YOUR NEW YEAR (MONEY) RESOLUTIONS

Helen Baker reveals how to get on the right finance foot in 2021 (money)

- Helen Baker

Following a year marred by natural disasters, a global pandemic and recession, it’s more important than ever to get our finances back under our control in the new year. But doing so doesn’t have to be hard work. These six achievable resolutions are a great – and easy – place to start …

PAY DOWN THOSE DEBTS

Who doesn’t start every new year with the goal to tackle their debts? But with interest rates now at record lows, 2021 offers a chance to do so like never before.

Loans, mortgages and, to a lesser extent, credit and store cards now have lower rates. If you maintain repayments above the bare minimum each month, you’ll chip away at the principal debt much faster.

Also consider consolidating more expensive debts (that is, those with higher interest rates) into one with a lower rate, such as your mortgage. You’ll pay less interest overall, plus it’s easier to keep track of where your money is going.

GET SMART ABOUT INSURANCE