SpendGrade Request Access

SpendGrade

UK Research Review EDITORIAL SUMMARY OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE RESEARCH

Official data collected by the Office for National Statistics between 7 January and 1 February 2026 found that 88% of adults identified the cost of living as an important issue facing the UK.

This publication provides an editorial summary of publicly available research from UK government institutions, financial regulators and recognised public organisations.

It also contains information about the paid SpendGrade Learning Programme, which is operated and supplied by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

Read the research Request Access [View the ONS publication ↗]

Published by
SpendGrade Editorial Team
Operated by
HORNE MEDIA LTD

Published
26 June 2026
Last Reviewed
13 August 2026

Reading time
Approximately 12 minutes

RESEARCH SOURCES
Office for National Statistics, Financial Conduct Authority, MoneyHelper and OECD

Research published by the Office for National Statistics indicates that concerns about household finances remain widespread across Great Britain.

In data collected between 7 January and 1 February 2026, 88% of adults identified the cost of living as an important issue facing the UK. Respondents were able to select more than one issue.

This figure reflects public opinion during the stated survey period. It should not be interpreted as a measure of individual financial circumstances or as an indication that every household is affected in the same way.

[View the ONS publication ↗]

This report examines publicly available research from recognised UK institutions to provide context on household financial pressures, emergency savings and everyday money management. The research does not identify a single solution and does not suggest that participation in the SpendGrade Learning Programme will produce a particular financial outcome.

Cost of living

If inflation is easing, why do so many households still feel under financial pressure?

Lower inflation does not mean that prices are falling. It means that prices are generally increasing at a slower rate than before.

ONS data collected between 5 February and 2 March 2025 found that 59% of adults reported an increase in their personal cost of living compared with the previous month.

Among the adults who reported an increase in their cost of living:

93% identified the price of food shopping as a reason.
76% identified gas or electricity bills as a reason.

The findings illustrate how changes in several categories of everyday expenditure can affect household budgets at the same time.

However, the effect of changing prices varies between households. It may depend on factors including income, location, household size, energy consumption and individual spending patterns.

Reviewing income and expenditure can help a person understand their current budget, but it does not guarantee savings, increased income or an improvement in their financial position.

[View the relevant ONS publication ↗]

Household resilience

Why do some households adapt more successfully than others?

Households may respond differently to similar economic conditions. The effect of an unexpected expense can depend on income, existing commitments, available savings and individual circumstances.

Findings published by the Financial Conduct Authority in May 2025 reported that one in ten UK adults had no cash savings. The same FCA publication reported that a further 21% of adults had less than £1,000 available to use in an emergency.

[View the FCA publication ↗]

These figures describe the financial circumstances reported by participants in the FCA’s Financial Lives research. They do not determine the circumstances or financial resilience of an individual reader.

Building emergency savings may not be immediately possible for every household. General budgeting information cannot replace regulated financial advice, debt advice or support tailored to an individual’s circumstances.

Next section

What general guidance is available to help people understand their everyday income and expenditure?

Public Guidance

What general budgeting guidance is available?

The publications referenced in this report examine different subjects and use different research methods. They should not be treated as evidence of one universal conclusion or solution.

MoneyHelper, a service provided by the Money and Pensions Service, publishes general guidance on creating a budget, recording income and reviewing expenditure.

[View MoneyHelper budgeting guidance ↗]

Budgeting can provide a clearer overview of income and expenditure. It does not increase a person’s income, remove existing financial commitments or guarantee that money will be saved.

The appropriateness of any budgeting method depends on individual circumstances. People experiencing debt difficulties or problems meeting essential payments may require specialist support rather than general educational information.

INDEPENDENT SUPPORT

SpendGrade provides general educational content and does not offer debt advice, credit advice or personalised financial advice.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty or are unable to meet essential payments, free and impartial support may be available from organisations including MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.

MoneyHelper Citizens Advice

NEXT SECTION

How can general educational materials explain the principles of budgeting and financial organisation?

