Spending money
It is good to see how you are spending your money. Keep a record of what you buy.

Watching how you are spending your money lets you take control of your spending power. You can see at a glance how much money you have, and weigh up the things you need or the things you want to do and decide on the best choice.

A record can be very simple - if you are confident on the computer use Excel to keep track of your accounts and it will do the sums for you! Try our sample spending record spreadsheet

If you would rather keep your accounts in a book simply rule some lines down the page so you have columns to show the date, how much money you have just been given, how much you have spent, on what and how much money is left. You could put a total at the top of each page to show how much is in your account.

This sort of record can help with planning your spending.

When you know what you are spending your money on, you can see what you really need and what you can afford.

Some people can hold their accounts in their head and know how much money they have and what they need to buy. But it often helps if your plan ahead so that you know what you can spend each month.

List all the things that you have to use your money for. This may include:

• Mobile phone bill
• Hair dressers
• Some clothes
• Going out
• Bus fares
• Make-up

Then add the amount each of these will cost (if you know) and see how much money you have left. Then you can decide to have a more expensive hair treatment, go out an extra night, or buy a present for someone.

Think about what you are spending - don't forget to keep some money for evenings with your friends.

Planning your spending can help make sure you have enough money to go out with friends - especially if there is a special occasion.

Doing this sort of planning may mean you have to give up something one month. This is what adults do - they see what they can afford and what they need to buy and manage their money to fit this if they can.

Make sure you always have enough for little gifts.

You will enjoy treats more if you have to save up for them.

Saving can seem like a boring thing to do. But we do value the goods we have to save for more than those we can just go out and buy. It is the effort we put into getting the goods that gives them more value.

Be realistic with your saving power and don't aim too high. It may take longer to save up but you may not want to spend 3 months saving without going out with friends.

Check out the saving tips.

Know your shopping rights.

As a shopper you are protected by the law. People have to sell you goods that are in good condition, and that are fit for the purpose.

Always keep your receipts as this is the best way of making sure you get your money back. If you have not got the receipt you may not have bought the goods in that shop. They may not give you back your money.

Check goods as soon as you get them home. If something doesn't fit or doesn't work properly, then take it back with all its wrapping and the receipt, as soon as possible. Don't use it or let anyone else wear it in the meantime.

Spend wisely - less worry.

Money is one thing that causes a lot of worry for lots of people. Many people worry about money and it causes the most relationships to fail.

Money does not buy happiness and friendship - look after your family and friends by talking to them, spending time with them and helping them out. You may not like them all the time - but you can love them!

If you are worried about money then talk to someone you trust - this may be a family member or it may be a friend. If you are having trouble meeting all your needs it is important to chat to someone and listen to their advice. It may not be what you want to hear - but listen as they are trying to help you. Make sure it is someone you trust.

Visit the pocket money section.