It is possible to make significant savings to avoid big debt problems in the future. Prevention is better than cure, so before you get the stage where you need debt management counselling, read the tips below:

1.    Mortgage help and advice

Shop around for the best mortgage deal and don´t be afraid to switch your mortgage if you can get a better deal elsewhere.  Ask yourself why your bank deserves your loyalty and tell them you want an improved deal or you will switch to another lender.

2.    Clear your credit card debts

Always clear your most expensive credit card debts first, which means the ones with the highest interest rates and the highest amounts owing. With many debt help firms, there is no such thing as a debt management plan fee, so ask around for debt advice in the UK.

3.    Cut the cost of fuel bills

Don´t allow utility companies to dictate to you. Shop around and you can find much cheaper suppliers for gas and electricity, which can help eliminate debt.

4.    Get a water meter fitted

If you want to get help with debt, consider getting a water meter fitted. You could halve your annual bill if you own a big house with few occupants.

5.    Home phone bills

You can manage debt a lot easier if you shop around for cheaper phone packages.  BT is not a monopoly and you are free to use whichever telephone company you choose.

6.    Pay as you go

If you are constantly on the phone, and you use your mobile more than you need to, consider getting a pay as you go phone, instead of arranging a contract.  You can sort out debt problems by taking some simple steps.

7.    Always make a shopping list

Avoid buying what you don´t need at the supermarket and always make a shopping list before you go.

8.    Shop at the market

Eat healthily for less and avoid having to ask for debt help, by shopping at the market for your groceries.

9.    Own brand goods

If you are already seeking debt problem help, your monthly shopping bill can be greatly reduced by buying own brand goods in the supermarket.

10.    Forget the designer labels

It is pointless asking for debt help if you are not prepared to help yourself. Ditch the designer labels, and you can save yourself a fortune.

11.    E Bay and UK debts help

Personal debt UK is often caused by overspending.  Clear out all the clutter and clothes you no longer wear, and sell them at a car boot sale, a market or on E Bay.

12.    Use your talent

Everyone has a talent of some sort, so use it. You may be a good dancer, speak several languages or simply be handy around the house with DIY. Bring in some extra cash by either teaching others or offering to do jobs at a cheaper rate than normal.

13.    College courses

Most colleges run free or subsidised courses, including evening classes, so learn a skill which you can later use to earn extra cash.  Plumbing, DIY and painting and decorating are just some of the courses on offer.

14.    Cheap household insurance

You don´t have to take out household insurance but it is advisable. Shop around for the best deals.

15.    Travel insurance and help for debt

If you have an annual travel insurance policy, but you are trying to get help with debt, don´t automatically renew it.  You may be saving your money or trying to clear your debt problems, so if you don´t have a holiday planned, cancel the policy.

16.    Cheaper breakdown insurance

We have all heard of the major breakdown companies such as the AA and the RAC, but shop around for a cheaper breakdown insurance deal.  You may be receiving debt management counselling already, and this is just one area in which you can save money.

17.    Life insurance

Life insurance is getting cheaper all the time, so shop around for the best policy for you and your family.

18.    Book early to save cash

Book flights early to save a lot of money.  If you intend going on holiday next year, you can now book 12 months in advance with Easyjet. Saving for a holiday will also give you the incentive to take care of your money.

19.    Make your own package holiday

With the help of the internet, you can now book a cheap flight, check out cheap hotel deals and even arrange your own car hire, which will work out much cheaper than going through an agent.

20.    Learn how to say ´NO´

Thousands of people in the UK take out debt management plans because they can´t say NO.  Resist buying your children things they don´t need and don´t go out if you can´t afford to, however insistent your mates might be.

21.    Shop around for tickets

Personal debt UK is a major problem, made worse by the recession. If you want to take the kids out for a day during the holidays, shop around for tickets.  Check out last minute websites, where you can get up to 50% discounts on amusement parks, zoos and shows.

