Here we are, 2015. It's cold and rainy outside and our collective bank balances are empty. So it's high time to get those New Year finances in order. You might as well. It's a dreary month of denial, so get those dreary chores done and dusted.
1 - if you've overspent on Christmas 2014 then it's time to think about Christmas 2015. I know, that sounds mad. But tot up roughly how much you spent on Xmas just gone. Now decide how much you'll realistically spend on Xmas 2015. Okay, how're you going to pay for that? The most sensible way is by saving in advance. If you're in paid work and can manage it, set up a monthly direct debit to go into a savings account, and by December you'll have a tidy sum all ready to spend.
2 - same goes for a holiday. Plan to go away this year? How's that being paid for? You'll enjoy your break even more if you know it's all paid for in advance and you're not returning home with a sun tan, great photos and a large debt.
3 - look at anything you paid that's on auto renewal. Note in your diary when you need to check for a potentially cheaper deal for car or home insurance, broadband or phone provider. Anything that auto renews is likely to rise in price, not fall, so always plan to get a better deal. (This even applies if you want to stay with the same service provider. Phone them up, say you're thinking of cancelling, and you invariably get offered a price reduction to get you to stay 'loyal'.)
I'm sure there're other financial tasks that could be done. What's on your list?
1 - if you've overspent on Christmas 2014 then it's time to think about Christmas 2015. I know, that sounds mad. But tot up roughly how much you spent on Xmas just gone. Now decide how much you'll realistically spend on Xmas 2015. Okay, how're you going to pay for that? The most sensible way is by saving in advance. If you're in paid work and can manage it, set up a monthly direct debit to go into a savings account, and by December you'll have a tidy sum all ready to spend.
2 - same goes for a holiday. Plan to go away this year? How's that being paid for? You'll enjoy your break even more if you know it's all paid for in advance and you're not returning home with a sun tan, great photos and a large debt.
3 - look at anything you paid that's on auto renewal. Note in your diary when you need to check for a potentially cheaper deal for car or home insurance, broadband or phone provider. Anything that auto renews is likely to rise in price, not fall, so always plan to get a better deal. (This even applies if you want to stay with the same service provider. Phone them up, say you're thinking of cancelling, and you invariably get offered a price reduction to get you to stay 'loyal'.)
I'm sure there're other financial tasks that could be done. What's on your list?