It is important to be in control of your money, no matter how much you owe or even if you are not in debt. The best way of making sure you don't get further into the red is to follow these easy rules:

1. Keep a balance sheet

Before you get paid, write down everything (and I mean, everything - even birthday presents and bus fares) that you will need to shell out for in the next month after your salary comes through. List big outgoings first, such as your rent/mortgage and credit card repayments. Make sure that you tot everything up and adjust areas that don't need as much budget allocation as others. This way you'll be able to see what is left over, of which you should either use for savings or paying off more of your debts.

2. Make priorities

If you owe your dad £500, but your owe your bank £5,000, who is most important? You probably feel bad for being in debt to your father and want to clear this first. However, think of interest as an extra debt as well. Your father will probably understand if you can't pay him back all at once - banks charge APR which can amount to hundreds of extra pounds on top of your loan/credit card bill/overdraft. Pay off the large debts in big chunks if you can - say £300 a month - this way they will reduce far more speedily than a minimum payment of £20 or so.

3. Don't ignore bills

If you receive bills and statements through the post, don't even think about shutting them away in a drawer. If you are afraid of seeing your debts, you need to get help. Burying your head in the sand is a terribly counter-productive attitude - you will be charged late payment fees or may even have your cards cancelled/phone cut off etc. Open your mail and sort through what is most important. Work out what you can pay and when.

4. Talk to your creditors

If you simply cannot afford to pay your bills, ring the creditor and tell them you can't pay the full amount but are able to make some payment. Most companies have to agree to this because they would rather you be honest with them. If you show that you are making an effort to resolve the situation, they will be far more understanding.