"You feel, as adults, we should be more on it". 

Having a sense of financial control is knowing what to expect and avoiding nasty shocks. It's a delicate balance between avoiding stressful short-term pinches with saving little and often for the future. 

• Get debt help
  Debt can be a crippling burden to bear. The Government-funded Money Advice Service is a good place to start and read up on some ideas and where to go for help. 
  
  
• Build at least 3 months' income in cash 
  Most financial advisers will recommend we build a rainy day savings account with 3- 6 months' salary in it. Consider a different account to your current account for this and look at the best easy access cash rates. Apps like Moneyhub, Monzo and Starling Bank allow you to set up savings goals that are protected from your daily spending. 
  
  
• Look after the pennies
  Check your direct debits. Are they all still for wanted and needed services? Consider switching gas and electricity providers who often give loyal customers the worst deals - have a look at uswitch or other comparison sites. 
  
  
• Work out what your State Pension would be
  Retirement stresses many people out. The Government has an online service which gives you a forecast of what your State Pension will be. Understand this first.
  
  
• Consider stocks and shares for longer-term savings
  Lots of people are not in debt but also have money sitting limply in a current account, slowly sliding backwards as inflation nibbles away at it. Look at a robo adviser for a simple way to set up a stocks and shares ISA.