GENERAL FINANCIAL EDUCATION

What can financial education cover?

Financial education can explain general concepts including household budgeting, recording expenditure, planning regular payments and understanding the purpose of emergency savings.

MoneyHelper, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development publish general information concerning financial literacy and everyday money management.

These organisations are referenced as sources of public information only. They do not approve, endorse or participate in the SpendGrade Learning Programme.

Educational materials may help a learner understand financial terminology and budgeting methods. However, completing an educational programme does not guarantee increased savings, reduced expenditure, improved financial wellbeing or any other particular result.

The way in which general information is applied depends on the learner’s personal circumstances. SpendGrade does not assess those circumstances or provide a personalised recommendation.

MoneyHelper — Everyday money guidance

Financial Conduct Authority — Consumer information

OECD — Financial education

NEXT SECTION

What does the paid SpendGrade Learning Programme include?

PAID EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

About the SpendGrade Learning Programme

SpendGrade offers a paid online Learning Programme operated and supplied by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

The programme provides general educational materials about personal budgeting, everyday expenditure and financial organisation. It does not include financial products, investment strategies, credit recommendations or personalised financial advice.

The programme currently covers subjects including:

  • Understanding the structure of a household budget
  • Recording regular income and expenditure
  • Identifying different categories of spending
  • Planning monthly expenses
  • Understanding the general purpose of emergency savings
  • Reviewing recurring payments
  • Recognising common budgeting mistakes
  • Developing consistent financial organisation routines.

The materials include educational explanations, practical examples and step-by-step learning modules.

SpendGrade does not review a participant’s income, debts, savings, credit commitments or other personal financial circumstances. The programme does not tell a participant which financial decision to make.

Participation does not guarantee savings, increased income, reduced expenditure, improved creditworthiness or any other financial outcome.

How the programme is organised

The programme divides general budgeting and financial organisation topics into separate online modules.

Participants can work through the materials at their own pace during the access period included in their selected plan. There are no compulsory classroom sessions and no requirement to complete the modules in a particular order unless stated within the learning platform.

Participants may revisit available modules while their paid access remains active.

The programme is intended to explain general principles. Each participant remains responsible for deciding whether and how to apply the information to their own circumstances. Continue below to review the programme content and available access periods.

Learning Programme

Explore the SpendGrade Learning Programme

The SpendGrade Learning Programme is a paid online educational programme operated and supplied by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

It is intended for adults who would like to improve their general understanding of personal budgeting, everyday expenditure and financial organisation.

The programme includes modules covering:

  • Household budgeting fundamentals
  • Recording income and regular expenditure
  • Understanding everyday spending patterns
  • Planning monthly expenses
  • Reviewing recurring payments
  • Understanding the general purpose of emergency savings
  • Developing financial organisation routines
  • Recognising common budgeting mistakes

Learning format

The programme is delivered online through structured educational modules and practical examples.

Participants can study at their own pace and revisit available materials throughout their paid access period.

No previous knowledge of budgeting or personal finance is required. EDUCATIONAL LIMITATIONS

The programme provides general educational information only. SpendGrade does not:

  • Assess a participant’s personal financial circumstances
  • Recommend financial products
  • Provide investment, credit, debt, legal or tax advice
  • Prepare an individual financial plan
  • Guarantee that participation will result in savings or other financial improvements.

Participants remain responsible for deciding whether and how to apply the information to their own circumstances. Access is provided after HORNE MEDIA LTD has confirmed receipt of payment. Account details and a link to the educational platform are sent to the participant by email. Continue below to review the available access periods and prices.

Key takeaways

What can be concluded from the research?

The publications referenced in this report examine different aspects of household finances, including living costs, emergency savings, budgeting and financial literacy.

