Check your progress Before you move on in the guide, use the checklist to make sure that you have done everything you can to maximise your money. I have checked that I am not paying more than I need to for my shopping and bills. I have checked that I am not paying for things that I do not need. I have checked all the ways I can increase my income. Next steps Now you have completed Step 2 and maximised your money, do the following. • Carry on being money smart. Add a note to your diary to review your income and outgoings in six months. Do this earlier if your income goes up or down, or if your circumstances change. • Go to Step 1 and update your budget. See what difference you have made to your income and outgoings. • If your budget shows that you don’t have enough money to pay your essential living costs, contact us for advice. • If your budget shows that you can pay your essential living costs, go to Step 3 to deal with your debts. Here to help If you are unsure of anything in this step, have extra questions or just want to talk through your situation, contact us for advice. Page 42