*Updated 2026*
👉 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
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Problem |
Action |
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Overspending |
Track spending |
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No savings |
Build emergency fund |
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High debt |
Use snowball or avalanche |
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Missed payments |
Contact lender |
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Money stress |
Seek support |
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.
Quick summary: Reviewing income, bills, subscriptions, debts, and savings helps identify spending leaks and build a realistic budget.
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.
Quick summary: Reviewing income, bills, subscriptions, debts, and savings helps build a clear picture of your finances and identify areas for improvement.
Take stock of:
Quick summary: Checking subscriptions, direct debits, and non-essential spending can reveal where money is leaving your account unnecessarily.
Quick summary: Budgeting apps and bank tools can help track spending, monitor habits, and improve money management.
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.
Tracking spending regularly can help identify recurring costs, subscription spending, and areas where money may be leaking each month.
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.
Quick summary: Small money goals and simple budgeting methods can help prioritise essentials, reduce overspending, and build savings over time.
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.
Quick summary: Budgeting methods like the 50/30/20 approach help balance essential spending, lifestyle costs, savings, and debt repayment.
Budgeting helps prioritise essentials, reduce overspending, and increase savings.
A simple budgeting method some people find helpful is the 50/30/20 approach:
• 50% essential spending and bills
• 30% lifestyle spending and wants
• 20% savings and debt repayment
Quick summary: Small financial goals can build confidence, improve money habits, and make larger financial targets feel more achievable.
Start with something like:
It’s not about being perfect, it’s about building confidence. Over time, these actions will help you get your finances back on track.
Quick summary: Listing debts, choosing a repayment strategy, and speaking to lenders early can help reduce financial pressure and improve control.
Debt can feel heavy… but ignoring it makes things harder. There are ways to deal with it that don’t involve shame or stress.
Quick summary: Listing balances, lenders, and interest rates helps prioritise debts and plan repayments more effectively.
Quick summary: Debt snowball and avalanche methods offer different ways to repay borrowing based on balance size or interest rates.
Debt snowball methods build momentum, while debt avalanche methods help reduce interest costs.
• Debt snowball method: pay smallest balances first
• Debt avalanche method: pay highest interest debts first
Quick summary: Free debt charities and support organisations can provide budgeting help, repayment guidance, and practical financial advice.
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.
Quick summary: Emergency savings help reduce reliance on overdrafts, credit cards, and short-term borrowing.
Automatic savings transfers improve consistency and reduce the temptation to spend.
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.
Quick summary: Small actions like round-ups, selling unused items, and regular transfers can help grow savings gradually.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Quick summary: Building an emergency fund can reduce reliance on credit and provide support during unexpected expenses.
First target: £250 emergency savings
Next milestone: £500–£1,000 emergency fund
Longer-term aim: three to six months of essential living costs
Quick summary: Automatic transfers help build savings consistently and reduce the temptation to spend money elsewhere.
Setting up an automatic transfer after payday can help savings build without thinking about it.
Emergency savings can reduce reliance on overdrafts, credit cards, and short-term borrowing during unexpected expenses.
Quick summary: Getting support early can help with debt, budgeting, benefits, car finance payments, and financial difficulties before problems become harder to manage.
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.
Quick summary: Financial charities and support organisations can help with budgeting, debt advice, benefits, and money management.
Trusted sources of support include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Start small if money is tight. Many people aim for an initial emergency fund of £250 to £1,000 before gradually building towards three to six months of essential living expenses. Even small savings can help reduce reliance on credit during unexpected costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.