News 11 March 2010

Following the successful pathfinder project in the North-East and North-West of England, the FSA, in partnership with Government, today launched the national money guidance service.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rt Hon Alistair Darling, alongside Chris Pond, FSA Director of Financial Capability, visited a money guidance session at Liverpool Mutual Homes this morning to thank those involved with the pathfinder and to launch the national Moneymadeclear service.

Moneymadeclear is an impartial, sales and jargon-free service providing consumers with information and guidance on how to manage their money now and in the future. The service is available over the telephone, in face-to-face sessions or by way of the Moneymadeclear website. The face-to-face service is being phased in over the coming months and will be fully operational by late 2010.

Chris Pond, director of financial capability said: "The pathfinder has demonstrated that the Moneymadeclear service has provided real help at a time when people urgently needed it especially in the areas of budgeting, credit, borrowing and retirement planning which are not available elsewhere. By giving people the confidence and ability to make the most of their money - now and in the future - the service will make a real difference to people's lives and their well-being.

I would like to send my thanks to all those involved in the pathfinder who have worked so hard over the last twelve months to make today's launch a reality."

Moneymadeclear is available on 0300 500 5000 and online at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

If you would like to learn more about the money guidance service please refer to the financial capability webpage @ www.fsa.gov.uk/ or contact Gary Wilson on extn 63354