Where to start

[HiDiddleDeeDee]

DH and I are a bit naive about money and seem to drift by ok but would like a better understanding of our finances. Can anyone advise on where to start? Do people get financial health checks? Or should I just start becoming an avid reader of Money Saving Expert website? We have a (big) mortgage and would like to buy a bigger house in the next few years if it’s manageable. We have some savings. We don’t know much about credit cards and default to using debit cards but I get the impression that this isn’t a very savvy way to manage money. DH is self employed with a business loan on a property and we both have lots of little pension pots rather than one solid one. Oh dear...sounds like a lot to do already!

Start with Why... Why do you want to change what you are doing now?
Your reason for changing will help keep you motivated.

Then first practical thing is to start doing a budget... plan for the month ahead what you will be spending money on. So do a plan now for what money will be spent in February. Use past bank statements and other documents to help you be realistic in what you spend. It can also help to track ALL expenditure for a few weeks so you get a feel for all the miscellaneous spending you do on food/drink whilst out and at work.

Become an avid listener... there are many good UK based financial podcasts... some are:
Meaningful Money
Money to the Masses
In her financial shoes

Podcasts such as these often have an associated website with info to read, so you can read as well but most of the info comes via audio, or video.

There are also some good books available... many available on Audible if you find you enjoy listening to things. I listen to lots of things whilst driving, walking, doing housework.
Books:
Your Money Or Your Life - Vicki Robin
Meaningful Money Handbook - Pete Matthew (this one is UK specific)
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey (US but very good for a get out of non-mortgage debt plan)

We don’t know much about credit cards and default to using debit cards but I get the impression that this isn’t a very savvy way to manage money.
Nothing wrong with not using a credit card and just using a debit card.

Do people get financial health checks?
Sure, I did Damien's Money MOT. That will help you identify areas that you need to work on and can email you prompts every now and then to remind you to sort things out such as getting a Will, various insurance etc. It is not a hard sell of any particular products, it is purely designed to help guide you with getting your financial life in order.

There are even some online courses you can do in managing money, learning to invest. So once you get started with sorting out your finances you may find you like the personal finance subject and thus want to learn even more.

Seconding Damien's money MOT.

It will put you ahead of your average peers just to write down your assets.(e.g your pension pots, cash you own), your liabilities (e.g. credit card balances) and your financial goals (e.g., own a home, retire comfortably).

Thanks so much for the advice. I’d never heard of Damien Money MOT but that looks like a good starting point and I will look into the podcasts too!