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Living on your own

Whether you've left home for the first time, or have recently become separated or widowed, living on your own can be a financial shock at first.

However, it needn't be an extra worry for long if you take control of your money at an early stage.

Even if you've been living on your own for a while, our steps below can help you too.

Step 1: Take stock

Find out what you’ve got, what you’re entitled to and what you need to spend.

Go to step 1 >

Step 2: Take action

Work out a system to manage your money and make savings where you can. It's not as daunting as it sounds and once you've got this sorted you'll be in control.

Go to step 2 >

Do

  1. Take stock of where you are financially – it's not as difficult as it sounds
  2. Try to work out a realistic budget – that way you're more likely to stick to it
  3. Try keeping a spending diary – it really does help

Don't

  1. Bury your head in the sand – take action today
  2. Panic if you have money problems – there are specialist advisers who can help
  3. Delay – the sooner you take control of your money, the sooner you'll take control of your life