With spring here again, now is the perfect time to refresh your finances and make your money work harder for you. Whether you’re saving up for a special present, planning a holiday or just looking to save more money, here are five tips to help you make the most of your money this spring!
Look over your savings account.
Take a close look at your current savings account and compare it to some of the other savings accounts that are out there. Lots of credit unions offer very good interest rates and incentives for new customers, so moving your savings to an account with better rates can help your money grow faster.
Don’t spend what you can’t afford!
Spring is the perfect time to review your monthly expenses to see where you could be saving money, so have a close look at your subscriptions, memberships and recurring bills. Are you paying for anything you no longer use or need? Could you manage with less data on your mobile phone contract or fewer streaming services?
If the answer is ‘yes’, cancel or downsize these expenses asap to free up extra money and add it to your savings account!
Shop smarter.
Now the weather is getting warmer, you may be tempted to buy things like new clothes, things for your home or outdoor equipment. But before buying anything, ask yourself if you really need it.
If you really do, take the time to shop around and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts and coupons to make your money go further, or consider buying second-hand or pre-loved items to save even more money.
Explore cashback and rewards programs.
Make the most of your everyday spending by signing up for cashback and rewards programs. Many banks, credit cards and shopping platforms offer cashback or rewards points on purchases and, by using them cleverly, you can earn money back on your regular expenses.
Become more energy efficient.
As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home.
Simple changes like installing LED light bulbs, resealing drafty windows and upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help lower your energy bills and save you more money.
Leeds Credit Union – here when you need us.
By trying these five tips, you can make your money go further this spring and set yourself up for financial success in the months ahead.
If you’ve done everything you can to save some extra money but are still struggling to make ends meet, you could borrow between £250 and £25,000 with one of our affordable loans. To find out more, click here.
Easter is a fantastic time to get out and about with the family and here in Leeds, there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy. At Leeds Credit Union, we’re all about helping families make the most of their money, so we’ve picked three great-value days out with all the key details you need to plan ahead.
📍 Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds, LS15 0AE
📅 28 March – 19 April
If you’re looking for a classic Easter family day out, Temple Newsam is hard to beat. During the holidays, the farm comes alive with newborn lambs, piglets and other spring animals, giving children the chance to get up close to nature and, alongside the animals, there are plenty of other Easter-themed activities too, including:
Most activities are included in the standard entry fee, making this a great-value day out for the whole family.
📍 Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton
📅 21 March – 19 April
For a mix of adventure and fresh air, the Easter Trail at Bolton Abbey is a brilliant option. This Easter, families can follow a themed trail through woodland and riverside paths, solving clues along the way and earning a chocolate reward at the end!
And that’s not all! Bolton Abbey also boasts:
It’s ideal if you want a low-cost, outdoor day out where kids can burn off energy.
📍 Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Dock, LS10 1LT
📅 3 – 6 April 2026 (Easter weekend)
For something completely different this Easter, head to the Royal Armouries for their International Jousting Tournament, a spectacular live event where knights compete on horseback!
If you like the sound of:
then head on over! It’s one of the best free events in Leeds during the Easter weekend and something that kids won’t forget in a hurry.
LCU – Making Easter affordable for families in Leeds.
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re here to support families all year round, helping you plan ahead, budget with confidence and enjoy the moments that matter.
If you need a helping-hand to make your money go further this Easter, one of our affordable loans could be just what you need – click here to find out more.
At Leeds Credit Union, our mission has always been simple: to provide fair, affordable financial services that put people before profit. That’s why we warmly welcome the UK Government’s latest reforms to widen access to credit unions and strengthen the mutual finance sector.
Announced this week, the changes are designed to help millions more people across the UK access affordable loans and secure savings options, offering a vital alternative to high-cost credit.
The reforms will allow credit unions to grow and reach more communities by expanding who can join. This includes broadening membership rules and enabling credit unions to serve larger populations, making it easier for people to benefit from community-based finance.
For many households facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures, this means greater access to ethical lending and a safe place to save, both of which are essential for building financial resilience.
Credit unions have long played a crucial role in supporting individuals who may have been turned away by high street lenders. By offering affordable loans and encouraging regular saving, they help people avoid high-interest debt and take control of their financial futures.
These reforms recognise the importance of that role and place credit unions at the heart of the UK’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, ensuring more people can access fair financial services when they need them most.
For communities here in Leeds, this is a significant opportunity. As credit unions grow and reach more people, we can continue to strengthen our local impact and support individuals, families and communities with trusted, community-focused financial services.
