There may be times when you need to borrow small amounts of money to help you through a crisis or unexpected event, and we want to help you find the best option.

If you are on a low income, you will find it difficult to borrow small amounts of money without it costing the earth.

High street banks, building societies or credit cards are not always an option, and there are lots of different ways to borrow.

Credit Unions
Credit Unions are 'not for profit' financial  co-operatives, owned and controlled by its members. Members save regularly amounts in their account and these savings are then used to make low-cost loans - rather like a large communal piggy bank!

Depending on where you live or work, there is always a Credit Union nearby.

• FAIRshare Credit Union covers Telford & Wrekin - 01952 282528
• Just Credit Union covers Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin - 01743 252325
• Staffordshire Credit Union covers the whole of Staffordshire - 0845 224 1215

If you need to borrow money or buy things for the home,
always try your local Credit Union first.

WATCH OUT for the following very expensive forms of credit:

Doorstep Lenders
'Home Credit Companies' like Provident or Shopacheque offer cash loans or shopping vouchers, but charge a very high rate of interest. 

Payday Loans
Payday loans are for people who need to borrow money over a short period of time, normally until payday. Companies like Wonga and Quickquid deal in payday loans, and although they can be quick to arrange, they charge very high rates of interest.

Being so readily available can make them dangerous if you have money troubles, as you can quickly fall further into debt, or rely on them every month.

Pay as you view borrowing  
There are lots of companies like Homebuy, or Buy As You View, who will sell you items for the home or offer cash loans, and you  repay the debt through a coin meter linked to your TV power supply. This is a very expensive way to buy goods or borrow cash and if you don't keep up your payments you won't be able to use your TV! 

The weekly repayments might seem low, but always look at the amount you pay back over the whole period to see how much its really costing you