Free finance advice from NatWest

A high street bank is offering free and impartial financial advice to Reading residents affected by the credit crunch.

From tomorrow, NatWest branches in Reading Market Place, School Road in Tilehurst and Crockhamwell Road in Woodley will have independent ‘Moneysense’ advisors.

Trained by the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), the advisors can give general guidance on budgeting and saving but will not endorse or sell products.

NatWest is the first high street bank to offer the independent financial service, which will be available to customers of other banks and even those without a bank account.

NatWest’s managing director for Berkshire Pete McCarthy said: “During pilots people told us they would look for help at their bank and with more than two million people coming into our branches each week this environment seems a natural fit for the service.”