Money worries can creep up quietly. One bill goes up, something unexpected happens, and suddenly things feel harder to manage than they used to.
If you’re feeling stretched, you’re not alone. The good news is that small, realistic steps can help you feel more in control again. You don’t need to fix everything at once.
Here are five simple ways to start.
1. Get A Clear Picture Of Where Your Money Goes
Before you can make changes, it helps to know where you stand.
Take a bit of time to look at:
- Your income
- Your regular bills
- Any debts or repayments
- Day-to-day spending
This doesn’t need to be perfect. Even checking a month of bank statements can show patterns you might not have noticed before.
You might spot things that surprise you; small amounts that add up, or costs that have quietly increased. This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding what’s actually happening, so you can make choices that work for you.
2. Set A Budget You Can Actually Stick To
Budgets often get a bad name, but at their best, they’re just a plan for your money.
A simple way to think about it is:
- What do I have coming in?
- What has to go out?
- What’s left over?
Some people like rules like the 50/30/20 split, but that doesn’t work for everyone, especially if money is tight. What matters is creating something realistic.
If a budget feels too strict, it’s unlikely to last. A flexible plan that fits your real life is far more helpful than a “perfect” one you can’t keep up with.
3. Build A Safety Net If You Can
Life has a habit of throwing in unexpected costs; car repairs, appliances breaking, or health expenses.
If you’re able to, putting aside even a small amount can help soften the impact of these surprises. This doesn’t have to mean saving hundreds of pounds.
Starting with a small goal – even a few pounds a week – is still progress. Over time, this can grow into a buffer that gives you a bit more breathing space and reduces the need to rely on credit.
4. Tackle Debt In A Way That Feels Manageable
Debt can feel overwhelming, especially when there are multiple payments to keep track of.
A helpful starting point is:
- Keep up with minimum payments where possible
- Focus extra effort on the debts costing you the most in interest
- This can reduce how much you pay overall and help things feel more manageable over time.
If debt feels hard to face, you’re not alone. Many people find it stressful or even avoid opening letters. Speaking to someone – whether that’s a lender or a free advice service – can help break that cycle.
If you would like free and independent advice, we recommend contacting:
5. Make Things Easier By Setting Up Automation
When money is tight or life is busy, remembering every payment can add extra stress.
If you can, setting up direct debits or standing orders can help:
- Bills get paid on time
- Savings (even small amounts) happen automatically
- There’s less to remember each month
This is sometimes called “paying yourself first” – setting aside what you can before money gets spent elsewhere. It’s not about having lots left over, just about making things a little simpler.
Take Things One Step At A Time
Taking back control of your money doesn’t mean doing everything at once. Even one small change can help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
If you’re struggling, support is available and asking for help is a step forward, not a failure.
You don’t have to do this on your own.
If you have an agreement with Marsh Finance and need help, please contact us and we will look at ways to support you. We can explore options such as payment holidays to give you a short break from repayments, adjusted payment amounts to make monthly payments more manageable, or rescheduling your agreement to better fit your current situation.
Our team will work with you to find a solution that reduces pressure and helps you stay on track, without adding extra stress.