LEAVING finances to chance will cost you a fortune.
Instead, keep on top of key dates so you don’t miss payments or pay over the odds.
Here’s our top tips to keep on top of your finances[/caption]
Get a step ahead with these easy admin tips.
APRIL FOOLS: Don’t be caught out by rising bills next month.
Instead, plan for the hike in advance.
Energy, water, council tax and broadband are due to go up, along with car tax and the TV licence.
It could mean paying around £300-£400 extra a year — about £35 more a month.
DEAR DIARY: Whether you use a desktop diary, a family planner or the calendar app on your phone, make a note of key financial dates and set alarms to remind you.
Include everything from insurance renewals to car MOTs.
Keep a record of when bills have to be paid, so you avoid late charges.
The ISA deadline is approaching on April 5, so use the tax-free accounts to make the most of any savings.
AVOID AUTO-RENEW: If you leave a contract to auto-renew, you’re likely to lose out financially.
To have enough time to find a better deal, make a note in your diary for around a month before the renewal date.
The sweet spot for securing new deals is often around three weeks before the old one ends.
If you find a better price you can either switch or haggle with your existing provider.
GIFTS GAFF: By leaving buying presents until the last minute, we spend more on impulse buys and urgent postage.
Keep a list of birthdays and buy early when you see bargains.
ADMIN O’CLOCK: Set an evening each month to deal with bills and paperwork, so you never fall behind.
Make sure you’re getting the best savings rates and using all the perks that come with your accounts.
Cancel unused subscriptions and do a monthly check on your credit score too.
Set an evening each month to deal with bills and paperwork, so you never fall behind[/caption]
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
This frying pan is just £11 with a Clubcard at Tesco[/caption]
BATTER head to Tesco before Pancake Day to get a Salter Aerotech 32cm frying pan for less than half price with a Clubcard, was £28 now £11.
SAVE: £17
Cheap treat
Get four bags of £1 Wagg treats for £3 at B&M stores[/caption]
FOR your four-legged friend, get four bags of £1 Wagg treats for £3 at B&M stores.
SAVE: £1
What’s new?
Cineworld’s Imax Film Festival features some of the best films from last year, for £5 a ticket or £3 for Cineworld Unlimited members[/caption]
BOOK up for Cineworld’s Imax Film Festival on March 15, featuring some of the best films from last year, for £5 a ticket or £3 for Cineworld Unlimited members.
Book at cineworld.co.uk.
Top swap
The Joules Harewood pleated shade bobbin floor lamp is £250 from John Lewis[/caption]
The B&Q ValueLights painted rose floor lamp is £96.99[/caption]
BE in the pink with the Joules Harewood pleated shade bobbin floor lamp, £250 from John Lewis, or get a rosy glow from the B&Q ValueLights painted rose floor lamp, £96.99 at diy.com.
SAVE: £153.01
Little helper
SHOPPERS with a disability who register with purpldiscounts.com can now get ten per cent off their online grocery shopping at Morrisons. £25 minimum spend.
Shop & save
This kids’ Disney Princess poncho is down from £20 to £10 at John Lewis[/caption]
BRING a touch of magic to bath times with the kids’ Disney Princess poncho, down from £20 to £10 at John Lewis.
SAVE: £10
Hot right now
ENJOY National Craft Month, with £5 off when you spend £20 at Hobbycraft, in store, online or via the app.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
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The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
