It can be awkward and difficult to talk about money, particularly if you are struggling. Age Scotland's Big Survey found that a fifth of over 50s in Scotland feels financially squeezed, with energy and council tax bills the chief cause. It is important that older people receive everything that they are entitled to, particularly as they have paid and contributed to the system throughout their lives. 

But knowing where to turn can be challenging. 

In this episode, Adam Stachura talks with Age Scotland's Information and Project Development Manager Heather Smith about the charity's "Check in, Cash out" campaign which raises awareness of the social security and financial support available to older people; the free workshops available to better understand benefits; and how to normalise conversations about money.

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Find out more about the support discussed in this podcast:

Age Scotland's free helpline: 0800 12 44 222 www.age.scot/helpline

Check in, Cash out: www.age.scot/checkincashout

Age Scotland's benefit awareness workshops: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/benefits/free-online-benefits-workshop

Age Scotland's information and advice guides: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice

Step Change, free, expert debt advice - www.stepchange.org

Money and Pensions Service (MaPS): Money Helper www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Citizens Advice Scotland: www.cas.org.uk