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re proud to be part of a movement that keeps money within local communities and supports people to thrive. These reforms are a positive step in the right direction and we look forward to helping even more people benefit from affordable, responsible finance in the future!
There’s always lots to do in Leeds and this weekend is no different, with the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations coming to town!
A celebration of the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s most famous saint, St. Patrick’s Day takes place all around the world every year on March 17th, even though it is only officially recognised as a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland!
In fact, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival, with people getting together to enjoy traditional Irish music, the wearing of green clothing and, if you’re old enough, a glass or two of Irish beer or whiskey.
There will be lots to do in Leeds City Centre this Sunday to mark the occasion ahead of the big day, with a major St Patrick’s Day celebration planned that features lots of free entertainment, such as:
It’s all set up to be another fantastic St Patrick’s Day in Leeds – we hope to see you there!
Sláinte!
This week, the Chancellor delivered the Government’s Spring Statement in Parliament, outlining the latest outlook for the UK economy.
While the announcement didn’t include any major new policies, it did give an updated picture of where the economy is heading over the next few years. For people and families in Leeds, that outlook brings a mix of reassurance and ongoing challenges.
The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) updated its forecasts as part of the Statement and now expects the UK economy to grow more slowly than previously predicted in 2026, at around 1.1%. However, stronger growth is forecast for 2027 and 2028, which could bring more opportunities for businesses and jobs in the future.
There was some positive news too. Inflation and government borrowing are both expected to fall over time, which should help bring more stability to the wider economy.
What does this mean for my household?
For many people in Leeds, the biggest concern remains the cost of everyday living.
While the economic outlook suggests prices may become a little more predictable in the future, households are still likely to feel pressure in the short term. Rising energy costs and ongoing uncertainty around fuel duty could continue to affect family budgets, which means that continuing to manage your finances carefully remains the order of the day.
At Leeds Credit Union, our focus remains on supporting local people with fair, affordable financial services.
We know that when the economic picture is uncertain, access to affordable loans and safe ways to save money becomes even more important. That’s why we continue to work with partners across the region to make sure people in Leeds have access to financial support and guidance when they need it.
From helping families manage unexpected costs through our Family Loans, to offering competitive rates that are often significantly more affordable than many high street options, our aim is always to put our members first.
We’re also in the process of recruiting a Head of Financial Education who will help us strengthen the financial guidance and resources available to our members and we continue to work with some of Leeds’ largest employers to make saving and borrowing easier for their staff through our Payroll Services, which provide convenient ways to save directly from salary and access exclusive member rates.
Economic announcements like the Spring Statement can sometimes feel detached from everyday life, but the reality is that they shape the environment in which we all live and work.
If you have questions about what the latest announcements might mean for you, your family or your workplace, we’re always here to help – click here to get in touch today.
No sooner have we finished eating pancakes than another excuse to devour some delicious comfort food comes around – British Pie Week!
Running from March 3rd – 8th, this hallowed week is basically Christmas for pie lovers and exists solely to celebrate pies in all their glory. So forget about counting calories – grab a fork and join us as we rank the best places to get pies in Leeds!
Located alongside Leeds’ waterfront in the famous Dark Arches beneath the tracks of the railway station, The Hop is a pie-lovers dream.
Sourced from the multi-award winning Jones Pies in Harrogate, the menu includes classics like chicken and leek, steak and ale and cheese and potato, as well as several more, meaning there’s a pie for every appetite at The Hop. The creamy mash, beer-infused peas and baked beans are all superb and the rich gravy is so good you’ll be tempted to drink it neat.
Chuck in low prices and a huge range of real ales and you’ve got an ideal place to while away an afternoon – or two – this Pie Week.
The Hop, Granary Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds. LS1 4BR.
With a name like that, you’d expect the good people at Pieminister to know their way around a pie. Well, fear not – they certainly do.
Variety is the spice of life at Pieminister, with the menu offering a wide range of flavours across 13 pies, from the spicy saag paneer to the creamy chicken and mushroom via the classic steak and kidney. There are also plenty of starters, sides, puddings, drinks and meal deals for diners with serious appetites, not to mention a variety of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Pieminister, 15-17 Duncan St, Leeds. LS1 6DQ.
A serious contender for the title of “Leeds’ best-kept secret”, Dave’s Pies and Ale does exactly what it says on the tin, dishing out fabulous pies and ales from a cosy, deliberately traditional looking micro-pub on Kirkstall Road.
The pies on offer are classic pork pies with a variety of twists, including chilli, chorizo, stilton, stuffing and black pudding. And yes, they’re every bit as good as they sound, with moist bottoms, crispy tops and flawless presentation, not to mention very reasonable prices.