22.    Ticket touts

Remember that ticket touts make their money from charging extortionate prices for tickets they buy lawfully from organisers and promoters. Get in there early, and you can buy show tickets or concert tickets for a fraction of the price.

23.    Don´t try keeping up with the Jones´s

Never buy products that you don´t need, or you will end up needing debt help.  Just because the neighbours have a new car, it doesn´t mean you have to get yourself in debt trying to keep up with them.

24.    Sell your car

If you need debt management counselling, trade down your car.  Sell it and buy a smaller, possibly even newer model and free up some cash.

25.    If you don´t need it, don´t buy it

We are all guilty of buying things we don´t need, but if you are suffering big debt problems, reduce your spending to a minimum.

26.    Walk or cycle to work

Walk or cycle to work and avoid having to pay bus fares, congestion charges or parking fees.

27.    Take a packed lunch

If you are trying to sort out debt, some small steps can help you save money. Take a packed lunch to work instead of buying sandwiches or takeaways, and you will save a fortune over 12 months.

28.    Get off the bus early

Improve your health and wealth by getting off the bus or train earlier than you normally would, and walk the rest of the way to work.

29.    Cut down on your drinking

Whether you buy it in the supermarket or overindulge at the pub, alcohol is expensive. Cut down on your drinking to save hundreds of pounds a year.

30.    Drink tap water

For hundreds of years, people have drunk tap water in the UK, with no ill effects. The introduction of bottled water has seen thousands of us spending money where it is not necessary.  If you are worried about drinking tap water, buy a filter which will clear out any bacteria.

31.    Stop smoking

If you are a 20 a day smoker, you will be spending nearly £2,000 a year on the habit, and killing yourself at the same time.  Give up smoking.  It will be one of the best decisions you have ever made in your life.

32.    Cancel your gym membership

If you are looking to eliminate debt or seeking advice about debt management plans, help yourself by cancelling any memberships you don´t use.  Gym membership only represents a saving if you take advantage of it.  If not, you can save hundreds of pounds a year by cancelling the membership agreement.

33.    Use your local library

Instead of shelling out for expensive books, use your local library.  You can also use the computer at the library to go online, which is usually free of charge.

34.    Two for one trick

Two-for-one deals in the supermarket are a great idea if you really need both products, but it is false economy if you will never use the second one. Remember that supermarkets make such deals to clear their shelves of unwanted stock.

35.     Shop in the sales

Buy clothes and presents in the sales throughout the year.  If you are seeking debt problem help, or you already have big debt problems, you can save hundreds of pounds by shopping for Christmas in the sales.

36.    Christmas lottery

If you are getting debt management counselling, already it is unlikely you can afford presents for everyone at Christmas. Get together with your relatives before Christmas and pick a name from the hat.  This way everyone gets a present but you only have to buy one item.

37.    Don´t blow your cash on the national lottery

Far too many people try to get help with debt after splashing their available cash on gambling.  Stop wasting your money on the national lottery, with odds of 14 million to one against you winning, and save your money instead.  Scratch cards can also be addictive, so stay well clear of those too.

38.    Use ISA allowances

You can save up to £3,000 a year in a tax-free savings account called an ISA.  You can earn up to £150 a year interest so ask a financial adviser about investing.

39.     Buy clothes on E Bay

Buy your clothes from E Bay.  You can buy new and second hand quality items from the online auction site.

40.    Claim what is yours

Thousands of people each year fail to claim what is rightfully theirs. You can manage debt a lot better if you are aware of the benefits you are entitled to. Check with your local benefits office or seek advice from the Citizen´s Advice Bureau about your entitlements.

41.    Save on insurance payments

If you pay your insurance premiums every month or every three months, instead of annually, you will be paying a lot more interest than you need to.  Save up and try to pay the premiums every 12 months.

42.    Too many TV channels

How many TV channels do you actually need or watch?  You can save a lot of money and help eliminate debt by cancelling half of the satellite channels you hardly ever watch.

43.    Get rid of the ready meals

Eat more cheaply and a lot more healthily by binning the ready meals and cooking with fresh ingredients.

