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5 Ways To Take Back Control Of Your Money In 2025

👉 Start with a money check in
👉 Set small, achievable money goals
👉 Tackle debt one step at a time
👉 Create a 'life happens' savings buffer
👉 Reach out for support sooner rather than later
👉 Final thoughts
👉 FAQs

Simple, Caring Guidance To Help You Get Your Finances Back On Track

If your finances feel like they’ve spiralled out of control, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not beyond help. Whether you’ve had a tough year, unexpected bills, or just feel like money disappears the moment payday hits, now’s the time to take a breath and start fresh.

Here are five practical, doable ways to take back control of your money in 2025. No judgement, just guidance, from one human to another.

An overhead shot of a login screen for a mobile banking app, with a PC in the background and someone holding up a credit card.
  1. Start with a money check-in

The first step to managing money better is understanding where things stand. It might feel overwhelming at first, but a clear picture can be surprisingly empowering.

Take stock of:

  • What’s coming in (wages, benefits, side income)
  • What’s going out (bills, subscriptions, daily spending)
  • What you owe (loans, credit cards)
  • What you’ve got (even a few pounds saved is something)

Free budgeting apps like Money Dashboard, Emma or your bank’s built-in tools can help you track spending in a way that feels manageable.

If you’ve been thinking, “I need help managing money but don’t know where to start,” this is your place to begin.

*Clicking the 'Emma' link and signing up will earn Marsh Finance a small commission. To learn more, click here.

A piggy bank moving from one level to another with a final circle showing a flag, indicating money goals.
  1. Set small, achievable money goals

Trying to fix everything at once can feel impossible and demotivating. But setting small, focused goals helps you feel more in control, one win at a time.

Start with something like:

  • Save £5 a week
  • Cook two more meals at home
  • Cancel one unused subscription
  • Make one extra debt payment

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about building confidence. Over time, these actions will help you get your finances back on track.

A person using a calculator with coins and credit cards in the background, indicating financial work.
  1. Tackle debt one step at a time

Debt can feel heavy… but ignoring it makes things harder. There are ways to deal with it that don’t involve shame or stress.

Try this:

  • Make a list of who you owe, how much, and what the interest is
  • Pick a repayment method (like paying the smallest debts first or the ones with the highest interest)
  • Talk to your lenders — many offer support plans or repayment pauses

Free organisations like StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice can guide you through your options. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

If you’ve been searching for “how to take control of finances when in debt,” know that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Stacks of coins growing in size from left to right with plants growing out of them, finished with a large pot of coins at the end, representing growing funds.
  1. Create a ‘life happens’ savings buffer

Even a small emergency fund can give you peace of mind. You don’t need thousands in savings to feel more secure, just enough to take the edge off when the unexpected pops up.

Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Use round up features in your bank app to save spare change
  • Sell things you no longer use on Vinted or Facebook Marketplace
  • Set an automatic transfer of £2–£5 a week into a separate pot

Having something put aside helps you feel more prepared and in control of your finances.

A silhouette of a person helps another person up over a small hill, representing teamwork, partnership and support.
  1. Reach out for support sooner, not later

Money worries can be isolating, but support is out there. Whether you’re facing rising bills, unexpected costs, or struggling with car finance repayments, talking to someone can help lift the weight off your shoulders.

Trusted sources of support include:

  • The Money Charity – for financial education and tools
  • Turn2us – to check what benefits or grants you might be entitled to
  • StepChange – for debt and budgeting support

At Marsh Finance, we’re also here to help our customers. If you’re struggling with payments or need breathing space, get in touch. Our team will always listen with compassion and help you find a way forward.

Final Thought

Taking control of your finances isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing one thing today that your future self will thank you for.

Whether it’s facing your budget, setting a mini goal, or asking for support, you’re already making progress. 2025 could be the year you turn things around, and we’re here to cheer you on.

Need support with your car finance?
Contact our friendly team if you're struggling. We’ll work with you, not against you.

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FAQs

How can I take back control of my finances in 2025?