The principal points discussed are:

  • changes in essential expenditure can affect household budgets differently
  • some UK adults report having limited or no emergency savings
  • regularly reviewing income and expenditure can provide a clearer overview of a household budget
  • general financial education can explain budgeting methods and financial terminology
  • individual financial circumstances vary and may require different forms of support.

The research does not demonstrate that one budgeting method, educational programme or commercial service will improve every participant’s financial circumstances.

The SpendGrade Learning Programme is one available form of general financial education. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organisations referenced in this report.

Participation does not guarantee increased savings, reduced expenditure, improved financial wellbeing or any other particular financial result.

Next section

What is the purpose of general financial education?

What is the purpose of general financial education?

General financial education can help people become more familiar with budgeting terminology, financial organisation methods and common approaches to recording income and expenditure.

MoneyHelper publishes free guidance about budgeting and everyday money management. The OECD also publishes information concerning financial literacy and financial education.

These organisations provide useful public information but do not participate in, approve or endorse the SpendGrade Learning Programme.

Educational information cannot account for every individual circumstance. It does not replace regulated financial advice, professional debt advice, legal advice, tax advice or assistance from an authorised credit adviser.

A learner may use general educational materials to improve their understanding of a subject. However, acquiring knowledge does not guarantee that their income, expenditure, savings or overall financial position will change.

MoneyHelper — Budgeting guidance

OECD — Financial education

Programme details

About the SpendGrade Learning Programme

The SpendGrade Learning Programme is a paid online educational service operated and supplied by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

It provides general information about personal budgeting, everyday expenditure and financial organisation through structured online modules and practical examples.

Programme content

The programme currently includes educational modules covering:

  • The basic structure of a household budget
  • Recording income and expenditure
  • Distinguishing between regular and occasional expenses
  • Reviewing everyday spending patterns
  • Planning monthly expenses
  • Reviewing subscriptions and recurring payments
  • Understanding the general purpose of emergency savings
  • Identifying common budgeting mistakes
  • Developing consistent financial organisation routines

The precise order and presentation of the modules may be updated as the programme develops. Any material changes affecting paid access will be communicated to participants where appropriate.

Who the programme is intended for?

The programme is intended for adults aged 18 or over who would like to improve their general understanding of personal budgeting and financial organisation.

No previous budgeting or financial education experience is required. The programme is currently intended for residents of the United Kingdom.

How the programme is delivered?

The educational materials are provided through an online learning platform.

After HORNE MEDIA LTD confirms receipt of payment, an account is created using the participant’s email address.

The participant receives an email containing:

  • Confirmation that payment has been received
  • A link to the educational platform
  • The information required to access the account
  • The start and end dates of the paid access period
  • Contact details for questions concerning access

Access does not begin merely because an information request or email has been submitted. Access begins only after payment has been received and confirmed by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

Important limitations

Programme does not provide:

  • Personalised financial advice
  • Investment advice or investment recommendations
  • Debt counselling or regulated debt advice
  • Credit advice
  • Legal, tax or accounting advice
  • Recommendations concerning financial products
  • Individual financial planning

HORNE MEDIA LTD does not assess whether the programme is appropriate for a participant’s personal financial circumstances.

Participation does not guarantee savings, increased income, reduced expenditure, improved creditworthiness or any other financial outcome.

Participants experiencing financial difficulty should consider obtaining appropriate independent support before purchasing a general educational programme.

Free and impartial support

You do not need to purchase the SpendGrade Learning Programme to access general budgeting information.

Free and impartial information is available from MoneyHelper: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/

If you are struggling with debt or essential payments, support may also be available from Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

SpendGrade is not affiliated with or endorsed by MoneyHelper or Citizens Advice.

Learning access

What's included in your learning access?

Paid access provides temporary use of the SpendGrade online learning platform for the period selected by the participant.

All currently available standard educational modules are included in each access plan. The principal difference between the plans is the duration of access.

Access is personal to the registered participant and may not be transferred to another person or shared with third parties.

