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Personal debt has, rightly or wrongly, been too easy to get into over the past few years, yet it is something which many people struggle to cope with. If you’re serious about avoiding debt, or getting yourself out of debt, there are a number of things you can do to help.

The word ‘budget’ might sound quite daunting, and understandably so, but it can keep a roof over your head, food in your cupboards and it can even help you sleep a little easier. Make sure you aren’t worsening your position by mismanaging your finances by setting a monthly or weekly budget, which accounts for all your expected outgoings.

Budget. Though it may sound daunting at first, budgeting can make the difference between not making your utility payments and a good night’s sleep. Make sure all your outgoings are accounted for (before payday) – and pay everything on time – the coming month will be much more bearable.

Credit cards, fixed term overdrafts, and even debt consolidation loans are too often seen as a quick fix, but the truth is that these options will involve high interest rates that will worsen your position sooner or later – so remember that budgeting will be key to staying debt-free.

If your financial situation is worsening, seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or the Consumer Credit Counselling Service. Both offer free, impartial advice and they won’t try and sell you any ‘debt solutions’.

Supplementing your income with part time or weekend work, even on a short-term basis, can help you with unforeseen costs, or to help with a bill you can’t seem to shake off. Doing this also means you won’t need to turn to your credit card or overdraft in your hour of need.

Find out more about debt management. Find out more about debt management.