Common mistakes include budgeting from your best month, renewing bills without comparing options, and overlooking benefits, council tax reductions or energy support schemes. It is also easy to rely on overdrafts or buy-now-pay-later credit without checking the total cost and repayment dates. Start with your essential outgoings, review contracts before they renew, and check GOV.UK for benefits and support you may be able to apply for. If you are struggling with priority debts such as rent, mortgage, council tax or energy bills, contact a free debt-advice charity promptly rather than taking further credit.