Yes I am back, with a short post with some quick tips which I hope helps to support some of you to manage your finances for 2018
- Get all your paperwork together
Start the new year by taking stock of all things financial in your life, your income and expenditure, your assets, including your pensions, your insurance policies, and your will if you don’t have one make one! You need this to try to and identify gaps in your finances. For example you should look to make sure you have enough life insurance.
- Set goals and objectives
Use the information/paperwork you gathered to get a sense of where you are and where you want to be in a years’ time. Being debt free is a fine goal, but you should also have real objectives to your goal. Remember to refer to the free debt advice Agencies for support:
0808 808 4000 Freephone
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Also offers the online advice service My Money Steps.
StepChange Debt Charity (CCCS)
0800 138 1111 Freephone
www.stepchange.org
Debt advice charity offering free debt management plans.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
0800 328 0006 Freephone
www.capuk.org
Free debt advice with a home visit.
Debt Agencies
These operate in your own local area. To find your nearest advice centre or to get free advice call 0800 138 1111.
Citizens Advice
Find your local bureau at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Try to put this in writing, for example, that you want to clear your credit card debt of £2000 in a year by paying additional payments. You are more likely to achieve your goals if you are specific so that you can monitor the progress. You should also prioritize your goals and objectives. You might want to save for a well-deserved holiday, but reducing your credit card debt should be a priority. Create an investment policy statement.
3. Save
It’s not what you earn, but what you keep!!
Make sure that you have the right saving plan this includes insurance prepare for the unknown i.e should you have to face a dramatic event such as an accident that results in a disability.
4. Monitor progress toward your goals
You can’t measure what you don’t track.
- Write an action plan
- Implement the plan
- Monitor the plan
Don’t just say you are going to do it but continue to monitor your progress throughout the year at least every 3 months.
5. Meet with a financial adviser
You might think you’re doing a great job managing your money and finances, but asking a financial professional to review your financial planning could help you on your journey and you can obtain most of this advice free.
I have re-posted a blog 'now Xmas is over' you may find some of this information useful also.
Good luck all!!!!