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Get to grips with your money

Whether your finances are a bit under the weather or fighting fit, it's always a good idea to keep track of your money. Do you know what's coming in, and where it all goes to? Would you be able to find money in a hurry if you had to – to pay an unexpected bill, for example?

Our two easy steps below can help you to take stock of your day-to-day finances and, once you know where you stand, follow our tips on how to make more of your money.

Step 1: Take stock

Find out where you stand by reading our tips on how to check what money you have coming in and work out where your money is going. Use our useful tools to help you.

Go to step 1 >

Step 2: Take action

Once you know where you stand, take control and make your budget work for you.

Go to step 2 >

Do

  1. Be straight with yourself about how much money you've got coming in and how much you spend
  2. Review your budget if your circumstances change to make sure you’re living within your means
  3. Find out if you're eligible for State benefits or tax credits and claim them

Don't

  1. Put off dealing with your finances until tomorrow
  2. Overstretch yourself by spending more than you can afford
  3. Ignore the problem if you are struggling with debt – get specialist help now