[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”3px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][author title=”” image=”https://www.dgwgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Untitled-3.jpg”] Written by Eileen Adamson of Change Financial Coaching
“Eileen is based in Dumfries and provides online coaching courses designed to help you to save money, take control of your finances and manage your money more effectively[/author][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[button color=”black” size=”medium” link=”https://www.changefinancialcoaching.co.uk/free-challenges/” icon=”” target=”false”]Join Eileen on her FREE no-spend month this January[/button]
It’s always the same isn’t it?
In the first few weeks of every year, the gyms are full to bursting, as people return to reality after the excesses of the festive period and discover that the only thing that fits are leggings (and that’s just the men!)
Quick, find the nearest gym!
However, by the time February is upon us, the class sizes dwindle & the enthusiastic exercisers who have been getting up at silly o’clock every morning, to pound the streets, remain firmly tucked up under the duvet!
So why does this happen? Often it’s because people just take on too much, too soon. With work, family, chores, friends & social media taking up so much of our time, it is often just too difficult to add another thing into the mix. If we are to make lasting change in our lives we need to make small changes and repeat these until they become habitual. One early morning run and one evening spin class, combined with increasing your daily activity, such as walking to work or jumping jacks every time you boil the kettle, will be much more sustainable and therefore more successful than throwing yourself into a mad exercise routine for a month, then lounging on the sofa for the rest of the year!
If you wish to improve your financial fitness then the theory is exactly the same – small, sustainable changes that are repeated often until they become part of your financial routine. Here are some ideas for you:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
1. Check your bank balance regularly
An important part of keeping your money under control is knowing what has been spent and how much money is in your account. You should check your transactions regularly to ensure that there are no discrepancies – look for fraudulent transactions, as well as any mistakes by the bank (yes, they do make mistakes sometimes!) With most banks offering apps, as well as online banking, it has never been easier or quicker to check your balance on the go. It is easier to remember if you do it at the same time every week – eg: after dropping the kids off at guides, come home and check your bank balance. The trigger of dropping the kids off at guides each week will remind you to check your balance and it will eventually become habit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
2. Always shop with a list
Shopping with a list is a great way of helping you to spend less money, by ensuring that all purchases are planned. According to research by True Potential, spontaneous purchases of almost £675 are made each year, adding up to over £30,000 in our working lives. If you can make it a habit to ALWAYS shop with a list, then you can avoid these spontaneous purchases that are regretted by many people.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
3. Check reviews
Good financial habits are not all about spending less money – often they are about ensuring that you are getting best value for money. Taking some time to check reviews online before making any purchases is a great way of ensuring that you are getting a good deal. This applies to any purchases, from TVs and PCs to holidays and haircuts, most items or services that you will buy may well be reviewed online. The cheapest option may not offer the best value for money, as it may be less reliable or poorer quality – reviews on the item/service will help you to make an informed choice and therefore get the most for your money.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
4. Search for a discount code
If you are buying online make it habit to always search for a discount code before you check out. Many retailers have offers on all year and it can be easy to find a free delivery code or a 10/20% discount coupon. Great sites to check include vouchercodes.co.uk and hotukdeals.com, as well as moneysavingexpert.com.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
5. Always pay your bills on time
If you can set up most of your bills, including credit card payments, to be paid by direct debit then it will help you to be more organised and ensure that you don’t get charged for late payments. If you are unable to do this, it might be useful to set aside a specific time each week where you always check to see if you have any bills that are due and use that time slot to get them paid. Doing this at the same time every week will ensure that it soon becomes a habit and you will never miss a bill payment date again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]If you have found these suggestions useful, then please like my Facebook page “Your money, sorted” for more tips and suggestions for improving your finances.
Eileen x[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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