BAD habits can leave your finances in dire straits.
But if you have resolved to get your money shipshape this year, cutting out simple mistakes will help.
ShutterstockWe have got seven tips to get your finances in shape[/caption]
Here are some . . .
AUTO-RENEWING INSURANCE: You can easily save hundreds of pounds a year by shopping around for home, car, travel and other insurance.
Put a note in your diary three weeks before cover ends, to search the market using a comparison site.
LOYALTY TO BANKS: Many of us have never swapped our current accounts.
But you can pocket cash rewards by doing so. For example, earn £175 just by moving to First Direct. Or enjoy £5 each month — £60 a year — from Halifax’s reward account.
MISSING OUT: Millions fail to claim benefits they are entitled to, from pension credit to council tax support. Use benefits calculator entitledto.co.uk, free of charge, to check you are getting what you should.
STAYING SUBSCRIBED: The costs of signing up to apps, gyms and streaming sites can build up. Take time to cancel what you do not really use.
FAILING TO BUDGET: Plan your spend-ing weekly and monthly and you are less likely to fritter. Try a budgeting app such as Snoop or Emma, which tracks spending and suggests cutbacks.
PAYING INTEREST: Got debt? Make sure you pay as little interest as possible, to clear it sooner.
A balance-transfer credit card can give you up to 30 months of zero interest.
Check if you are likely to qualify, before applying with a soft search on a comparison site such as moneysupermarket.com.
ZERO SAVINGS: Get a rainy-day cash pot in place so you are less likely to turn to high-cost borrowing in emergencies.
Set up a small direct debit to an account immediately after payday and you will probably not even miss the money.
But you will be surprised how your balance will start to grow after just a few months.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
SuppliedThe Sophia scallop chair is down from £130 to £78[/caption]
THIS Sophia scallop chair oozes glamour – and it is down from £130 to £78 at Homebase.
SAVE: £52
Cheap treat
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GET your hair looking stylish in seconds with this knot headband, £2, from Superdrug.
WHAT’S NEW
PICK up menu items for £5 Monday to Friday at Frankie & Benny’s until January 19.
The offer includes burger, cheeseburger, BBQ chicken burger and classic dog. Sign up at frankieandbennys.com to get a promotion code.
Top swap
Pay £25 on the left, or £1.50 on the right
ADD some shine to your pout with Lancome’s juicy tubes lip gloss, above left, £25 from lookfantastic.com. Or try Primark’s PS… juicy scented lip gloss, below, £1.50.
SAVE: £23.50
Shop & Save
SuppliedThis lilac jumper is down from £26 to £16.90[/caption]
LIVEN up dreary January with a pop of colour in your wardrobe. This lilac jumper is down from £26 to £16.90 at laredoute.co.uk.
SAVE: £9.10
LEAH’S LITTLE HELPER
TESCO’S baby event is on until February 6, with deals on nappies and feeding items for Clubcard members.
The Nuby penguin sleep aid is down from £28 to £22 as part of the sale.
Hot right now
UNTIL January 23, Co-op members can pick up noodles, sauce and a vegetable pack for £2.50, saving up to £1.45.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
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