It’s pretty safe to say that we all take a financial hit over the Christmas period, which is why the New Year is the perfect time to take control of your spending. Looking after the money you have can seem difficult but there are lots of benefits to staying in control of your finances. For instance:

• You will know where your money is going and what you can afford going forward
• It can help alleviate stress levels surrounding financial matters
• It can help you to avoid debt problems, prepare for emergencies, save money for a rainy day and help you achieve your goals (going back to college, new car etc.)

So, what can I do?

1. Set Goals: This is a great start to any project, but how many of us have sat down and really done it?  Have you ever insured your car, or began a major house extension without planning the financial implications? Get those financial goals down on paper! That’s not to say that you’ll achieve all your goals but it can increase your chances of doing so.
2. Make a budget: The trick here is to try and stick to your budget as best you can. It will help you see what you’re spending and where you need to cut back. By putting it all on paper, you can account for every penny and you might be surprised where the bulk of your money is going. And remember, when you’re adding figures to your budget…be honest! You can download our Budget Planner by clicking here: Budget Planner
3. Switch & Save: Many of us are most likely paying for things we don’t need or use. For example, paying for additional tv channels when being honest, you don’t really watch them. Think about things you can save money on; tv and broadband subscriptions, mobile phone bills, electricity providers, car insurance…the list goes on. Shop around and do your research and you’ll be amazed what you find. Comparison sites like www.bonkers.ie are extremely helpful.

There is always more that you can do but the above is a great place to start. Give it a go…it’ll be worth it!!