January 08, 2014
Mortgage Choice spokesperson Jessica Darnbrough offers a few pointers to help Australians stick to their financial resolutions in 2014.
A New Year is here, and with it comes the opportunity to get your finances in order.
If you are anything like me, you may have already made a New Year's resolution to eat healthier and exercise more, so why not resolve to whip your finances into shape as well.
While we understand that growing your savings is no easy feat, a little bit of careful planning teamed with a strategic budget can go a long way towards helping you reach your financial goals in 2014 and beyond.
Here are five tips to help get your finances in order this year:
Avoid unnecessary extras and costs: Evaluate your regular outgoings and identify any unnecessary costs which you can cut down or cut out. Cutting back on guilty pleasures like takeaway coffees, Friday night takeaway or premium television packages can lead to significant savings in the long term.
Think small when budgeting: Planning ahead with your finances for a full year can be daunting, and ultimately, ineffective. Instead, budget monthly or in accordance with the length of your pay period. This will allow you to amend your budget fairly quickly if you over overestimate or underestimate certain expenses.
Update your savings account: Research the benefits offered by savings accounts across various financial institutions. Switching banks and opening a new account with a lending institution that offers lower fees and higher interest rates will allow you to save more in less time.
Pay off and cancel your credit card: Credit card interest rates are notoriously high. Constant use without complete payment at the end of the month can lead to significant debt. Many people get stuck using a credit card and struggle to break the cycle as interest continues to accrue. Make paying off your credit card a priority early in the year, and cancel it as soon as possible. Debit cards are an ideal alternative, providing a similar level of protection for online and over the phone purchases, without the significant interest rates.
Compare to find a better deal: You may be paying more than is necessary on your home loan, insurances, utility bills, etc. Comparing your options via your mortgage broker or websites such as HelpMeChoose.com.au can help you find the best deal suited to your needs and save you money in the process.
For more budgeting tips and home loan options visit Facebook.com/MortgageChoice or Twitter.com/MortgageChoice. Or, call 13 77 62
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Lauren Booke
Mortgage Choice Corporate Affairs
(02) 8907 0502 / 0448 240 047
Lauren.booke@mortgagechoice.com.au
Amity Harrold
PPR
(02) 9818 9334 / 0434 975 868
Amity.harrold@ppr.com.au
Important information
This article is for general information purposes only. It has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.
