A FREE money management course in Milford Haven will be helping people get their finances on track for the new year.

For many couples, having the "money conversation" can be a difficult step to take.

But local debt counselling agency Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is recommending that people bite the bullet and sit down with their partner, as a first step towards getting their finances in order in 2016.

Naomi Joseph, manager of the Pembrokeshire CAP branch, said: “I see people who have fallen into crisis debt every week and I can tell you it is crucial for your health and happiness in 2016 that you have a reality check of your finances as soon as you can.

“It might be nerve wracking to bring those bank statements out into the open but until you both know what’s happening, you can’t start to tackle it.

"Working at your finances together, setting goals together and resolving to sort things can be an amazing step forward for the whole family.”

The Money Advice Service found in a poll of more than 2,000 UK adults that nearly half (45 per cent) weren’t always honest with their partner about finances, while a quarter were lying about spending.

CAP’s latest research shows three in four debt clients said their situation had caused arguments while nearly a quarter (23 per cent) said debt directly led to their relationship breaking down – so the stakes are high.

Top tips for having “the money conversation” include picking a time when things are quiet at home and no one is dealing with any immediate stresses, agreeing that this is about getting on top of your finances together - not about blaming anyone, and remembering your attitudes to money might be very different and may be informed by difficult past experiences.

A free money management course will be starting on Sunday, January 31, at the Church at Nantucket, Nantucket Avenue, Milford Haven, between 2.30pm and 5pm.

If you would like to pick up some tips on how to best look after your money, visit www.capmoney.org.uk or contact Naomi Joseph on 07747 602056.