What is Money Wise?
Who is it for?
What will I learn?
Do the modules meet National Curriculum requirements?
How do I find out more about a free trial and registration?
3rd Floor, Ty Elwyn
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA15 3AP
Tel: 01267 234567
Why are Trading Standards interested in financial education?
Carmarthenshire Trading Standards developed the Money Wise initiative following a Local Authority review of poverty in 2008-9, which found that the average household income in Carmarthenshire (£28,860) was 5.6% below the Welsh average at the time, and identified that prevention measures are vital to reducing poverty. While the average income has risen to £30,307 the Carmarthenshire Citizens' Advice Bureau noted an increase in the number of people seeking advice on pay-day loans during 2012-13 and helped 1,814 individuals with debts totalling over £5million, that same year.
Furthermore, with responsibility for enforcing the Consumer Credit Act in Carmarthenshire, Trading Standards works closely with the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (WIMLU), and regularly see consumers in financial difficulty and at risk of falling victim to loan sharks.
What do I do if I suspect an illegal money lender?
Illegal money lenders, or loan sharks, are people who lend money without the legal authorisation required to do so. They often charge very high interest rates and often use intimidation and violence to get money from their victims.
If you spot a loan shark or you've borrowed money from one you can report them anonymously to the relevant Illegal Money Lending Unit.
Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit
Email: imlu@cardiff.gov.ukTel (24-hr service): 0300 123 3311
Text: LOAN SHARK and the lender's details to 60003
England Illegal Money Lending Team
Email: reportloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.ukTel (24-hr service): 0300 555 2222
Text: LOAN SHARK and the lender's details to 60003
Scotland Illegal Money Lending Team
Email: loansharks@glasgow.gov.uk Tel: 01412 876 655Where can I get debt advice?
For free, impartial advice on all money matters, including debt you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you're a Carmarthenshire resident you can contact the Carmarthenshire Citizens Advice Bureau direct on 01267 231275.