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Check your income and expenditure

It's a good idea to check regularly whether your income is:

You can use the online budget calculator on the independent Money Advice Service website to check your outgoings against your income.

If you've got money to spare, look for savings and investments options that are suitable for your circumstances and will give you a better return.

If you have a shortfall you'll need to take action to reduce your outgoings and/or increase your income. If you're worried about debts, you can get free advice.

• Where to get advice and support on debt

• Use the Money Advice Service budget planner Opens new window

Review your savings, borrowings and investments

Even if you feel you're in control of your finances, it's a good idea to look regularly at your savings, borrowings and investments to make sure you're getting the best deals available.

Look at things like:

Comparing products

The Money Advice Service website offers comparative tables on a wide range of savings and investment products, including credit card deals. It also offers mortgage repayment calculators showing how different interest rates would affect your mortgage payments.

• Learn about savings and borrowing on the Money Advice Service website Opens new window

Renewing insurance - things to check out

When renewing house, health or other insurance take the time to read the small print to see what's changed. Are you still getting value for money and the cover you need?

• How to shop around for insurance - Money Advice Service Opens new window

Sorting out your financial priorities

If you need help sorting out your financial priorities, a good starting point is the Money Advice Service's online 'financial healthcheck'. It will give you tips for a healthier financial lifestyle and identify areas of your finances that may need further review.

• Use the Money Advice Service financial health-check tool Opens new window

• Use the Money Advice Service budget planner Opens new window

More useful links

• More information on managing debt

• Pensions planning when you're starting out

Useful contacts

• Money, tax and benefits contacts