If things get tough Sometimes seeing how much you owe is scary. Opening your letters doesn’t change how much you owe. But it is a key step in taking control of your situation. If looking at letters about your debts makes you feel uneasy, remind yourself that you are making a positive change to your money situation. You could also ask someone that you trust to open your letters with you. You don’t have to do everything at once. Many people fill in their budget in stages and take a breather between sections. Do what works for you. The most important thing is that you keep going. It might feel like it at times, but you are certainly not alone • We helped over 150,000 people by phone and webchat in 2018. • Our research shows that 83% of the people we helped to fill in a budget say it improved their emotional and mental wellbeing. Filling in 'Your full budget' Read through all of this step. Don’t be tempted to rush through your budget. It is an important tool that will help you to deal with your debts. It needs to be accurate, so take the time to check your figures. Research from the Money Advice Service shows that people get the most from their budget when they give themselves enough time to fill it in accurately. Sole or joint budget? If you live with a partner and are dealing with your debts together, we recommend you fill in Your full budget together. This means that you need to include all the income and outgoings for you and your partner. Include your debts and your partner’s debts. If you don’t live with a partner but live with other people, just include your income and your share of the household expenses in Your full budget. Only include your debts. Contact us for advice if you are unsure who to include in Your full budget, or if you live with a partner and are not dealing with your debts together. Page 16