Around 10.7 million Brits have “low financial resilience”, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). That means nearly one in five UK adults would struggle financially if their income dropped by £50 a month or they were hit with an unexpected bill. The best way to give yourself some more breathing space is to give your finances a spring clean.

Here are a few ways you can shrink your outgoings and lower your stress levels.

Track your spending

It may sound obvious, but understanding where your money goes every month is a good first step in trying to limit your outgoings. You’ll be surprised how little things add up. If your bank doesn’t offer detailed spending breakdowns, go through recent current account and credit card statements to see what you’re spending your money on. Make a note of these in a spreadsheet and track your spending on a monthly basis to keep on top of finances. Once you’ve done that, it’s a good idea to create a budget and to set spending limits for things like food shopping, leisure, holidays and other items.

 Always go shopping with a list

Supermarkets are experts at making us spend money on things we hadn’t planned on buying or have no real need for. To avoid being lured into spending money you don’t have, make a shopping list before you go to the supermarket and stick to it.

 Make meals at home

 Everyone likes the odd takeaway treat or going out for meals with family and friends, but it can take its toll on your wallet if you indulge too often. Instead, why not try making your restaurant favourites at home? The internet is awash with free recipe ideas catering for beginner cooks, all the way to seasoned pros.

 Cancel unused subscriptions

Many of us have unused subscriptions or memberships that we don’t really need, whether it be Netflix, Amazon Prime or a monthly recurring pass to the gym. If you don’t use it, why not cancel it? It’s amazing how much money you can save over the course of a year by doing so. You can always restart your subscription further down the line if you want to.

Switch energy/broadband providers

 Nearly one in four of us have never switched energy company, according to Moneysupermarket, meaning millions of Brits are overpaying for gas and electricity. The comparison website claims the average Brit could save £250 off their annual energy bills by switching to a lower cost provider. At the very least, it’s worth a look.

 Consolidate your debts

 If you have lots of loans and credit card payments going out each month, it might be worth consolidating your debts. Personal loan rates are very low at the moment, so there’s a good chance you could save some money by paying them off with a lump sum which you then repay in one payment. By having one repayment, instead of multiple, it’s also easier to keep tabs on your finances.

 Remortgage

 Mortgage rates have tumbled in recent years, meaning there is a very good chance you could save money by remortgaging. However, before you go ahead, check if you’ll have to pay any penalties for breaking your current agreement.