Aside from the pies, the pub’s reclaimed fixtures and fittings, excellent selection of drinks and resident dog are likely to mean this place only gets more popular over the coming weeks. We recommend getting down there asap before word gets out!
Dave’s Pies and Ale, 350 Kirkstall Rd, Burley, Leeds. LS4 2HQ.
The pie’s the limit!
If we’re honest, we’re struggling to think of a pie we didn’t like, so we’re sure there are plenty of other excellent pie-vendors all over Leeds. Let us know your favourite on our social media channels!
According to recent statistics, new passenger vehicle registrations in Britain increased by 3.5% to 2,020,520 cars in 2025, which basically means that a whole lot of cars were bought – and, therefore, also sold – last year.
With the cost of living continuing to cause financial headaches for many people, more and more are opting to pick up a used car, rather than a brand new one, for their transportation needs and, with new car number plates set for release on March 1st, now is a great time to pick up a quality used car for less.
Here’s how to get maximum value for money when delving into the second-hand market!
Timing is everything.
New number plates are released annually on March 1st and, as a result, the weeks around this date are the best times to buy a used car, for two reasons:
1) as soon as new plates are available, people rush to part-exchange their old cars in order to get their hands on one, leaving dealers with a surplus of used cars they can’t wait to sell on, and…
2) both before and after the new plates’ release, dealers start clearing out their old cars to make room for the new ones, meaning they’re more likely to accept a lower price in order to free up room on their forecourts.
If you’re not in a hurry to grab a new set of wheels, you could potentially save even more money by waiting until the end of car dealers’ sales quarters in March, June, September and December. In order to hit their sales targets and earn bonuses, dealers are often happier to negotiate, allowing you to pick up a quality ride for less.
It’s also a good idea to go to dealerships during the week as they tend to be much busier at weekends. This enables the dealers to focus their attention on you, increasing your chances of getting a better deal.
Know your trim levels.
Trim levels are essentially different variants of the same vehicle. While the names vary from car to car, what this basically means is how many optional extras do you want/need your car to have. The more you want, the higher the cost.
Only you know what’s right for your needs but it’s vital to find out about the different options before making a purchase. There’s no point paying more than you can afford for a model packed with features you’re unlikely to ever use.
MOT, tax and service history.
When buying a used car, the only way to know for sure that it’s reliable and not going to cost you a fortune later is to get your hands on its service book and go through the stamps that are in it – these will tell you the dates when the car was serviced and how many miles it had done between each service.
To be extra sure the car’s as good as it seems, you can also use the DVLA’s free Online Enquiry Service to check its current tax and MOT status by entering the registration number and vehicle make. Don’t be alarmed if the tax has been cancelled – that’s normal when a car is sold to a dealer – but remember to make a note of the date when it was cancelled or it expired.
Every car more than three years old must have its MOT renewed every year so you ideally want a car that has recently passed its MOT as this means you won’t have to pay to have it tested again for several months.
If the MOT isn’t current and/or the tax expired a long time ago, there’s a chance the car has been off the road for a significant period of time and, if so, it’s important to find out why. If the dealer can’t give you a good reason, it’s often a sign that the car’s not up to scratch and should be avoided at all costs.
Get help with an LCU Car Loan!
At Leeds Credit Union, you can borrow between £250 and £25,000 to help you buy the car of your dreams with one of our affordable car loans. To find out more, click here.
Need some inexpensive ideas for the upcoming half-term holidays in Leeds? Here are some the whole family will enjoy!
Perfect Partners at Tropical World.
Say ‘goodbye’ to the wind and rain (temporarily, at least) and get rainforest-cosy at Tropical World instead! Visitors can look forward to a Hidden Hearts Hunt that involves finding exciting facts about adorable animal couples, educational talks from the animals’ keepers and lots of other activities and crafting opportunities too. Valentine’s Day-themed food and drink will also be available in the onsite café.
Perfect Partners runs from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February.
The Great Leeds Valentine’s Fair.
Leeds’ thrilling and romantic Valentine’s Fair is taking over Millennium Square (and more) this half-term!
A combination of classic fairground rides, treats and neon-lit fun right in the city centre, arguably the best thing about the Fair is the fact that entry is absolutely free – you just pay for the individual rides!
Leeds Valentine’s Fair takes place from Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd February.
Hero vs Villain at Stockeld Park.
Transform your little ones’ half-term from just another week off to a full-on battle between good and evil at Stockeld Park!
Taking centre stage, action, adventure and magic abound as the Once Upon a Showdown sing-along pits the courageous Fairy Godmother against the dastardly Captain Hook, while other activities include ice skating, playgrounds and a very special maze… and it all adds up to a memorable day out for your little ones!
