In the current climate it’s natural to worry about our jobs or how we might cope with our rent, mortgage and other bills. Here are some useful tips to help you manage your money.

We all have times when our money runs out before the month does. But if this is a regular thing for you, it’s time to work out a realistic budget you can stick to.

Almost everyone has some form of debt, be it money owed on a credit card, a bank loan or overdraft, or a mortgage. But if you’re having trouble paying your bills or loan repayments, you should get help as soon as possible.

If you are having problems paying your mortgage (or home purchase plan), or expect to have these problems soon, or your lender is trying to repossess your home, it’s best to act sooner rather than later. This way, you may be more likely to keep your home.

Interest rates have fallen significantly. While this may be good news if you have a mortgage, it’s not so good for your savings and investments.

A ‘scam’ or ‘swindle’ is a scheme designed to trick you out of your money. If you haven't been a victim yourself, you probably know someone who has, and during these tough times the people who operate these scams find it easier to prey on your fears.

Get Business Link’s guide to help you manage your business in tough times. You can also get telephone or face-to-face advice from a government-funded service in your part of the UK.

If you’re finding it hard to borrow money, check whether you qualify for help from government schemes.

Get free and independent advice on how to deal with cashflow problems and business debt problems.

Our Worried about your job? page can help you understand what rights you have if you are being made redundant, including:

• how employers must treat you fairly;
• how much redundancy pay you may be entitled to;
• what rights you have to a notice period; and
• your right to time off to look for a new job.

Losing your job will probably change your money situation significantly. Here are some useful tips to help you manage more easily while you’re out of work.

Why not view your redundancy as an opportunity to make a new start? Free careers advice is available, and there are plenty of training courses to improve your skills, gain new qualifications and build your confidence. If you decide to study you may be able to get financial support. Find out ways to find work; for example you could use one of Britain’s largest databases for job vacancies. Get more tips in our Finding a job feature.

You may even find setting up your own business is an option worth considering. Our Working for yourself guide has useful tips to help you get started.

But beware of opportunities that look too good to be true. They could be scams that will con you out of your money. Protect yourself by reading our Staying safe against scams guide.

With a lower income, now is a good time to work out a new budget, and maybe find some areas where you can cut back. You may be entitled to State benefits to help you through this period.

If you receive a redundancy payout you’ll need to think about your financial priorities so you can make the most of your money. There are different options that may be suitable depending on your personal circumstances.

By working out your budget and prioritising your debts you can be in a better position to manage day to day. This may require renegotiating some debts with your creditors – see our Dealing with debt guide for help. Remember to check if you have insurance that can help – see the insurance section of our Losing your job guide.

If you are having problems paying your mortgage, our Problems paying your mortgage page can help you understand what options are available to you.

If you are having problems paying your rent, speak to your landlord as soon as possible and try to reach an agreement that works for both of you.

Jobseeker’s Allowance is the main benefit available if you’re looking for work. You can find out if you’re entitled to this and other benefits by using the online Benefits Adviser tool from Directgov. Extra government help and financial support may also be available to help you get back into work.

If you’re thinking about retiring early be aware that your pension income could be less than if you left it till your actual retirement age. It will also have to last for a longer period of time. You can access the money in your pension fund from the age of 55 if scheme rules allow. Some pension schemes have additional rules about when you can take your benefits, so check with your scheme provider.

You can’t receive your State pension until your State Pension age, which differs for men and women.

If you have a money purchase pension our information on retirement options explains how you can receive your pension income (usually by buying an annuity).

If you have a final salary pension from an employer they will work out your pension income based on your salary and years of membership of the pension scheme. Find out more from the Pensions Advisory Service.

For free independent information or guidance on all types of pensions contact the Pensions Advisory Service.