For many of us the morning of January 1st arrives and armed with devout self-belief we set forth on our journey of self- improvement….however, by our second cup of coffee we are getting used to the idea that we may not be able to keep them. New Year’s resolutions are a sensible effort at self-improvement and all who undertake them should be commended. Despite wanting to improve our fitness, getting that new car you dreamed of or that perfect job you have always sought, the fact is that all too often our promises don’t stand the test of time.
That being said, the beginning of the New Year is the ideal time to take stock and contemplate the aspects of life most dear to us. If posed with the question “what is genuinely most crucial to you?” most peoples reply would focus on three areas: – friends, family and financial stability. By concentrating on these noble truths you can begin 2014 charged with positivity.
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- Initiate some “home organisation”- one of the easiest, speediest and most fulfilling ways to improve your wellbeing is to re-organise your house. Traumatic as it may seem the removal of things you neither use nor need can be extremely invigorating. Over time the management of household paperwork can become unorganised, taking the time to evaluate and put in order will improve your environment and financial affairs. Promoting a sense of achievement upon regaining order.
- Don’t ignore debt – Debt continues to be one of the most serious issues affecting households presently. With a reported nine million UK adults presently plagued with serious debt issues the strain on our conscience can be enormous. Following Christmas, it is entirely possible that you may have higher debt than normal at the beginning of the year. This is the best time to contemplate where you would wish your finances to be one year on. If you have overspent undertake an investigation of your finances highlighting where expenditure could be trimmed setting yourself future savings targets. Eradicating debt is a challenge but with careful planning you can put your mind at ease in the knowledge you are acting upon it.
- Don’t harbour secrets – almost one third of us have secrets which cause us anxiety? It may be a love token from a former relationship, intimate diary entries or the history of our internet browsing. Having secrets can be taxing and the fear of them being found nerve-racking. Confessing to our nearest and dearest isn’t easy but consider the effects upon those closest to us should they discover your hiding place following your death. What we leave behind will be our legacy so we should be mindful we’re recalled in the manner we’d approve of.
- Make a Will – A Will is perhaps the most important document in ensuring your family’s financial protection. Having a Will ‘drawn-up’ is imperative and unlike many things in life you only have to do it once (barring a change in circumstances). Wills can be inexpensive – for further information on why Wills are essential and how to obtain one , visit Saga.co.uk
- Put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney – A lasting Power of Attorney, will permit named person/persons power over your legal and financial matters in the event of becoming debilitated. Without such an arrangement those closest to you will have great difficulty exercising decisions on your behalf should the unthinkable happen. An LPA will give you and those closest peace of mind that financial affairs can be undertaken without fuss.
- Discontinue feuds – According to SagaLegal.co.uk research, a quarter of us have continuing feuds with family or friends that weigh on our mind. Often the cause has long been forgotten, so take the opportunity to ‘make-up’ the improvement in self-respect will positively begin the New Year.
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