IF YOUR New Year s resolution is to save some cash this year, then help is at hand. The Now Let s Talk Money Festival is coming to Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre next Thursday (January 24) and is a chance for residents to find out about a variety of wa

IF YOUR New Year's resolution is to save some cash this year, then help is at hand.

The Now Let's Talk Money Festival is coming to Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre next Thursday (January 24) and is a chance for residents to find out about a variety of ways to keep more cash in their pockets.

The free event will feature a range of stalls with information and confidential advice about cutting the cost of utility bills and managing debts as well as providing people with a chance to find out more about insurance and money saving tips.

Debbie Rabot, director of housing management at Stevenage Borough Council, said: "Typically January 24 is when the post Christmas credit card bills start to arrive and people start to worry about finding the cash to cover them. It's also one of the coldest months of the year and many older people are concerned about the cost of heating their homes.

"The festival aims to show our customers that making some simple changes, like switching energy suppliers or budgeting well, can save them money and stress."

Representatives from William Sutton Homes, Virgin Media, HSBC Bank, Citizen's Advice, Stevenage Homes and Stevenage Borough Council will be on hand to give advice.

There will also be refreshments and competitions to enter and the first 50 people to arrive will receive a free goody-bag with useful gadgets to help them get started on saving the pounds.

The festival will run from 2pm until 7pm.