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Spend carefully

Take on the new year with a financial bang

We knew if we put resolution in the headline you might not read on. So, let’s call it a plan – a plan to leave you financially stronger at the end of the year. Let’s go. 

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Create a plan that suits you

We make ‘em. We break ‘em. Resolutions – sorry, plans – often fail because we go too hard. The real trick to your financial wellbeing is a realistic strategy. One that steadily chips away at debt and boosts your savings, while still allowing you to enjoy life. 

Make a date with your budget

Before you start thinking about savings, it’s a good idea to make an honest, up-to-date assessment of your incomings and outgoings. It needn’t take long. So, go on, pick a day in January to spend a little quality time using our handy budget tool. 

How to save SMART

You’ve probably heard how beneficial microgreens are for our health. Well, micro goals are similarly good for your savings, because you’re far more likely to reach your target by breaking it down into manageable pieces. We call this the SMART approach, which means:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable 
  • Realistic 
  • Time limited.

Give debt the evil eye

Getting on top of debt isn’t just great financially, it may also do wonders for your general wellbeing. Taking action as part of your New Year plan could give you a real sense of purpose and control.

Multiple debts can be more of a challenge. You might want to check out debt consolidation.

Feeling inspired about fostering your financial wellbeing? Excellent, we are too. 

Steps to financial wellbeing

Our financial wellbeing programme can help. Try one step or two, or work through the programme's six steps in any order.

Plan your spend

Tips to understand your needs and wants, and then track how you spend your money.

Plan your spend

Managing debt

Tactics to keep debt under control, plus tips on when borrowing money may be helpful.

Managing debt

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Related tools and content

Budget calculator

Plan your spending and saving with our budget calculator. Plug in your after-tax income and main expenses to create a budget that works for you.

Budget calculator

Savings goal calculator

Use this calculator to work out how much money you need to save weekly, monthly or each year to reach your savings goal.

Savings goal calculator

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Important information

This material is for information purposes only. Please talk to us if you need financial advice about your situation and goals or about our products and services. See our financial advice provider disclosure (PDF 39.9KB).

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