Financial planning is often overlooked until it's too late. Money problems rarely overwhelm us all at once, but they can get worse because of a few avoidable mistakes. A broken boiler, an unexpected bill, reduced hours at work, or a missed payment can hit harder when there's no financial cushion in place.
Having some savings set aside can make a significant difference in navigating financial crises. The UK's top five banks offer current accounts with 0% overdraft rates for six months to one year, and some credit unions provide loans at competitive interest rates.
The average UK household has £12,000 of debt, according to the Office for National Statistics. Not prioritising debt repayment can lead to increased financial stress, making it harder to cope with unexpected expenses.
Investing for long-term goals is also essential. The UK's National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) and other pension schemes allow employees to contribute up to £4,000 per annum towards their retirement fund.