You’re bound to be preparing for the busiest time of year right now, especially if you have kids. The house will need decorating, and you’ll have a list as long as your arm regarding all the things you need to buy, pick up, and sort out before the 25th rolls around. However, the festive period should be a time for you and your family to wind down so that you can enter the new year feeling fresh, and ready for the challenges ahead. Therefore, it’s always a smart idea to sort out any household admin so that you can relax and you’ll have peace of mind entering 2018.
Christmas and the holidays an expensive time, so you need to make sure that there’s enough left in the pot to live comfortably, and pay out what’s needed on time. Aside from making smart spending choices; going over your paperwork will ensure that everything is leaving and entering your various accounts on time. Being organized and on top of everything as the year comes to an end will help you to get a well-deserved and fulfilling break. The following are some areas to consider if you want to sort out all those loose ends before entering the new year ahead.
Your Cards
If you’re paying off your credit cards, and have spent on them over the festive period; now is the time to ensure that you’re on the best rate possible and paying off as much as you can per month. You might have an interest free deadline to meet, or a low interest that you want to maintain. Therefore you must check that it’s possible to continue paying what you are, or more if necessary. There are also sites where you can validate credit card information online, so you might want to consider doing so to ensure that you have all your card data and can make changes if you wish to do so.
Your Bills
When it comes to your monthly household outgoings; your energy bills will be a big part of your expenses. Therefore, while others are busy with Christmas in mind; now is the perfect time to check out the best deals and swap providers before the new year. Gas and electric companies are all in competition for your custom, so utilise a price comparison site or speak to some and ask for quotes; you never know how much money you could save in the new year to put towards those card payments.
Your Savings
Hopefully, you’ll have some money set aside for a rainy day, and your savings account will be increasing year on year. However, it’s worth checking that you’re getting the best interest rate available to you so that you’re making the most out of your hard work and earnings. You might need to consider a longer-term fixed-rate account where you can maximize what you put in. Doing a few bits of important life admin and paperwork will really pay off next year, and you’ll be grateful for your time well spent.