Hero vs Villain runs at Stockeld Park from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February.
Happy half term!
If you need a hand bringing your plans to life this half-term, you could borrow as much as £2,000 with one of our affordable Family Loans. For more information, click here.
As the financial pressures facing many UK households continues to rise, it’s never been more important to keep a close eye on your money so that you can recognise quickly if you have debt issues. If you do, it’s also important to know where to turn for help, advice and debt support.
So how can you tell if you’re at risk of getting into debt and what can you do about it? Read on to find out.
How to recognise you have debt issues.
Anyone can be affected by debt, which can creep up suddenly and turn a manageable financial situation into an out of control problem that can result in sleepless nights and feelings of embarrassment and shame.
Luckily, it is possible to spot the signs of impending financial difficulties and stop them before they become a serious issue. Read the following statements and see if any apply to you. If they do, this may be an indication that you have debt issues and should seek help and advice to help you manage them.
How and where to get debt advice and support.
If you think you would benefit from help and advice, there are several organisations that can help.
Citizens Advice has lots of information on its website, with advice on everything from dealing with urgent debts and/or arrears to reducing your outgoings. Click here to find out more.
MoneySavingExpert also has a wealth of information re debt problems and the help that is available on its website at https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan/
Closer to home, our Money and Budgeting Service (MABS) works in partnership with Housing Leeds to help tenants who are struggling to budget their money and pay their bills. We can help you arrange affordable payment plans to cover your arrears and look at switching providers if cheaper alternatives are available. To get in touch, click here.
Take back control of your money with an LCU Debt Consolidation Loan.
A cursory glance at almost any British news outlet will give you an indication of the financial difficulties people in the UK currently face, with debt a common issue in many households. While this is naturally a cause for concern, it’s important to remember that financial help from reputable lenders is available to anyone who needs it.
At Leeds Credit Union, we don’t charge any set-up fees for our debt consolidation loans, nor do we charge any penalties for early loan repayments.
Debt consolidation loans are loans that an individual takes out to pay off their existing debts. The individual uses the money from the debt consolidation loan to pay off the people or companies to whom they are in debt, then repays the loan in monthly instalments.
Debt consolidation loans can be used to pay off different types of debt, such as credit cards, overdrafts, store cards or personal loans.
Taking out a debt consolidation loan is an effective way of taking back control of your finances as it allows you to immediately pay off all your debts and leaves you responsible for just one repayment each month.
When you have several lenders to repay each month, it can be easy to forget to make a payment, especially if the repayments are for different amounts and due on different dates. Needless to say, this makes budgeting and general money management much more difficult.
Because bigger loans often come with lower interest rates, debt consolidation loans can also lower your monthly repayment amount, reducing your outgoings. The repayments can also be spread over a period of time that is more suitable for you, which could potentially lower your monthly repayments too.
For more information or to apply for a loan, click here.
Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the air. But instead of just focussing on romantic gestures for your partner, why not take a moment to show some love to your finances this year?
Here are some tips to help you nurture your financial wellbeing:
Saving.
Building a savings cushion is essential for financial security and, while it may seem daunting, even small steps can make a difference. Start by reviewing your expenses and finding areas where you can cut back and, if possible, start saving the difference.
At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a range of savings accounts that can help ensure your money grows safely and steadily – check them out here.
Debt consolidation.
If you’re juggling multiple debts, consolidating them into a single, affordable loan can simplify your finances and lower your monthly payments.
Our Debt Consolidation Loans are tailored to help you regain control of your finances; find out more about them by visiting: https://www.leedscreditunion.co.uk/loans/debt-consolidation-loans/
Budgeting.
Creating a budget is a fundamental step towards better financial awareness, so take the time to assess your income and outgoings, prioritising essential costs while also allocating funds for savings and leisure activities.
By sticking to your budget, you’ll avoid overspending and be well prepared if any unexpected expenses appear without warning.
Online services.
Embrace the convenience of online banking to manage your finances effortlessly. By being able to access your accounts anytime, anywhere, and perform transactions securely through your bank’s website or app, you’ll find banking in 2026 has become much quicker and simpler than ever before.
Open dialogue.
Don’t shy away from discussing your financial situation with trusted individuals, whether it’s your partner, your family or your friends. Sharing your concerns and seeking advice can alleviate stress and help you make better-informed decisions about your finances.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Leeds Credit Union!
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re committed to empowering our members with accessible financial solutions. Whether you’re looking to save, borrow or manage your finances more effectively, we’re here to support you on your journey towards financial wellbeing. Join us today and start learning to love your finances again!