With all the additional expense Christmas brings, Yorkshire Bank has compiled a list of top tips to help make sure your finances add up during the festive season by helping you to manage your money in the quickest, easiest and most secure way.

Opt for internet or telephone banking

According to Yorkshire Bank's research, one in four people (25%) think it's hard to find the time to go into branch to manage their bank account.  Yet, you don't need to with 24 hour internet or telephone banking. It's a quick and easy way to keep track of your finances no matter where you are or what time of day it is.

All of Yorkshire Bank's call centres are based in the UK, and were recently awarded global 'Best Contact Centre of the Year' in the prestigious Contact Centre World Awards held in Las Vegas.

Check your balance regularly

It's always a good idea to know exactly how much money you have in your bank account, but especially at Christmas when so much spending takes place.

Worryingly, Yorkshire Bank has found two out of three people (66%) plan to go Christmas shopping this year without even knowing how much they've got to spend. 

One in five people who have avoided checking their balance in previous years admit they have overspent at Christmas.

If you're a Yorkshire Bank customer, by registering with our 24 hour internet or telephone banking you can check your balance before you go to the shops or even on the way to the bus stop. Alternatively, you could visit a cash machine where you can check your account balance.

Move your money

Britons could be collectively missing out on up to £1.7 billion in interest each year by leaving money sitting idle in their current account each month rather than moving spare cash into a savings account, the bank’s research has found.

Two thirds of us have money left in our current account at the end of each month, with an average balance of £316.15. If this money was transferred into a Yorkshire Bank Savings Account Plus, as well as watching your money grow, you would have a pot ready for any unexpected emergencies that might occur during the winter months.

Pay your bills by direct debit

Paying by Direct Debit not only helps eliminate the hassle of remembering when to pay your bills but also does all the work for you so there's no need to worry about going to the bank or filling out and posting cheques.

With 24 hour internet banking you can view direct debits and instruct us to cancel them.  You can also set up, view, amend or cancel standing orders.  What can be easier than paying the bills online when the kids are fast asleep?

Check your statements

Would you know if someone was taking money out of your account without your permission?  Well, with 24 hour Internet Banking you don't have to wait until your monthly bank statement arrives on the doorstep to check your incomings and your outgoings.

Keep security information private

Keeping your internet and telephone banking details safe is as important as looking after your PIN.  When at a cash machine, be wary of people watching over your shoulder as you type in your PIN.

When using internet banking also ensure you log out of your account using the proper log off button. It is also a good idea to change your password every now and again and don't choose a password which is too obvious that someone might be able to guess.

You can rest assured that when you're banking online, your account is safe. Yorkshire Bank, for instance, uses the latest security measures to keep your details safe.  And from the moment you register for internet banking, everything you do is completely confidential.

You should also take essential steps to protect your computer:

• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and remember to update it regularly
• Install and learn how to use a personal firewall
• Download the latest security updates (or patches) for your web browser and operating system

Yorkshire Bank reminds it will never contact you via e-mail asking you to supply any confidential information, telephone or internet banking login details. They warn you should never reply to any e-mails claiming to come from Yorkshire Bank.