your lockdown financial to-do list

10 things you can do this lockdown to improve your finances

1. De-clutter! Anything you don’t need or don’t use – get it on eBay, gumtree or Facebook marketplace.

2. Start Christmas shopping – give yourself time to search for the best deals and offers.

3. Structure your bank accounts to maximise savings – separate your bills account and savings account, automate your savings and utilise banking apps to help you budget.

4. Cancel outgoings you’re not using – take a look at your bank statement from the last month.

5. Search for better deals on your utility bills – we know it’s a little effort to phone up your providers, but it will definitely be worth it if you could reduce your monthly outgoings.

6. Organise your financial paperwork – you know, the draw or box stacked full of paper!

7. Check your credit score – could it be improved?

8. If you’re self-employed, submit your tax return for 2019/2020. If you have already, great job! If not, now is the time to get organised.

9. Set up essential protection for your family – do you have a valid Will? Life insurance? Review your financial security and protection.

10. Set financial goals for next year – we might be a couple months away, but it’s always good to plan ahead. Write down your goals for next year and what steps you need to take to get there, you’ll be raring to go in the new year!