Savvy Susie or Frugal Frankie?

04/02/2010

Search is on for Fermanagh's Savvy Susie or Frugal Frankie - Oodles of goodies up for grabs

Are you savvy with your spondoolies, a dab-hand with your dough, frugal with your funds or meticulous with your moolah? If you have managing money down to a fine art and think you could be Fermanagh's 'Savvy Susie' or 'Frugal Frankie', the Financial Capability Partnership wants to hear from you.

The Partnership, which is led by the Consumer Council, is organising 'Money Week' from 6 - 12 March 2010, in partnership with Fermanagh District Council and would like the winning moolah-managing master to be involved in the first event of the week, an open air 'Money Market' on Enniskillen's Diamond.

The Money Market will see the educational bodies, advice agencies, banks, building societies and credit unions that make up the Financial Capability Partnership, 'set out their stall' of information and resources produced to help consumers take control of their finances. The Partnership would like Fermanagh's Savvy Susie or Frugal Frankie to be involved in the Money Market to engage with local people and offer his/her tips for managing money to fellow Fermanagh folk.

Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council said: "Northern Ireland has the lowest levels of financial capability in the UK, which is why the Partnership, with funding from the Financial Services Authority (FSA), is trying to tackle this problem with targeted initiatives like Money Week.

"Having said that, there are those who manage their money very well and equip themselves with the skills and information they need to budget effectively, save for a rainy day and get help with money worries. One of the most effective ways for people to develop their skills is to hear from others who have learned how to make their money work for them, which is why we're keen to involve someone from the local area in our Money Week plans".

If you think you could be Fermanagh's Savvy Susie or Frugal Frankie, describe in no more than 100 words the ways that you have learned to manage your money and make it work for you. Entries should be sent to Sara Madden at the Consumer Council, Elizabeth House, 116 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1NY or e-mail smadden@consumercouncil.org.uk by 5.00 pm on Monday 22 February 2010. Entrants should include a contact number or e-mail address. The winner will receive a gift hamper of goodies.