I run the UK's biggest bank, here are five ways to manage your money
Lloyds Banking Group chief executive Charlie Nunn has shared practical advice on saving, budgeting, avoiding scams and managing money in relationships.
By BBC News
The chief executive of one of the UK’s biggest banking groups has shared five practical lessons for managing money.
Charlie Nunn, group chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, spoke to the BBC about the everyday financial habits that can help households feel more in control.
His advice covered saving, budgeting, scam awareness, financial planning and how couples can handle money in a relationship.
The first lesson is to build a savings habit, even if the amount is small.
For many households, saving can feel difficult when bills, food costs, rent, mortgages and other commitments take priority. But regularly putting something aside can help create a buffer for unexpected costs.
That could include car repairs, appliance breakdowns, emergency travel, school costs or a sudden drop in income.
A separate emergency fund can reduce the need to rely on overdrafts, credit cards or high-cost borrowing when something goes wrong.
The second lesson is to understand where money is going.
Budgeting does not need to be complicated, but it does require an honest look at income, bills, subscriptions, debt repayments and everyday spending.
Lloyds Bank’s own guidance encourages customers to review monthly outgoings, track spending patterns and check regular payments such as direct debits and standing orders.
For many people, the biggest savings are not always found in major lifestyle changes, but in spotting unused subscriptions, duplicated services, higher renewal prices or small payments that have built up over time.
The third lesson is to stay alert to scams.
Fraudsters are increasingly using text messages, emails, phone calls, fake websites and social media adverts to trick people into handing over money or personal details.
Common warning signs include pressure to act quickly, requests to move money to a “safe account”, unexpected investment opportunities, fake delivery messages and callers pretending to be from a bank, police force, HMRC or another trusted organisation.
A genuine bank will not ask a customer to transfer money to protect it.
Anyone unsure about a message or call should stop, avoid clicking links, and contact the organisation using a number or website they know is genuine.
The fourth lesson is to talk openly about money in relationships.
Money can be a difficult subject for couples, especially where people have different incomes, debts, spending habits or attitudes to saving.
Clear conversations can help avoid resentment and confusion later.
That might mean agreeing how bills are split, deciding whether to use joint or separate accounts, setting shared savings goals and being honest about debts or financial commitments.
For couples living together, buying a home or raising children, financial planning becomes even more important.
The fifth lesson is to think beyond the immediate month.
Short-term budgeting matters, but households also benefit from looking further ahead. That includes pensions, insurance, mortgage changes, savings goals, debt repayment and future costs such as childcare, education or retirement.
Many people already invest through workplace pensions without necessarily thinking of themselves as investors.
Understanding pension contributions, employer payments and long-term saving can make a major difference over time.
The practical message is not that everyone needs to become a financial expert.
It is that small, regular actions can make money feel less overwhelming.
Checking spending, saving where possible, questioning suspicious messages and having honest conversations about finances can all reduce pressure.
For Cheshire households, the advice is especially relevant while many people are still dealing with higher mortgage costs, rent rises, council tax bills, food prices and energy costs.
A monthly money check can be a useful starting point.
That could include reviewing bank statements, cancelling unused payments, checking savings rates, comparing insurance renewals and setting a clear amount for food, fuel and discretionary spending.
People struggling with debt should seek help early rather than waiting for the problem to grow.
Free support is available from organisations such as Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline.
The wider lesson is simple: good money management is usually built through habits, not one-off decisions.
Saving regularly, budgeting honestly, avoiding scams and talking openly about money can all help households make better financial decisions over time.