This time of year always sees an increase in the number of people coming to Citizens Advice in St Albans with problems relating to their financial position.

Although they may have tried to cut back, Christmas is inevitably expensive and they have built up some debt and are starting to panic about it.

If you are in this situation, it is important to realise that you are not alone in finding things difficult and, crucially, that there is support available.

The first step you should take is to collect together all the information you have about your debts, including any contracts, bills and statements.

Next, use this information to make a list of your debts and to write down details of each one, including who you owe money to, when you first missed a payment and how much you now owe. Add a note about any steps taken by a creditor to ask for money that is overdue.

It may feel overwhelming to write all your debts down in one place, but try not to worry; the important thing is that this is an important step on the road to sorting them out.

If you are behind on your household bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences.

If necessary, speak to the person or organisation that you owe money to and see if you can agree a plan to start reducing your debts over an affordable period.

Once you have got these debts under control, you can move on to look at other debts, like credit card or store card debt or Buy Now Pay Later payments.

While you are focusing on the money going out, it is always worth remembering to think about the money that could be coming in by checking whether you are eligible for any benefits, including support with energy or other living costs.

Citizens Advice’s website can help you with advice on how to reduce living costs and on ways to increase your income.

There is also emergency support available locally that you may be able to access, such as from a food bank.

We know times are incredibly tough for many people, but please remember that you do not have to face your financial problems alone.

If you need help with your debt problems, Citizens Advice can offer you independent and confidential support. In St Albans, we can be reached on 01727 811118 from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Friday.

Or you can call the Herts Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 between 10am and 9pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 8pm on Thursday and Friday and 10am and 4pm on Saturday.