To take back control of your finances in 2025, start by reviewing your income, spending, debts, and savings. Set small financial goals, build a basic budget, and explore ways to save money on everyday costs. If you're feeling overwhelmed, free budgeting apps and financial advice services can help you get started.

I need help managing my money, what are my options?

If you're struggling with money, you can start by tracking your income and outgoings to understand where your money is going. Next, create a simple spending plan, prioritise essentials, and look for ways to reduce non-essential costs. Free tools, apps, and advice from charities like StepChange or The Money Charity can also guide you through the process.

What should I do if I can’t afford my car finance payments?

If you’re struggling to afford your car finance payments, it’s important to reach out to your lender as soon as possible. At Marsh Finance, we understand that life happens. Our dedicated support team will listen to your situation without judgment and work with you to explore affordable options, like payment plans or temporary pauses. Need support? Contact us today.

What happens when I contact Marsh Finance for help with payments?

When you contact us because you're struggling, our customer care team will talk with you confidentially and without judgment. We’ll ask a few simple questions to understand your situation and then offer tailored support options. These might include payment holidays, reduced payment plans, or help reviewing your agreement. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do.

Where can I get free debt help in the UK?

If you’re in debt and don’t know where to turn, free support is available. Trusted organisations like:

...offer non-judgmental help and can work with you on realistic repayment plans and budgeting advice.

Can I refinance my car to lower my monthly payments?

Yes, car finance refinancing can be a way to reduce your monthly payments, especially if your credit has improved or if interest rates have dropped since you took out the loan. Talk to your lender or a car finance broker to explore whether refinancing could help make your repayments more manageable.

Can I change my car to reduce finance costs?

If your current car finance deal is too expensive, you may be able to downgrade to a more affordable vehicle. This can lower your monthly payments and sometimes reduce running costs like insurance and fuel. Speak with your lender about part-exchange or early settlement options before making any changes.

Is it bad to miss a car finance payment?

Missing a car finance payment can impact your credit score and may lead to additional charges or recovery action if left unresolved. But if you act early and contact your lender, many will work with you to prevent further issues. Communication is key, don’t wait until you fall behind.

What’s the best way to get finances back on track after a tough year?

To get your finances back on track, start with small, achievable goals. Cut back on non-essentials, deal with priority debts first, and build a small emergency fund if you can. Seeking help from a debt advisor, using budgeting tools, or speaking to your finance providers can also help relieve pressure.

Can Marsh Finance help if I’ve recently lost my job or had a life change?

Yes, if your circumstances have changed due to redundancy, illness, or another life event, we want to help. Marsh Finance offers flexible support for customers experiencing financial difficulties. Reach out to our customer care team, and we’ll look at all available options to support you through this time.

What should I do if I’m behind on bills and car finance payments?

If you’re behind on both bills and car finance payments, prioritise your essentials first (like rent, food, car, and utilities) and speak to all your lenders, including your car finance provider. At Marsh Finance, we’ll never judge; we’ll work with you to find a manageable solution based on your circumstances.

Worried about missing a payment? Contact our friendly team today.

 

Will asking for help with my car finance affect my credit score?

No, simply asking for help won’t affect your credit score. In fact, proactively reaching out can help protect it by preventing missed payments. We’ll always try to help you avoid falling behind and support you in keeping your agreement on track.

Can I return my car early if I can’t afford the payments anymore?

You might be able to end your agreement early through voluntary termination, depending on how much you’ve already repaid. This is a legal right under UK law, but it’s important to understand the terms and potential costs. Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

What support is available if I'm classed as a vulnerable customer?

If you're experiencing poor mental or physical health, a life event like bereavement, or difficulty understanding your finances, you may be classed as a vulnerable customer. Marsh Finance has support systems in place to help, including communication adjustments, flexible repayment plans, and signposting to specialist organisations.

Can budgeting help reduce stress about money?

Yes, even a simple budget can give you a clearer picture of where your money is going and help reduce financial stress. Knowing what’s coming in and going out each month allows you to make better decisions and feel more in control.

 

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