When you move in you should spend a bit of time working out where the following things are. Then you can sort out simple problems and not have to pay someone to fix things or wait for the Council.

• Electric Trip Switches - these switch your electricity off if the system is overloaded or there is a fault. To turn it back on you flick it up. If it keeps tripping you need to get an electrician to have a look. In an emergency call 0845 27 27 999.
  
  
• Water Mains Valve - use this to turn the water off if you get a leak or a flood.
  
  
• Gas Valve - if you smell gas turn it off at the mains valve and call 0800 111 999 immediately. Don't touch any electric switches, light flames or smoke. A gas leak can be deadly if ignited.
  
  
• Smoke Alarm - if there isn't one ask your landlord if they will fit one.
  
  
• Fire Blanket - these cost about £18 and could save your life.
  
  Put your emergency numbers on a list so you can find them fast.
  
  

Money just disappears and it's shocking to think that 10 cigarettes a day cost you £64 a month. Here are some ways to make sure you are not wasting your money.

• Try to buy everything in the biggest pack you can afford (unless it'll go off). This saves money in the long run.
  
  
• Buy multi-use cleaners that work on floors, sinks, toilets and kitchen surfaces.
  
  
• You can save electricity by buying low energy light bulbs and remembering to switch everything off at night.
  
  
• Check out the bargains on the reduced items shelves in supermarkets and high street cut-price shops.
  
  
• Reduce your heating costs by keeping doors shut, wearing layers of clothes and having the heating on low for longer rather than high for a short time. Electric and storage heaters are more expensive than gas fires, but they are safer.
  
  
• Cut your phone bill by only calling at off peak times or have an incoming calls only phone.
  
  
• You can save hot water by having a shower instead of a bath and by waiting until you have a full load of washing before using the machine.
  
  
• Getting a young Scot Card can make you hundreds of savings. Call Young Scot on 0808 801 0338 .
  
  
• If you travel a lot, getting a pass might work out cheaper.
  
  
• Don't buy on hire purchase, credit cards or from catalogues. The interest means that things end up costing a lot more.

Furniture

Health on a budget

If you are facing debt problems, you can talk to a worker or your local Citizens' Advice Bureau. They can help you find a way out.

Lynn, 23

House stuff is the boring thing you have to spend money on, but unless you pay your rent and bills you could be evicted and have your phone, electricity and gas cut off.

Try to work out how much you need for your house each month and try to put that aside as soon as you get paid or get your benefits. Ways to do this:

• Direct Debit - pay the money you need straight into a separate account and set up direct debits. This means the bank pays your bills on a set date each month. Companies may reduce your bill if you pay this way
  
  
• Meter Cards - put the money you need for gas and electricity on a meter card when you get paid.
  
  
• Savings Stamps - buy these at the post office – check at your local post office which companies accept stamps.

Budget planning

For advice you can contact:

Credit Action
0800 591 084

National Debtline
0808 808 4000