What Paid Access includes

During the selected access period, the participant receives:

Access to all standard educational modules currently available within the SpendGrade Learning Programme

General educational explanations about personal budgeting and financial organisation

Practical budgeting examples; step-by-step learning materials

Self-paced online access

The ability to revisit available modules while the paid access period remains active

Access through supported desktop, tablet and mobile web browsers

Reasonable technical assistance with account access by email

Access does not include personalised financial advice, individual budget preparation, live financial coaching or recommendations concerning financial products.

Learning format

The programme is delivered online through educational modules that participants can study during their paid access period.

There are no scheduled classroom sessions, compulsory video calls or fixed study times.

Participants may decide when to access the available materials and how quickly to progress through them.

The programme does not monitor a participant’s financial behaviour or verify whether the educational information has been applied.

Access requires:

  • A functioning internet connection
  • A supported web browser
  • An active email address
  • A device capable of displaying the online learning platform

HORNE MEDIA LTD will create the participant’s account using the email address supplied during the access request process.

Account and access information will be sent by email after payment has been received and confirmed.

Programme overview

The programme currently includes educational modules concerning:

  • Household budgeting fundamentals
  • Recording income and regular expenditure
  • Understanding different categories of spending
  • Planning monthly expenses
  • Reviewing recurring payments and subscriptions
  • Understanding the general purpose of emergency savings
  • Organising financial information
  • Recognising common budgeting mistakes
  • Developing consistent budgeting routines

The programme explains general concepts and examples. It does not analyse the participant’s bank account, credit history, debts, income or individual financial circumstances.

HORNE MEDIA LTD may update, replace or add educational materials during an active access period.

Updates are not provided according to a guaranteed schedule. The purchase of an access plan does not guarantee that a particular new module or feature will be introduced. Any update will remain subject to the educational purpose and limitations described on this website.

Review the available access periods and total prices below.

Submitting an access request does not create a contract and does not require payment. HORNE MEDIA LTD will provide further information and an invoice by email before access can begin.

Access Plans

Choose Your Access Period

Select the period during which you would like to access the SpendGrade Learning Programme.

Each plan requires one manual payment by bank transfer. There are no automatic payments, recurring charges or automatic renewals.

At the end of the selected period, access expires automatically. A new access period can be requested separately by email.

The prices displayed below are the total amounts charged by HORNE MEDIA LTD for the selected access period.

One-Month Learning Access

  • one month of access to the SpendGrade Learning Programme
  • access to all standard educational modules currently available
  • practical budgeting examples
  • step-by-step educational materials
  • self-paced online learning
  • the ability to revisit available modules during the access period
  • access through supported desktop, tablet and mobile web browsers

TOTAL PRICE

£39 for one month of access

This is a one-time payment. It is not a subscription and does not renew automatically.
Access begins after HORNE MEDIA LTD has received and confirmed payment.

Request One-Month Access

Three-Month Learning Access

  • three consecutive months of access to the SpendGrade Learning Programme
  • access to all standard educational modules currently available
  • practical budgeting examples
  • step-by-step educational materials
  • self-paced online learning
  • the ability to revisit available modules during the access period
  • access through supported desktop, tablet and mobile web browsers

TOTAL PRICE

£99 for three months of access

This is a one-time payment. It is not a subscription and does not renew automatically. Access begins after HORNE MEDIA LTD has received and confirmed payment.

Request Three-Month Access

Six-Month Learning Access

  • six consecutive months of access to the SpendGrade Learning Programme
  • access to all standard educational modules currently available
  • practical budgeting examples
  • step-by-step educational materials
  • self-paced online learning
  • the ability to revisit available modules during the access period
  • access through supported desktop, tablet and mobile web browsers

TOTAL PRICE

£179 for six months of access

This is a one-time payment. It is not a subscription and does not renew automatically. Access begins after HORNE MEDIA LTD has received and confirmed payment.

Request Six-Month Access

Important Access And Payment Information

Submitting an access request does not create a contract and does not require you to make a payment.

