Support Money Ready’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal

When to listen

Tune in to hear Bobby present the Money Ready appeal on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 6 July at 7.54am and 9.25pm, and on Thursday 10 July at 3.27pm. Or visit the BBC Radio 4 Appeal website any time between Sunday 6 and Saturday 12 July to listen back and make a donation.

Owen’s story 

Following an issue with a landlord during the COVID 19 pandemic, 22-year-old Owen was living on the streets and sofa surfing for two years before finding shelter in a YMCA hostel, one of the charities Money Ready supports.

He was keen to turn his life around and save for a place of his own – he just didn’t know where to start.

Then one of the YMCA’s housing officers told Owen about a two-day in-person Money Ready programme in Level 1 Personal Money Management.

On the course, Owen learnt practical skills like how to save and budget, the difference between debit and credit cards, and ways he might be able to manage rent payments, none of which he’d known before.

For the first time, Owen could picture a future where he could manage his money and be in control of his finances.

He’s still living at the YMCA but is now studying for a professional license that will allow him to work in all types of security, including marshalling, guarding and private protection.

Once he gets some regular work, he says he plans to put some money aside each month, using the budgeting training he received from Money Ready.

He feels ready and hopes to save for a deposit on his own place and move out of the hostel sooner rather than later.

“These skills will definitely help with moving out and rent. What I’ve learned about saving will really help.”

The course has boosted Owen’s confidence and taught him real-world money-skills that will last a lifetime.