The best way to stay out of debt or help get your finances back on track is to budget your finances.

To make a start:

• Complete an online budget calculator on the FSA website http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/tools.aspx?Tool=budget_calculator 
  

• If you prefer to have a hard copy of what you are spending, print the Income and Expenditure form from our Money Matters booklet and complete it by hand
  

• Pickup some useful tips on budgeting from the DirectGov website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/PlanYourWayOutOfDebt/DG_10023176
  

• When planning a budget, it’s important to think about the future and prepare as much as possible for the unexpected. Complete a financial health check to find out what to look out for  http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/tools.aspx?Tool=financial-health-check

As well keeping a record of the money coming in and money going out of your household, it’s also important to make the most of your day to day money and make saving where you can.

Here are some useful tips on how to save money

• Open a bank account and benefit from direct debit discounts, cashing cheques free of charge and withdrawing cash free of charge

• For tips on how to save money on your shopping, utility bills, phone bills, travel and much more, visit www.moneysavingexpert.com

• Use a supermarket comparison site to see if you could save money on your food bill www.mysupermarket.co.uk/Home

• Compare the prices of Gas and Electricity providers to get the best deals. Use price comparison websites such as http://energy.moneyexpert.com/, www.energyhelpline.com,  www.uswitch.com, http://www.energylinx.co.uk/fifteen/, www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities

• Save money on days out by visiting www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/pay-less-for-going-out