After receiving your request, HORNE MEDIA LTD will respond manually by email with further information and an invoice.

Payment is made by bank transfer using the details stated on the invoice.

Access is provided only after the payment has been received and confirmed by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

An account will be created using your email address. Your account information, platform link and access dates will then be sent to you by email.

There are no automatic payments or automatic renewals.

Access ends automatically when the purchased period expires. If you would like another access period, you must submit a new request.

Voluntary 14-day Refund Policy

In addition to any statutory consumer rights that may apply, HORNE MEDIA LTD offers a voluntary 14-day refund period.

You may request a refund within 14 calendar days from the date on which access to the Learning Programme begins.

If a refund is approved under this policy:

  • The amount paid for the relevant access period will be returned
  • Access to the Learning Programme will end
  • The participant must stop using the platform and educational materials

To request a refund, email contact@spendgrade.com using the email address associated with your account.

Further information is provided in the Refund Policy.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THE SPENDGRADE LEARNING PROGRAMME FINANCIAL ADVICE?

No.

The SpendGrade Learning Programme provides general educational information about personal budgeting, everyday expenditure and financial organisation.

It does not provide personalised financial advice, investment advice, credit advice, debt advice, legal advice, tax advice or recommendations concerning financial products.

DO I NEED PREVIOUS FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE?

No previous budgeting or financial education experience is required.

The programme explains general concepts through structured educational modules and practical examples.

The programme is currently intended for adults aged 18 or over who reside in the United Kingdom.

DOES SPENDGRADE REVIEW MY PERSONAL FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?

No.

SpendGrade does not review your bank accounts, income, debts, savings, credit history, financial commitments or other personal financial circumstances.

The programme does not prepare an individual budget or recommend a particular financial decision.

HOW DO I REQUEST ACCESS?

Select the access period you are interested in and use the relevant email link to contact HORNE MEDIA LTD.

Your email application should open with a prepared subject line identifying the selected access period.

HORNE MEDIA LTD will respond manually with further information and an invoice.

Submitting an access request does not create a contract and does not require payment.

HOW DO I PAY?

Payment is made by bank transfer using the details provided on the invoice issued by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

Do not send payment to any bank account that has not been confirmed in an official email from contact@spendgrade.com.

Access is not provided until payment has been received and confirmed.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE ACCESS?

After payment has been received and confirmed, HORNE MEDIA LTD will create an account using your email address.

You will receive an email containing:

a link to the educational platform;
your account access information;
the start date of your access;
the date on which your access will expire.

The time required to confirm a bank transfer may depend on the payment provider and banking method used.

IS ACCESS RENEWED AUTOMATICALLY?

No.

All access plans require a single manual payment and expire at the end of the selected period.

There are no automatic payments, recurring charges or automatic renewals.

If you would like to continue after your access expires, you must submit a new request and make a new payment.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY ACCESS PERIOD ENDS?

Your access to the learning platform ends automatically when the purchased period expires.

You will no longer be able to open or revisit the educational modules unless you request and purchase another access period.

Purchasing a new access period is optional.

CAN I STUDY AT MY OWN PACE?

Yes.

There are no fixed classroom schedules or compulsory video sessions. You may access the available modules when convenient during your paid access period.

Your access must still be used within the purchased period. Unused time is not automatically transferred to a future access period.

CAN I REQUEST A REFUND?

Yes.

In addition to any statutory consumer rights that may apply, HORNE MEDIA LTD provides a voluntary 14-day refund period.

You may request a refund within 14 calendar days from the date on which your access begins.

If a refund is issued, your access to the Learning Programme will end.

To request a refund, email contact@spendgrade.com from the email address associated with your account.

Please consult the Refund Information for the complete refund provisions.

DOES THE PROGRAMME GUARANTEE THAT I WILL SAVE MONEY?

No.

The programme does not guarantee increased savings, reduced expenditure, increased income, improved creditworthiness or any other financial result.

