Georgia’s story: “I’ve learned how to save money and manage a budget”

We’ve been working with her since she became homeless two years ago following a family relationship breakdown.

She now has a job and is preparing to live independently. But being homeless at a young age means she’s never had to manage finances before.

Many people we support are in a similar position which is why we work with The London Institute of Banking & Finance.

Their LiFE programme (Lessons in Financial Education) helps people understand real-life situations that involve money such paying rent, bills and buying groceries.

Georgia recently gained the first part of the qualification the LiFE Award (Level 1) and now has the option of completing the whole LiFE Certificate (Level 2).

She says: “I used to have a lot of struggles with money and budgeting. I didn’t know how to manage my money and what to spend it on effectively.

“This course has helped me to understand how to save money, set up a savings account and how to manage a monthly budget for all the things I need. I even have money left at the end of the month that I put into my savings account.”

Georgia got to visit The London Institute of Banking & Finance’s London office as part of the course. Staff also took her on a sightseeing trip of the capital.

“The trip to London really helped boost my confidence to sit the final exam and reinforced the fact that I was managing my budgets correctly. It has motivated me to continue saving so I can go to Australia one day – a long-term goal for me.”

Becoming financially independent is an important step towards leaving homelessness behind for good.

Working with The London Institute of Banking & Finance helps developing our client’s money management skills which can have a big impact on their futures.

LiFE is a self-study course, meaning people can learn at their own pace. The London Institute of Banking & Finance tutors make regular visits to Porchlight to give support.

The London Institute of Banking & Finance’s Sam Godden says: “It was such a pleasure to show Georgia our London campus and find out what part of the LiFE programme particularly helped her.

“Our staff loved meeting her and we were so lucky it was a clear winters day so the views up the Walkie Talkie were amazing. I truly believe LiFE can help build confidence around managing money and it is on their terms – they are in control of the learning. I hope other young people at Porchlight will sign up for LiFE soon.”