SECURE YOUR FINANCES GETTING STARTED...

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Before making any big decisions, it pays to take stock and consider your current relationship with money.

‘Spring clean your finances, working out what you have in terms of assets, and any liabilities. What are the habits and behaviours you might need to change?’ says Simonne.

Looking back on times when we wish we hadn’t spent so much is an easy way to refresh financial habits. Once you know where you are and what you need to fix, you can set out financial goals. This could be anything from funding a new career to planning your retirement.

TALK THINGS THROUGH

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Major financial changes don’t just affect you – they impact people around you. If you have one, it’s important to get your partner on board with financial shake-ups. Live alone? Talking about money is the best way to control fears around it. Try discussing issues with friends or family.

‘Have an open and honest conversation because you may be able to get through changes together,’ says Simonne. ‘It may mean you have to disclose things you haven’t discussed before, such as debt.’

CHANGE YOUR MONEY MINDSET

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According to research, if we believe we can achieve a goal, we’re more likely to achieve it. How you think about money affects your behaviour with it. ‘If you want something badly, believe it is attainable,’ says Jen Sincero, a success coach and author of You Are a Badass Every Day (£9.99, John Murray Press).

BAN BORROWING

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‘Debt is like a swamp, and once you’re stuck in it, financial progress is impossible,’ warns Esther Mukoro, finance coach and founder of personal finance blog moneynuggets.co.uk.

Be wary of short-term fixes – credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, payment plans for big ticket items and smaller ‘pay-it-later’ schemes – that shrink your disposable income and reduce your funds for real goals.