The outcome of applying general educational information depends on individual circumstances and decisions.

WHAT DEVICES CAN I USE?

The programme can be accessed through supported web browsers on compatible desktop computers, tablets and mobile devices.

You are responsible for maintaining a suitable device, internet connection and active email address.

If you experience an account access problem, contact:

contact@spendgrade.com

CAN I SHARE MY ACCOUNT?

No.

Access is personal to the registered participant. Account details and educational materials must not be shared, transferred, resold or made available to another person.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP IF I AM EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY?

SpendGrade does not provide debt advice or emergency financial assistance.

Free and impartial information may be available from:

MoneyHelper
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/

Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

SpendGrade is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

EDITORIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL DISCLOSURE

The information published on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes.

RESEARCH CONTENT

This publication summarises publicly available information from organisations including the Office for National Statistics, the Financial Conduct Authority, MoneyHelper and the OECD.

Readers should consult the original publications for the complete context, methodology, survey period and supporting information.

SpendGrade and HORNE MEDIA LTD are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of any government authority, regulator or public organisation referenced on this website.

PAID LEARNING PROGRAMME

This website also promotes the paid SpendGrade Learning Programme operated and supplied by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

Information concerning programme content, access periods and prices is commercial information provided by HORNE MEDIA LTD.

The organisations referenced as research sources do not approve, endorse, supply or participate in the SpendGrade Learning Programme.

NO FINANCIAL ADVICE

Nothing on this website or within the Learning Programme constitutes:

  • Personalised financial advice
  • Investment advice or an investment recommendation
  • Regulated debt advice
  • Credit advice
  • Legal advice
  • Tax advice
  • Accounting advice
  • A recommendation concerning a financial product

SpendGrade does not assess the individual financial circumstances of website visitors or programme participants.

NO GUARANTEED OUTCOME

Participation in the Learning Programme does not guarantee:

  • Increased savings
  • Reduced expenditure
  • Increased income
  • Improved financial wellbeing
  • Improved creditworthiness
  • Successful achievement of a financial objective

The way in which general educational information is understood or applied depends on individual circumstances and decisions.

PROFESSIONAL AND INDEPENDENT SUPPORT

General educational information may not be suitable for every situation.

People experiencing debt problems, difficulty meeting essential payments or other serious financial concerns should consider obtaining appropriate independent support.

Free and impartial information may be available from MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.

Request Platform Access

Contact SpendGrade by Email

If you would like further information or would like to request access to the SpendGrade Learning Programme, contact HORNE MEDIA LTD by email.

Email:
contact@spendgrade.com

Please select the access period you are interested in:

ONE-MONTH ACCESS — £39

Request One-Month Access

THREE-MONTH ACCESS — £99

Request Three-Month Access

SIX-MONTH ACCESS — £179

Request Six-Month Access

EMAIL AND PRIVACY INFORMATION

When you select an email link, your device may open its default email application.

SpendGrade does not collect your name, email address or message through a form on this website.

If you choose to send an email, the information contained in your message will be received and processed by HORNE MEDIA LTD for the purpose of responding to your enquiry, administering a potential purchase and, where applicable, providing access to the Learning Programme.

Please do not include bank account details, payment card information, passwords or unnecessary sensitive personal information in your initial email.

For more information about how HORNE MEDIA LTD processes email correspondence, please read the Privacy Policy.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  • Your email application will open with a prepared subject line identifying the selected access period.
  • You send the request directly from your own email account.
  • HORNE MEDIA LTD responds manually with further information and an invoice.
  • Payment is made by bank transfer using the details stated on the invoice.
  • After payment has been received and confirmed, HORNE MEDIA LTD creates your account.
  • A link to the educational platform, account information and access dates are sent to you by email.

Submitting an email request does not create a contract and does not require you to make a payment.

There are no automatic payments or automatic renewals.

REQUEST PLATFORM ACCESS