on MoneyHelper, such as the Baby money timeline.”