Get to grips with those money woes

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Two in five Britons are worried about their (lack of) savings while 29% are stressed about pension provisions. Others named healthcare, tax planning and saving for children as key concerns.

But what to do about it? If you're struggling to stay on top of mounting bills, it's crucial to tackle big outlays like mortgages or loans as soon as possible: contact your lender to discuss your difficulties and work out a payment plan.

"Go online or check your last bank statement and highlight all your direct debits," says Jaskarn Pawar, independent financial adviser at Investor Profile. "Are there any unnecessary ones? Could some be cheaper?

"Check your tax code to make sure you are set up to pay the right amount of tax. If you have investments, make sure you're not paying too much in charges. And check the interest rates on your savings accounts. Banks have a habit of reducing the rates without you knowing."

Make the most of tax breaks too. "Couples should make sure that savings are in the lower taxpayer's name," says Jason Witcombe, IFA at Evolve Financial Planning. "If you have £20,000 of savings in a bank earning 3% a year, a 40% taxpayer would only get £360 a year in interest after tax yet a nil taxpayer would get £600."

Cutting outgoings can save hundreds. "Get rid of your gym membership and go jogging or buy a bike instead," says Harry Katz, IFA at Norwest Consultants. "That, plus cutting a Sky subscription, will save between £80 and £120 per month."