In every area of our lives, from work decisions to weight loss, we can take control and aim to get the best possible result. But money and finance are aspects of everyday life that are easily neglected because we do not feel confident about our cash.

Financial planning is not nearly as difficult - or scary - as you may think. With just a few basic guidelines you can take control of your hard-earned cash and make it work harder for you. Getting to grips with a simple budget and saving and investing with the right products means you are far less likely to get into debt and are better prepared for the future.

You are not alone
If the thought of looking too closely at your bank statements and sorting out a pension leaves you cold, then you are far from alone. Research from Prudential shows that more and more people are burying their heads in the sand and fail to carry out even the most straightforward elements of financial planning. The good news is it is never too late to tackle your finances and start planning.

The power of pounds and pence
Financial planning helps you make the most of your money; sort out your priorities; work towards long-term goals; find the right products to meet your needs and be prepared for unexpected financial shocks, such as illness or losing your job.

If that is not enough to convince you, then you may be interested to know that more than half of all Britons believe that being able to manage your money well makes you more attractive to the opposite sex, and that it is definitely more important than having a good dress sense or having your own home. New NOP research for Halifax found that people view being skilled with your personal finances as having equal importance to possessing good looks or physical attractiveness (65%). 'We often associate financial planning and organising our finances as boring or tedious activities,' says Nick Robinson of Halifax. 'These findings just go to show, it's not the size of your wallet that matters in attracting the opposite sex, it's your skill at managing its contents.'

Read all about it
Learning more about money does not have to cost a thing. You won't need a maths degree, either. The answers are all around you on the Internet, in newspapers, magazines and on television and radio, and there is plenty of independent information available. You can get a free CD ROM from finance watchdog the Financial Services Authority, which is great for anyone starting to learn more about cash. It includes lots of helpful data and a budget planner, plus a money quiz to test your knowledge. Call 0845 606 1234 for your free copy.

Getting started
Don't try to sort everything out in one go. Start with a basic budget, setting out all your bills, rent or mortgage and other costs that must be paid each month. Include travel and car costs, food bills and a realistic amount for clothes and leisure. Deduct your total outgoings from your monthly income. You should have a clear picture of your 'disposable income'.

If you are spending almost every penny of your salary, think about some obvious ways to cut back. Don't make yourself miserable, though. Think about what you spend your money on and whether you really need all the things you buy.

Drop the debt
Be honest with yourself about your debts, even if they are bigger than you realised. It makes sense to pay off any debts before you start to save. This is because the interest you owe on a debt is usually higher than you can earn on any savings. If you are paying off more than one debt, other than your mortgage, then prioritise them. Start with the loan charging the highest interest and aim to pay off as much as you can afford, while maintaining minimum payments on any other debts.

Fill the gaps
If you are lucky enough to be debt-free, then think about any gaps in your finances. Old age may be a long way off, but it is crucial to have a pension. To start one or make sure yours is in good shape, get some expert help from an independent financial adviser. If you have children then you should have life insurance, although many employers already provide some cover. A cash stash for emergencies is also a must. Experts recommend setting aside three months'-worth of salary.

Set your goals
Once you are ready to start saving and investing, think about future events or purchases - such as a house deposit or starting a family - where a lump sum would help. This will make it easier to plan nest eggs and choose the right financial products to help you meet your goals. Make sure you are happy with any risk attached to investment plans and be aware of any penalties that apply if you dip into the money before an agreed date.

Shop around
Comparing financial deals and products should become second nature. It may not be as fun as traditional retail therapy, but you could save hundreds of pounds by shopping around. Credit cards and mortgages are obvious areas for review, as there are nearly always more competitive deals around. According to research from Virgin, women are losing out when it comes to using high-street credit. Nearly 70% are in the dark on how much interest they pay and women are twice as likely as men to have a store card.

Regular wealth check
Once your money plans are up and running, you may not need to review your finances more than once or twice a year. Put a date in your diary safe in the knowledge that instead of nasty financial surprises, you are making great financial progress.