The Government has pledged the biggest shake-up of the benefits system in 60 years, saying 2.7 million households will be better off and almost a million people will be taken out of poverty.
Fee-charging firms are already taking advantage of government cuts that may restrict consumers' access to free debt help due to the closure of many advice centres.
Some of Britain's biggest banks and financial powerhouses pledged their support to an all party parliamentary group (APPG) on financial education at its launch event last night.
Shoppers could make donations to charity every time they pay for items by bank card or use a cashpoint under Government plans unveiled today to boost giving to good causes.