Credit Unions

[Disco_Destroyer]

If you are struggling I'd urge you to check out your local Credit Unions.
They operate by pooling Members Money and can offer savings, loans and the larger ones Insurance (well you can keep that imo) and Mortgages and so on.
The benefit of saving with them is that you can take out small loans and not get stung by the High street banks.
You can ask what sort of investing schemes they have if worried about Money Ethics.
The one I'm a member of is in partnership with East of England Co-Operative Society so the investment is with their portfolio. Yes unfortunately it does entail large corporate entities, but it is a refreshing change to having Bank Charges mounting up!