Finance Tips

 Some general tips:

• Make a regular date to review your finances. Perhaps the first week of the quarter?
• Adopt a 'little and often' approach to paperwork - don't let it build up. Tackle it once a week if you can.
• Check your current balance twice a week.
• Pay off more - on everything from credit cards to your mortgage - to clear your bills and pay less interest.
• Compare prices on insurance, utility, phone and broadband deals annually or before renewing.
• Compare prices on items you intend buying.
• Check your money is earning its keep. Review savings and investments regularly to ensure you are getting the best rates.
• Budget for treats - that way you are less likely to spend in a way that makes a hole in your finances.
• Read up on money matters. Find out what is in the government's last budget that will affect you.
• Keep a balance - work to live, not the other way around.
• Save up for something special; having a goal will motivate you.
• Try haggling. No need to feel awkward - even a small flaw can result in a discount. Independant shops are more likely to offer a discount or add-on freebies. Don't speak to a junior as they won't have the authority to agree a discount. Always be polite.

Pay rises

• Arrange a meeting with your line manager, flagging up what you want to discuss. Your success could depend on having them on board and they will have a better idea of the company pay structure.
• Come prepared. Briefly list your achievements above and beyond your job description, and where applicable, cite testimonials.
• Think laterally. Hard cash may be impossible in the current economic climate, but there may be others benefits you could negotiate for such as increased pension contributions, flexible working hours ro extra holiday.
• But: don't complain that you are poor and need more money; don't be aggressive and confrontational; don't threaten to leave unless you are prepared to act on it.