We all find it difficult to manage our money from time to time. An unexpected bill can really upset your finances. Usually, we can make up the difference the following month, or save a little in another area to cover the outstanding amount. But if we can't, our finances can start to slide out of control.

It's easily done. One month's expenses slip into the next. Maybe the car needs an urgent repair, or there's an emergency dentist appointment to pay for. Whatever it might be, before you know it, you're having problems making your monthly repayments.

Not being in control of your finances can be frustrating and stressful. But help is at hand, and the first step to taking back control is to recognise the problem in the first place so you can start to get them back on track. Here are the signs to look out for.

Month to Month

Everyone slips into the red now and again. But if you never manage to climb back into credit, or even reduce your overdraft, it could be time to take charge of your finances.

And look out for another warning sign. If you regularly stray over your overdraft limit in the week before payday (or worse still, earlier than that), you could be running into financial problems. 

Juggling Bills

Juggling bills is a major warning sign of financial trouble. If you use your credit card to make monthly hire purchase repayments, for example, or pay off one card with another, your money problems will just grow and grow.

Too Much Credit

Most people can happily make do with one or two credit cards (including store cards). At the very most, you shouldn't have more than three or four. The more credit cards you carry, the more inclined you may be to use them for costly impulse buying. Carrying too much easy credit is an easy way to let your finances run away from you.

If you have debt on several cards, but only pay back the minimum amount every month, you should cut back on credit purchases and start paying them off.

Not Budgeting

Budgets don't have to be complicated, but you should have a basic idea of what you have coming in every month, what goes out, and what you have left.

People who don't keep track of their finances are more likely to run into difficulty. If you do budget, you can see straight away where savings can be made, or where debts are building up, and do something about it. 

Hot Water

Ideally, we put money aside to pay the bills that turn up, regular as clockwork, every quarter. But struggling to pay for the basic utilities, or deliberately paying gas, water, and electricity bills late, is a sign that you've lost control of your finances.

If you are struggling to pay a utility bill, get in touch with the company concerned. They can give you extra time to pay, or arrange a repayment plan that is easier for you.