After many people found Christmas expensive, the news that bills are likely to be going up is worrying. Here's some advice from Citizens Advice Watford on how to be in control of your money and get spending on track for 2022.

Firstly, find out exactly what money you have coming in and going out each month. Be realistic about what you need for essentials like food and travel. Then set yourself a budget to stick to - take a look at the budgeting tool on the Citizens Advice website to help you.

If any of your bills go up in the coming year, go back to our budgeting tool to create a new plan and stay in control. Our website tips on how to reduce your regular living costs may be helpful if you find you have more money going out than coming in at any point.

You should also make sure you're getting all the income you're entitled to. Use the income checker on the Citizens Advice website to see if you could be getting more support, such as benefits or government grants. You can also use this to make sure you're being paid the right wage.

Watford Observer: New local Citizens Advice Debt Helpline: 01274 758047

If you've been using credit cards, your overdraft or store cards for your spending, it's understandable if these debts are causing you worry. It's important to prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first though. Not paying these has the most serious consequences. On the Citizens Advice website, we have advice about which bills you need to prioritise and the support available for paying these and other bills.

Once you have planned how to pay your priority bills, the budgeting tool can help you plan how to repay credit cards, overdraft charges and store cards.

Everyone's circumstances are different. If you need more specific support or don't feel able to manage your situation alone, call Citizens Advice Watford on 0800 144 8848.