44.    Money-saving hobbies

Instead of throwing your money away at the pub every other night, take up a healthier hobby that costs next to nothing.  Go walking, fishing or take up a sport.

45.    Payment protection scam

Thousands of people with debt management plans have fallen victim to mis-sold payment protection insurance.  When you arrange a loan or mortgage, you may also be sold a payment protection insurance which should protect you against redundancy or unemployment, but don´t be pressured into signing for one as it can cost you hundreds of pounds that you don´t need to spend.

46.    Beware extended warranties

Don´t be pushed into signing for extended warranties on electrical goods. Most white goods are built to last, and extended warranties are a waste of money and increase your chances of debt problems in the future.

47.    Shop online

You can now buy virtually anything online, including your groceries.  Look around for bargains, special deals and offers, and you can even get your shopping delivered, saving money on petrol.

48.    Citizen´s Advice Bureau

If you have big debt problems, you need debt help or simply want more information about debt management plans or a debt management plan fee, contact a reputable debts help agency or speak to the Citizen´s Advice Bureau for free help and advice.

49.    Ask for help

Don´t be afraid to ask for advice from a debt solutions company to help eliminate debt. They will speak to you confidentially and can explain about debt management plans, drawing up a budget and advise you how to sort out debt.

50.    Share a lift to work

If you live close to your work colleagues, share a lift to work.  That way you will save on petrol and parking charges.

51.    Buy in Bulk

If you are taking a packed lunch to work, buy in bulk.  Crisps, for example, are much cheaper to buy in big sacks than individual packets. Wherever possible, buy your packed foods in bulk at the beginning of the month or when you get paid.

52.    Free shows and concerts

During the summer months, particularly there are plenty of free shows, exhibitions and concerts throughout the country.  Look in your local newspaper for details.

53.    Low-cost clothes shops

If you are struggling to manage debt, use low-cost clothes shops for you and the family.  Primark, Matalan and TK Max all offer bargain clothes and shoes to suit even the most
discerning tastes.

54.    Cheaper food and help for debt

Help for debt is available from any debt solutions company, but you can help yourself first by food shopping at Lidl, Aldi  or Netto.  You will be surprised how many bargains you can bag and the high quality of the products.

55.    Wash your own car

Avoid the car wash at all costs. You can wash and vacuum your own vehicle for next to nothing, and get some exercise at the same time.

56.    Cut your own hair

Buy yourself some scissors or clippers and cut your family´s hair.  Think of how much you will save in hairdresser´s fees over the space of a year.

57.    Reclaim your bank charges

Banks have been unlawfully overcharging customers for the pleasure of receiving unwanted mail for far too long.  Check with a debt solutions company if you can reclaim your bank charges, and ask for advice about debt management plans at the same time.

58.    Reclaim your mortgage fees

You may also have been charged an excessive amount for paying off your mortgage early.  Check with a debt management company who can help you reclaim your mortgage fees.

59.    Save money on pet food

You can save money on the cost of pet food by not buying expensive tinned food.  Instead, buy a large bag of economy frozen mince or offal from the butcher such as liver. This will save you money and also be better for your pets.

60.    Get rid of your store cards

Store cards are tempting but interest charges on these cards are astronomical.  Either get rid of your store cards altogether or don´t apply for one in the first place.

61.    Cut up the credit cards

If you are addicted to spending on credit cards, and have accumulated credit card debts which are no longer manageable, cut the card up. At the same time, get information from a debt advice company about a debt management plan which will clear your credit card debts and keep your creditors happy.

62.    Will-power trick

Telly hypnotist Paul McKenna has a unique way of killing any cravings you may have for food, booze or tobacco. When you get a craving press your thumb and first finger together as tight as you can and think of a place you would most like to be. Next  time you have a craving do the same thing, and the craving will go away (apparently).

63.    Pay in advance for prescriptions

Not many people realise you can pay in advance if you need regular prescriptions, and save money into the bargain.  Ask at your pharmacy about a pre-payment certificate for regular prescriptions.

