Citizens Advice Bureaux are now offering a free service to help people understand their finances.

Trained Money Guides will give face to face information and guidance to people on mortgages, insurance, pensions, savings and budgeting, amongst other matters.

The service is available at Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) in Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Peterlee.

Independent, impartial and completely confidential, the Moneymadeclear (corr) service is a new addition to the work of the bureau.

This service is designed to equip consumers with the knowledge they need to avoid debt problems because of over commitment or limited savings and to empower people to plan for the future effectively.

Joan Johnson, a Money Guide from Sedgefield & District CAB said: "Many people have questions they would like to ask about how to manage their money - this could be about savings, mortgages, insurance or budgeting. Up until now advice on these issues was all too often tied to the selling of products or too expensive for people to afford.

"Trained and approachable Money Guides in the CAB will be able to offer free and impartial guidance to people to help them take the next steps in managing their finances.

"It's easy to make a quick appointment."

To book an appointment with a Money Guide call 01388-420147.