Budget: Three-Quarters Of People Lose Sleep Over Money Worries

Do You Have More In Common With George Osborne Than You Think?

While George Osborne might think he has it tough - most of Britons are equally as worried about balancing their own budgets this year.

Nearly three-quarters of adults suffer disturbed nights to due to money worries, according to a recent survey by Premier Inn (coming in ahead of anxieties about work and relationships).

Matthew Taylor, spokesperson for mental health charity Mind, told HuffPost Lifestyle: "If you are struggling to keep control of your money, you may find that your mental health is affected. Likewise, if you are experiencing a period of mental ill health you may find that you get into financial difficulties, as three times as many adults with a mental health problem report having money problems than those without.

"The tough economic climate of the past few years has meant that Mind is now hearing from more people than ever who are struggling with their finances - whether they are adjusting to a lower income and increased costs, have been made redundant, or are worried about losing their job."

If you are struggling to keep control of your money and it's affecting your stress levels, here are the Citizen's Advice Bureau's top tips for budgeting...

1. Don't be intimidated by money matters. Keep track of how much money

you have coming in, and how much you have to set aside for essential

bills.

2. Use standing orders and direct debits to meet regular outgoings such

as rent/mortgage, utility bills, council tax etc.

3. Shop around to find ways of reducing your regular payments.

4. Work out the best way for you of paying your bills. Most utility

companies offer 'budget accounts', which calculate your likely yearly bill to

give a monthly figure (which can prevent soaring winter fuel bills).

5. Try and save something every month. Set up a standing order to a

savings account.

6. Allow for planned spending within your budget by saving for things like

holidays, Christmas, birthdays etc

7. Aim to build up an 'unplanned/emergency' allowance.

8. If you can pay for goods outright, don't be persuaded to take out

credit unless it really does work out cheaper or better meets your

budgeting plans.

9. Review your budget every time there is a change in your income or any

other change that affects your finances.

10. If you do get into difficulties, get advice as soon as you can from your

local Citizen's Advice Bureau.

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