We at AllSkills Education CLG were delighted this week to wrap up a really rewarding 5-week financial literacy programme with the wonderful team at Longford Women's Link (LWL). A dedicated group of seven women joined us, and it was a truly enriching experience for everyone involved, including our own FLIT Financial Literacy team.
More Than Just Numbers
From the get-go, we focused on the unique financial landscape many women navigate. Life stages, caring responsibilities, and often managing a household on a single income present particular challenges. It's not just about balancing books; it's about understanding the whole picture of daily life. We explored how to maximise income by making the most of tax credits and government supports, like one-off exceptional needs payments for those starting in a new home.
Minimising spending was another key area. We discussed the realities of running a household on one income, particularly with variable demands like the back-to-school costs for uniforms and activities in September and October. The aim is always to maintain standards while keeping costs down, finding smart ways to manage those pressures.
Planning for Peace of Mind
One common thread we explore is how to view expenses. Moving beyond just monthly bills, we looked at daily, weekly, and even annual costs like car or house insurance, breaking them down to a weekly or monthly perspective to avoid surprises. The goal is always to create even a small gap between what comes in and what goes out – that tiny space is the bedrock of financial resilience. It’s about building up that quiet strength for whatever life throws your way.
We also covered wise borrowing – using credit to build long-term strength rather than for short-term fixes. It’s incredibly important to know where to turn if debt gets overwhelming. We were so grateful to Padraig and Collette from MABs (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) for their talk, which was both approachable and deeply human. It was reassuring to know that people dealing with difficult debt, often incurred while trying their very best with limited resources, don't have to face it alone or with a sense of shame.
A Learning Journey for All
Energy management is another topic that keeps coming up. We discussed everything from checking if you're on the right electricity plan to considering solar options, especially with the rising cost of living. Many people are feeling the pinch from unexpected bills, and some have even resorted to pre-pay meters to avoid falling into debt.
For the FLIT Financial Literacy team, each programme is a huge learning opportunity. We were genuinely amazed by the expertise, skill, and intelligence within this group of women. It served as a powerful reminder that being a lone parent is a life phase, not a life sentence. Many strong, talented, and ambitious individuals find themselves in this situation unexpectedly, and managing finances solo is a genuine challenge that demands skill and resilience.
Our sincere thanks go to Longford Women's Link for their excellent organisation and oversight of this multi-week programme. We're also very grateful to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna) for their crucial funding, and to Anne-Maria Egan at Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) for her invaluable support in making this all happen. Thank you also to Padraig and Collette from MABS who were guest speakers on our final session
