Money & bills
Money tight this winter? Build a simple budget and know which bills come first
A simple, step-by-step way to take control of your money using free tools from MoneyHelper, the government-backed money guidance service: track your spending, set a budget, cover priority bills first, check for missed benefits and get free debt advice if you need it.
Reviewed 06/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide (benefits and local support vary by nation and circumstances)
Who this helps
Anyone in the UK finding it hard to keep up with bills, including newcomers setting up a household budget for the first time.
What to do
- Track what you actually spend for about four weeks. Write everything down, or go through a recent bank or card statement. Budgeting apps or your bank's own tools can do this for you.
- Set a simple monthly budget: add up your income, then list essential bills and living costs first, followed by everything else such as travel, family and leisure. Take spending away from income to see if you have money left over or a shortfall.
- If you are spending more than you earn, cut back on non-essential costs first, then look again at essential spending.
- Make sure essential bills and priority payments are covered early. MoneyHelper's free Bill prioritiser tool can help you work out which bills to deal with first.
- Check your income. If you are on a low income, use a free benefits calculator to see whether you could be entitled to support you are not claiming.
- Keep up at least the minimum payments on credit cards and loans, and avoid missing Buy Now Pay Later payments.
- If debts are building up, use MoneyHelper's Debt advice locator to find free, confidential debt advice online, by phone or near you.
- Once things are steadier, try to build an emergency fund. MoneyHelper suggests aiming for at least three months of essential outgoings in an instant-access savings account.
Before you act
- This is general guidance, not personal financial advice.
- Benefit entitlement and local support depend on your circumstances and immigration status. Check before you apply.
- Only use free, trusted debt advice services. Be wary of companies that charge fees or promise to wipe out your debts.
Take the next step
Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.
MoneyHelper: beginner's guide to managing your money ↗Destination: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Sources
MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.