Our top tips for overcoming your money troubles and becoming a successful saver — plus find out how to win £5,000

FEELING stressed out about money?

If so, you are not alone. Today is National Stress Awareness Day and cash concerns consistently top lists of the big causes of anxiety.

Managing our budgets is seen as more stressful than problems with friends and family, work and even health fears, with two in five of us having financial worries.

And three in ten people are stressed because they don’t have enough money to live on each month.

To help ease the strain, Sun Savers has teamed up with to bring you eight ways to take control of your cash.

1. Make a list of what is worrying you: Trying to manage all of your money problems at once can make the situation seem insurmountable. Instead, write a list of what specifically is troubling you, such as credit card debt or saving for Christmas. This will put each one in perspective.
   Try grouping issues together so solutions become clearer.
2. Stop worrying and start fixing: It is easy to put off facing your problems until they get out of control.But the sooner you start, the quicker things will be solved. Fix “easy wins” first. Consolidate debt into affordable monthly repayments and compare credit card balance transfer deals.
3. Draw up a budget: Go through your monthly bank statement and cut out things you can live without. Do you really need that coffee on the way to work? Make your own lunch rather than eating out. These small changes soon add up.
4. Talk to someone: It isn’t very “British” but you will be surprised how many people feel the same.
   Speak to a trusted friend or family member — they might have helpful advice from their own experiences. Or talk in confidence to Citizens Advice. If these worries start to affect your health, talk to your GP.
5. Make it as easy as possible to pay off debts: Set up direct debits for bills and savings so you don’t need to remember to pay them each month. Then you won’t miss payments and rack up penalties
6. Find something positive in everyday life: Do something free you enjoy every day. Exercise is a great way to de-stress, or spend time with your family and friends. Take up a hobby, read, watch a movie or listen to music and relax. Being happy needn’t cost money.
7. Start saving: As your finances improve, try to put aside even just a few pounds a month as savings. This will help you relax, as you will have a buffer if things get tight. You may even be able to save enough for a special treat.
8. Be realistic: Unless you win the lottery, your money problems will not all disappear at once. Deal with a bit at a time, get some debt help and remember you are doing the best you can — so don’t give yourself such a hard time.