Financial wellbeing

It only takes a moment to sign up to the School's benefits platform* for staff - just click here to get started. Access a huge range of discounts (including groceries and holidays), and see all your LSE perks at a glance! 

You can create an account on LSE Extras using your name as it's recorded in our system and your payroll number. If you aren't quite sure what your payroll number is, you can find it on your payslip - alternatively, you can find out by logging into MyView and selecting 'Account' followed by 'View my details'. 

If you experience any issues with creating an account, try using your payroll number but without the initial '0'. If it's still not working, just contact Staffwellbeing@lse.ac.uk and we'll be happy to help. 

For a more detailed look at what LSE Extras can offer - including a walk-through video and previews of upcoming offers - take a look at the new LSE Extras information webpage. 

*Please note that, as of October 2023, Sodexo (the company which administers the LSE Extras plaform) completed a change of name to Pluxee UK LTD. Your use and experience of LSE Extras platform is entirely unaffected. 

There’s always the friend of a friend or a trusted family member who has a Costco wholesalers’ membership who prides themselves on being a savvy shopper by being a member.  As a member of staff working in the education sector, all LSE staff qualify for Costco membership, which can enable savings across the year on household purchases, groceries and much more.

An annual standard Individual Membership is £28 excluding VAT (£33.60 including VAT), and includes a complimentary card for your partner or spouse. This membership would be available to use across all UK and international locations as well as online. 

LSE staff should select the “education” option in the drop down selection when signing up online

Once signed up new members will receive a £10 online voucher and can shop online straight away or visit their local warehouse!  

Please see this link for details on what documentation is required to validate membership.

With the Prepaid Cashback card*, courtesy of LSE Extras, you can make cashback savings of up to 15% at any retailer that accepts VISA prepaid cards, both instore and online. This includes more than 40 major UK retailers, including Asda, M&S and Sainsbury’s. Get the card today and you can start saving on almost anything, from everyday essentials to special occasion purchases.

Unlike some other cashback schemes, you don’t need to wait months to see the benefits – all cashback from qualifying purchases is collected in a virtual pot and added onto your cashback card balance the next time you top up. What’s more, there’s an app to help you manage your card, including checking your balance, instant top ups, tracking your transactions and viewing the latest retailer rates. 

To sign up to the card, simply log into your LSE Extras account, select ‘Spree Cashback Card’ from the ‘Ways to save’ drop-down, and follow the steps.

* Exclusions apply. Please see full terms and conditions.

N.B. Please note that all purchases made on the LSE Extras platform - including vouchers, reloadable cards, eVouchers and cinema tickets - require authentication by Verified by Visa. The Spree Cashback Card does not have this functionality; therefore, you will be unable to use it to make purchases on the LSE Extras platform. 

The TOTUM card is now officially available for LSE staff!   

TOTUM is the UK's #1 student (and now HEI staff) discount card and app! It is the new name for the NUS extra student discount card and your TOTUM membership opens up a world of brilliant discounts, offers and vouchers on your everyday essentials, must-have gear and luxury items.  In store and online, TOTUM puts over 350 UK discounts and offers right where you want them – in your pocket. And TOTUM is the only discount platform endorsed by the National Union of Students (NUS). 

The app is free to download from either the App Store or Google Play. For more information visit the TOTUM website, or for details on pricing and directions on how to order your TOTUM card click here and start taking steps to improving your financial wellbeing today.

If you're looking for help and advice with your financial wellbeing, you might be interested in the new financial planning sessions that have been arranged for this autumn.

Organised by Insight Financial Associates, with whom LSE has a longstanding working relationship, these sessions cover a range of different scenarios so you can find something which is relevant to you. All sessions will be held online and you can register in advance at the links below.

Early / Mid Term Financial Planning (1.00-2.00pm Tuesday 15 October)

Join this informative presentation for tips, strategies and insights into how you can plan ahead and stay organised. This session will cover:

• What is the Financial Life Cycle?
• Debt management
• Your employee benefits package
• Your pension scheme
• Investments and tax planning

Please click here to book your place

Mid / Late Term Financial Planning (1.00-2.00pm Wednesday 23 October)

This session will discuss strategies and tips for planning for mid and late-term finances. The session will cover:

• Retirement and future financial planning
• Your pension scheme overview
• Investments and tax planning
• Wills and trusts
• Legacy planning

Please click here to book your place

Retirement Planning (1.00-2.00pm Tuesday 29 October)

This retirement planning presentation will cover everything from setting goals to creating a solid retirement plan. Book your place and kickstart your journey towards a worry-free retirement. The session will cover:

• Your pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing in retirement
• Flexible and early retirement
• Annual and lifetime allowance

Please click here to book your place

Did you know that, as an LSE member of staff, you can gain unlimited access to the Financial Times website? To take advantage of this benefit, just visit this webpage and enter your details, including your LSE email address. 

LSE’s benevolent fund is a reserve of money dedicated to helping staff who are experiencing significant financial hardship and distress. Open to current or retired members of LSE staff, or their dependents, the fund is in place to support members of our community who need financial assistance by providing a grant or loan, depending on your circumstances.

Further details about the scheme, including what else you need to know and how to apply, are available on the LSE Benevolent Fund webpage.

The Money Course is a free, simple and effective money skills course to help you navigate life. How might the The Money Course help you? 

• You'll discover lots of practical, real-life money skills to help you manage your personal money day-to-day 
• You'll get ideas on how to make savings and avoid getting into debt 
• You'll learn how to create a simple household budget to help you take control 
• You'll hear about ways to prioritise the things that are most important to you, and develop simple techniques to stay on top your bills 
• You'll learn how to avoid getting into difficulty with debt, and what to do if you are struggling with problem debt 
• You'll learn more about your relationship with money and how to deal with the anxiety that it can sometimes bring 
• You'll get support from a Budget Coach if you need to speak to someone one-to-one. 

The UK government webpages include advice on any number of financial topics, including debt management and repayment.