With research showing that one in five of us Brits are struggling to manage debts, protecting assets we already have will become increasingly important.
In 2011 free debt advisers helped 1.54 million people in the UK, compared to 1.4 million in 2010, according to figures from the Money Advice Trust.
It is estimated that 2.5 million of us are already in arrears on at least one consumer credit product, household bill or payment.
With the level of debt expected to increase in the UK in 2012 and 20 per cent of adults constantly struggling to manage their finances, having existing possessions and assets stolen or damaged is one of the worst eventualities imaginable for many of us.
Consequently,
home security will no doubt be one of the primary concerns facing cash-strapped Brits.
Although the period of the year when most theft occurs has passed, with 24 per cent of homes more likely to be broken into on December 31st than on an average day, theft is still a threat.
Moreover, those of us who live in a rural area are also at risk, as figures from NFU Mutual reveal that a rural theft occurred every 43 seconds in 2011 and an estimated 507,906 crimes took place in the first half of the year alone.
To protect possessions from thieves, Brits are advised to ramp up home security measures, including alarms and locks.
The winter is also when most home damage claims occur, as freak weather leads to frozen pipes, fallen trees and
roof problems.
Despite one in three (36 per cent) suffering a weather-related home emergency last year, 33 per cent of households are yet to make winter weather preparations.
Ensuring your home is ready for winter and is adequately insured against damage is vital.
According to Sainsbury's Finance, home emergencies cost the uninsured £15 billion annually.
Although in hard financial times giving money to insurance is not high on many of our priority lists, it could potentially save thousands of pounds should the worst happen.
