If you want to start managing your finances, instead of them managing you, there are some basic steps you can take. First, look at how you're dealing with your money . Grab one of your bank statements and add up two things – how much you've got coming in over each month and how much you've got going out. If the going out bit is more than the coming in bit, then go through each thing that you’re buying and ask yourself do you need those 'must have' buys.

Once you've done that, get budgeting. Sounds boring but, frankly, it’s better than being in debt. It's all about itemising stuff. So, if you're into, say, buying clothes, find out how much you can realistically spend each month on them – and this is the tricky bit – stick to it. Do it with everything that you spend cash on – even the essential stuff like food and rent – and within a few months you'll see that you're getting on top of it.

If you're feeling the pressure of having lots of monthly credit payments to meet – like credit cards, store cards, overdrafts or car loans then a personal loan, could be the key allowing you to plan your finances with confidence.

You'll use the personal loan to combine all your existing borrowing into one monthly payment. It makes managing your money a lot simpler, because its just one fixed, affordable monthly repayment for all your borrowings.

If you want to start and take control of your finances you could talk to an independent financial adviser or take a financial health check which can help you identify your financial needs and get smarter with your money so you can plan for the future.

As security for your loan, we have a right of set-off. Halifax is a division of Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ

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