Whilst New Year’s resolutions are always made with the best of intentions, the truth is that they often prove difficult to keep beyond the first few weeks in January. The main reason for this is that the goals we set ourselves are admirable but simply too lofty to achieve. It’s far better to choose a few small but achievable goals that offer incremental positive changes over time.
It’s the same with your finances, and what better time to resolve to sort out how you manage your money than straight after the indulgences of Christmas. Below are three financial New Year’s resolutions that are simple enough to keep up well into 2017, whilst also offering some real benefits for your bank balance.
Change your money mindset – this may sound like a big change, but it can be achieved over time through hitting one or two small goals. That £3 coffee you buy every morning before work might seem like a treat you can allow yourself, but if you can cut it out, that’s £15 a week saved, which means at least £60 a month you could put towards your savings for a long term goal.
Clear your credit card debt – if you can manage to keep the first resolution, then this one should be that much easier. Every penny you have on a credit card increases the interest you owe, so if you can concentrate your efforts on clearing your balance you’ll have more of your own money to spend, save or invest how you want. Paying a set amount each month that’s more than the minimum payment makes it more manageable, as well as reaching a balance of zero that much quicker.
Save for a rainy day – if you already save, it’s easy to tell yourself that you’re doing okay at managing your finances. But challenge yourself to do even better. Setting up a second savings account and ensuring you only use it for emergencies will protect you from any unexpected expenditure. Even if you’re only paying in a very small amount each month, if you don’t touch it until you absolutely have to, it will grow and grow.