64.    Buy own-brand medicines

You can save a lot of money if you buy own-brand medicines from supermarkets.  They work just as well as expensive brands and contain the same products. If you are suffering big debt problems ask a debt management company for free advice and debt management plan counselling.

65.    Grow your own

Grow your own herbs and vegetables.  Not only will they be tastier than the local supermarket brands, but you will save money too.

66.    DIY and debt management

If your house needs minor improvements or things need fixing, do it yourself and save a packet.  Hiring tradesmen can be expensive and unnecessary.

67.    Choose the right builder

If DIY is not your thing, and you need to use a builder or a tradesman, make sure you only go on personal recommendation.  Ask friends and neighbours who they use, and don´t just pick a name out from the local paper. You can end up with serious debt problems if you choose the wrong builder.

68.    Don´t renew your mobile phone

New technology is rammed down our throats these days in the form of television advertising and high pressure salesmen. If you already need debt help and are struggling to eliminate debt, don´t renew your mobile phone every year, just because a newer model is on the market.  If it ain´t broke don´t fix it!

69.    Repair things that break

We are living in a throw-away society, and tend to throw things in the bin that can be fixed.  If your toaster or kettle is broken, get it fixed for a fraction of the price of a new one.

70.    Buy clothes that fit you now

As tempting as it is, never buy clothes that will fit you when you lose weight.  You probably won´t lose weight and you will be left with a wardrobe full of skinny frocks that would look big on Twiggy. Get help with debt from a debt solutions company if you are struggling to keep the wolf from the door.

71.    Don´t pay for parking

Never pay for parking unless it is impossible to find a free space.  It is worth driving round to find a suitable place to park that won´t cost you a penny. It is much easier to manage debt by thinking of the small outgoings first, which add up to large amounts over a period of 12 months.

72.    Slow down and save money

If you do a lot of driving, particularly for work, slow down and save money on petrol.  This may seem like a small saving initially, but it adds up to a big sum of money over a year.

73.    Avoid the service stations

If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, avoid motorway service stations at all costs. Prices are a real rip-off and you can save a lot of money by filling up your tank and preparing a sandwich or snack to take with you before you leave home. UK debts help is free and easy when you contact a regulated debt solutions company.

74.    Beware false economy

Don´t be fooled by bargains in the supermarkets.  You may buy a new toaster or kettle which appear cheap but break as soon as you use them. Make sure there are guarantees and/or warranties with all electrical goods – cheap or not.

75.    Check all your paperwork

Always check your receipts, your bills and bank statements.  Never assume they will be correct as errors are often made. Debt help is available free of charge with most debt management companies.

76.    Cheap show tickets

Don´t assume that you have to go to London to enjoy a night at the theatre.  Ticket prices are high and you also end up paying for transport and accommodation in one of the world´s most expensive cities.  Go to your local theatre or concert hall, and enjoy a show for half the price. Debt management plans can help you eliminate debt today.

77.    Haggle

Remember you are not the only one suffering debt problems.  Market stall holders are also suffering from the credit crunch so try and haggle with them for lower prices.  You have nothing to lose and you will be surprised how many bargains you can bag.

78.    Use the internet to save money

Apart from the obvious internet shopping sites, use it to check out prices for clothes, shoes, car tyres, kitchen equipment, sofas and anything else you may need to buy. You can save hundreds of pounds a year by shopping on the internet for goods you would normally buy in the high street. Debt problem help is free and available from debt solutions companies.

79.    Use charity shops

Use charity shops for clothes, shoes, books and even designer labels at bargain prices. Free UK debts help is available from regulated debt advisers in the UK.

80.    Book swap

If you are an avid reader, swap books with friends and family and also check out the deals and offers on Amazon.  You can now buy new books from just 1p plus postage! If you need debt management counselling you can call a debt management company free for advice and help in the UK.

81.    Negotiate your wages

If you have been stuck on the same wages for too long, negotiate your pay with your boss.  You may be pleasantly surprised when he increases your salary.  This is definitely a case of ´if you don´t ask you don´t get´, and few employers will increase wages unless you bring the subject up first.

