All the key changes happening this month which could have a big impact on your finances, and the support available.

We’re all trying to make our money go further. Which means any changes or price rises can have a real impact on our day-to-day living.

• 7 ways to cut down your energy bill
• Universal Credit could rise to £120 per week

We’ve rounded up some of the key things happening in March that could affect your money. And we’ve got details on the financial support available to you.

For even more help, head to our Cost of Living hub which is packed with money-saving tips and all the benefits and entitlements info you need.

1. Spring Budget

The Spring Budget is happening on 15 March and we’ll bring you all the latest on how it impacts your family. ( Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the news that matters to YOU, straight to your inbox).

Nothing has been revealed yet about Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s budget. Yet families are hoping he will cancel the planned increase to the Energy Price Guarantee to stop average energy bills rising by £500 a year.

2. Interest rates

Got a mortgage or paying off a loan? Then a change in interest rates could have a big impact on how much you pay each month.

The Bank of England will make an announcement about interest rates on 23 March. If interest rates become higher, you’ll pay more on mortgages, loans, and credit cards.

3. Train price increases

Planning a train journey with the kids, or do you take the train to work? Then there’s bad news as rail fares are rising from 5 March – and it’s the largest increase in a decade.

Average fares will go up 5.9%. The same increase will apply to tubes and buses in London too.

There are ways to save money though, including buying ' split tickets'.

4. End of Energy Bills Support Scheme

The government's £400 discount on energy bills ends on 31 March. It had been spread over 6 months and seen households receiving £66-£67 off their energy bills each month.

When it ends, typical household energy bills are set to rise to £3,000 a year from April. However there have been calls for the government to keep the current level of support so they stay at £2,500 for the average household. Watch this space.

And check out the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding scheme which we reported on last month. The money is being made available to those who missed out on the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

5. Household Support Fund closing

Thousands of families have until the end of March to apply for FREE cash worth up to £250. This is to help pay for energy bills and food.

The Household Support Fund is allocated to local authorities who can then provide discretionary grants, often on a one-off basis, to help struggling families with financial emergencies.

First Cost of Living payment

Although the exact date hasn’t been confirmed, the first 2023 Cost of Living payment is due ‘during Spring 2023’. We’ll keep you updated as soon as the exact date is announced.

Over 8 million families will receive the Cost of Living payments. The first payment will be £301. This is followed by £300 in the summer, and £299 in Spring 2024.

Where to get support

Head to our Cost of Living hub for details on the benefits and entitlements you could be eligible for.

Plus, here's when all your benefits, including Universal Credit, will be paid over Easter .

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