When money's tight, it helps to know which bills matter most.
Essential payments (sometimes called priority payments) include:
- rent or mortgage
- council tax
- gas, electricity and water
- TV licence
- child maintenance
- court fines or government debt
These keep your home and key services running. So cover them first, before any credit card or loan repayments.
If you're struggling, free help is available from:
They can help you make a plan and talk to your lenders if needed. You don't have to figure this out on your own.