IT'S hard to get away from news stories about the credit crunch – maybe you're even getting a bit bored of the whole thing.

But the worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand. And that's why we've brought you this supplement, with all sorts of useful advice and information on muddling through during these difficult days.

There are always places you can turn to for help. One of the first places you can go is Nottingham & District Citizens' Advice Bureau.

The office dealt with 353 inquiries about employment issues between October and December 2008 (compared to 298 during the same period in 2007). And 2,715 people wanted debt advice in October-December 2008 (compared to 2,352 in the same period in 2007).

The CAB's Emma Priest said: "We're seeing a steady increase in the number of inquiries we deal with and this situation is very likely to continue as the economic downturn persists. If you need help on issues such as debt, employment, housing or benefits, please ring 0115 938 8050 for initial access to Nottingham & District CAB's advice service.

"Or for helpful information and factsheets go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or drop into the bureau in Carrington Street."

Here are some top tips from Nottingham and District Citizens' Advice Bureau – don't wait until you really feel the bite.

CREDIT, STORE AND CHARGE CARD DEBT:

Always try to pay at least ten per cent of your balance every month, if not you will be paying your debt for years to come. For example, if you owe £5,000 on your card with a typical 16.9% APR, and only make the minimum payment, after five years you will have paid back over £5,200 and still owe nearly £3,000. After 25 years you would still owe nearly £300.

Never spend money on credit cards on the spur of the moment and don't use them to borrow money over a long period.

If you can't pay off the total balance on your store card, use a cheaper alternative. Some store cards can have an APR of nearly 30%.

UNSECURED PERSONAL LOAN DEBTS

You can't borrow your way out of debt. Be wary of borrowing more money to pay off debts. It may help in the short term, but you could end up with serious debt problems.

RENT, MORTGAGE/SECURED LOAN ARREARS

Don't risk losing your home. Don't pay off the person who is shouting the loudest, but pay the most important ones like mortgage or rent.

Know the difference between unsecured and secured lending and don't borrow money against your home unnecessarily.

BANK/BUILDING SOCIETY OVERDRAFTS

Don't just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank – this is much more expensive than if you arrange it beforehand. If you are living on your overdraft each month, you could be well on the way to a debt problem.

COUNCIL TAX ARREARS

Make sure you pay it, you could end up in prison. Local authorities commonly use bailiffs to collect unpaid tax, so you could well end up paying a much higher price and losing much more.

BANKRUPTCY

Bankruptcy is not an easy option and it's not a cheap one either, it will cost you nearly £500. Get advice.