Yes, a lot of people have this problem. It keeps many people in debt as well as just stopping them saving.

I think that fundamentally the answer is to be open and frank about how much you can spend and what your limits are. Most people understand the need to cut back - particularly right now - and you could find that several of your friends will be really grateful that you’ve given them an excuse not to spend much on a night out.

So, if you get invites out to a club, let your friends know that you’re having to budget so could it be a cheaper place or could you all do something else.

Family should understand about the need to save too. Get creative about presents for birthdays and weddings - offer the gift of your time (a day out with you, a massage, free babysittings, that kind of thing) instead of splashing-out on presents.

Really, overall, it’s about letting everyone know that for the next 12 months or so you and your boyfriend are having to be very careful with money and you could do with the support. It’s like dieting - if you ask everyone to help then it gets easier, and people don’t mind. It’s just when they don’t know why you’re being careful that they think you’re just mean.

Hi , could you email me your address so we can send you a copy of Jasmine's new book 'The Money Magpie'.

CS