Useful resources

Free, official and independent sources for anything that goes beyond general education — regulators, government guidance, and charities that can help with a specific situation.

General & regulators

MoneyHelper

Free, government-backed guidance on money and pensions, including a directory of regulated advisers.

FCA Register

Check whether a specific firm is authorised and regulated before you deal with it.

GOV.UK

Official guidance on tax, benefits, pensions and most things government-related.

Citizens Advice

Free, independent advice on money, debt and consumer rights.

Debt help

StepChange Debt Charity

Free, independent debt advice and debt management plans.

National Debtline

Free debt advice for people in England and Wales.

Savings & banking

FSCS

Check how much of your savings or investments are protected if a firm fails.

Tax

HMRC

Tax codes, self-assessment, and your personal tax account.

Pensions & retirement

The Pensions Regulator

Rules on workplace pensions and auto-enrolment.

Pension Wise

Free, impartial pension guidance appointments from MoneyHelper, for ages 50 and over.

Check your State Pension forecast

See your qualifying years and an estimate of your State Pension.

Investing

FCA ScamSmart

Check an investment opportunity or firm against known scam warnings before you commit money.

Insurance & complaints

British Insurance Brokers' Association

Find a regulated insurance broker.

Financial Ombudsman Service

Free, independent complaints resolution if you have an unresolved dispute with a financial firm.

Plainpurse isn’t affiliated with any organisation listed here. These are independent, mostly government-backed or charitable services included because they’re free and reputable — not because of any commercial relationship.