Start by listing your income, essential bills, debts and spending, then check whether you could claim support using the benefits calculator on GOV.UK. Citizens Advice Birmingham and MoneyHelper offer free guidance on budgeting, debt and dealing with creditors, while Birmingham City Council’s website lists any current local support schemes. If you need debt advice, use a free service such as StepChange or National Debtline, and check that any commercial adviser is authorised by the FCA. For investments, pensions or other complex decisions, consider an FCA-authorised financial adviser.