The best way to plan your household budget for the coming months is to be aware of any notable financial events taking place, whether that's adding them to a calendar - online or paper-based - marking them in a diary or marking a pile of sticky notes and pinning them on the fridge.
This year will see a series of new cost of living payments being made to over 8 million families, changes to benefit and State Pension payment rates, extended energy bill support, a rise in the minimum wage and devolved payments unique to people living in Scotland.
The UK Government recently confirmed cost of living payments worth up to £1,350 in total will begin this Spring after the start of the new financial year on April 6. This includes £900 for those on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, £150 for people claiming disability benefits and £300 for pensioner households to be added to the 2023/24 Winter Fuel Payment.
