Whoa! Things can get out of control. There are some weeks when the costs seem to come at us from all directions – Christmas debt comes calling, holiday travel leaves a dent, and then it's time to shuffle the kids off to school. It's easy to feel like it's all
Get Sorted: How to keep your finances in control

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Keeping your finances under control can be challenging. Photo/Getty Images.
And if you're just beginning to sort your money out, it's not hard to get started. Sorted has six steps that, straight away from the first dollar, will see you get ahead financially:
• 1. Start your safety net.
• 2. Get your KiwiSaver settings right.
• 3. Start tackling your debt.
• 4. Cover your people, money, stuff.
• 5. Run your retirement numbers.
• 6. Set your targets, then hit them!
But if you're stuck in a rut and need more personalised help, the team over at MoneyTalks is at the ready. It's run by the government-supported FinCap agency, and offers free budgeting advice by phone (0800 345 123), text (4029), email or live chat.
With your finances more under control and headed in the direction you want, this time next year you'll be in a much better place financially. When costs seem to come at you from everywhere, you'll be able to cruise right on through and stay on track.
Get Sorted is written by Sorted's resident blogger, Tom Hartmann (@TomHartmannNZ). Check out the guides and tools from Sorted – brought to you by the Commission for Financial Capability – at sorted.org.nz.