Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

How to read your payslip

What each line means and how to spot a mistake.

The short answer

A payslip shows what you earned and what was taken off before you were paid. Your employer must give you one on or before payday. It is worth reading properly each month, because it is how you spot a wrong tax code, a missed overtime payment or an incorrect deduction.

What a payslip must show

Your earnings before and after deductions.
The amount of any deductions that change each time, such as tax and National Insurance.
The number of hours worked, if your pay varies with the time you work.
Fixed deductions, such as a season ticket loan, must be explained on the payslip or in a written statement.

Common lines and what they mean

Gross pay: what you earn before anything is taken off.
Tax code: tells your employer how much tax-free pay you get. See tax codes explained.
PAYE tax: the Income Tax taken from this payslip.
NI: your National Insurance, see how National Insurance works.
Pension: your contribution to a workplace pension, and often your employer's share is shown separately.
Student loan: repayments taken when your pay is over the plan threshold, see student loan repayments explained.
Year to date (YTD): totals so far in the tax year.
Net pay: what is paid into your bank account.

Five quick checks

Is the tax code the one you expect, and does it match your letter from HMRC?
Do the hours or salary match your contract, including overtime?
Is the pension contribution the right percentage?
Is the student loan plan correct, or still being taken after you have repaid it?
Do the year-to-date totals keep growing sensibly from month to month?

If something looks wrong

Tell your payroll team in writing and ask them to explain the line.
If the tax code is wrong, tell HMRC or use your personal tax account.
Keep your payslips. They help with mortgage applications and tax returns.
If you cannot sort it out, Acas offers free advice on pay problems.

Compare with the calculator

Use the take-home pay calculator with your annual salary to see what your payslip should look like. Small differences are normal, because payroll is calculated month by month, but large ones are worth asking about.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax, benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.