82.    Part time work

If you need to get help with debt or you are already suffering big debt problems, see if you can find a part time job at weekends and/or evenings.

83.    Lunch break opportunity

If you regularly take an hour´s break for lunch, do something useful with the time.  Apply for a new job, sell something on E bay, start writing your life story.  Anything which will increase your income and help eliminate your debt problems.

84.    Christmas madness

Every year stores start advertising their goods earlier for Christmas.  To make the most of your Christmas gifts, ask friends and family to buy you gift vouchers. You can then use them in January when the sales are on and get more for your money.

85.    Money-saving meat dishes

Meat is expensive.  Instead of piling up the plate and piling on the pounds, eat more vegetables and pulses with a small serving of meat. If you are looking for debt problem help, contact a regulated debt management company in the UK.

86.    Go veggie

You can improve your health and wealth by going vegetarian from time to time.  There are some great, low-cost vegetarian dishes available in most supermarkets, or you can copy recipes from a vegetarian cookbook. Either way you will save money and even lose weight if you choose your recipes carefully.  Debt management plans are available from debt solutions companies in the UK.

87.    Subscribe to magazines

If you buy magazines regularly, take out a subscription which will save you money over the course of a year. Free debt help is available in the UK from debt advice companies.

88.    Shop online for glasses and debt advice

High street retailers charge ridiculous prices for glasses.  Shop online and you can save plenty of cash.  UK debts help is free from most debt advice companies.

89.    Steer clear of loyalty cards

Stores would love you to shop with them and only them.  That is the whole point of offering you loyalty cards. Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of loyalty cards before signing on the dotted line – and check out what you can use the points for.  You may stay loyal to one store for years, only to discover the star points prize is a mug tree.

90.    Always avoid cash back credit cards

Credit card companies make millions of pounds from the misery of others.  The more in debt you become, the happier they are.  Bear this in mind every time you are tempted to ask for cash back on your credit card.  Cut up the card and eliminate debt from your life.

91.    Beware of dodgy websites

Anyone can set up a website and claim to be an expert on any given subject.  Check references, testimonials and even reviews, before handing over any money.  If you are looking for a debt management plan in the UK, make sure the company you deal with is regulated and legal.

92.    Remember to switch off

Always switch off lights you don´t need on and don´t leave the TV on standby when you go to bed at night.

93.    Telephone savings

If you call an 0870 number, ask the company you are calling how much you are paying for the call, and get them to call you back. Discuss debt management plan credit with a debt solutions company in the UK.

94.    Buy a bottle

Considering the price on wine in the UK, it is like drinking liquid gold.  If two or three of you are drinking wine by the glass in a bar, you are much better off to buy a bottle between you.

95.    Motor dealers

If you have car problems you can easily run up debt problems at the same time. Use an independent garage to fix your motor, rather than a dealership, which will work out much cheaper for the same job. Get help with debt from a regulated debt specialist company.

96.    Read the small print

Always read the small print on any legal documents, mortgage contracts, credit card applications and store card applications.  Small print is there to protect the company you are dealing with and not the consumer.  Debt problem help is free from many UK debt companies.

97.    Sign up for newsletters

Sign up for any free newsletters from local stores and supermarkets. That way you will know about the bargains before they hit the shelves, and save money on your weekly shopping.

98.    Save on dental treatment

Dental treatment seems to get more expensive every year.  You can avoid a lot of dental work by cutting out the sugar, the sweets and brushing your teeth regularly and thoroughly.  You can avoid a lot of big debt problems by simply using your common sense.

99.    Free college courses

Check out your local college for any free evening classes that are available.  If you are on a low income or unemployed you take advantage of free courses which will also improve your chances of finding a job. You can get free advice about debt management plans from debt solution companies in the UK.

100.    Energy-saving light-bulbs

Save money and energy by using energy saving light bulbs, which can be obtained from your electricity provider free of charge.