It’s not impossible to get your money into shape for 2013 and the Money Advice Service's free, impartial advice and tools can help you out.
There are three steps involved in making that happen:
- Set yourself a money goal: What would you like to achieve in the year ahead? This Action Plan will help you identify a savings goal.
- Give your money a workout: Boost your financial fitness. Once you get started you will feel better knowing where you stand.
- Keep your money on track: As with any resolution, it can be hard to stay the course. Try some tips to stay on track and make your money go further with this Action Plan.
First, look at setting yourself a money goal.
Take a moment to jot down some money goals you’d like to set yourself, for example saving for something special later in the year, paying off or reducing your debts, or starting a pension. Whether you have a little or a lot, there is always something you can do.
If you only have a moment – 5 or 10 minutes – you can make a start by visiting this free, online health check. It will give you a quick, clear picture. You won’t need any paperwork, and in less than 10 minutes it will give you a personal action plan to show you where you could set your priorities.
Next, give your money a workout - spend some time checking where your money goes.
Let this budget planner do the sums for you
First, list money coming in - your pay, benefits, pension income and tax credits. Use your bank statements to help. Then list money going out. Don’t worry if you can’t account for every penny, as long as you know roughly where you stand.
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