Finance portal Loans4u has published five tips to help people improve their finances in time for New Year’s Eve and through to 2008.
1. Don't be too extravagant: If you are going to see friend or family on or after New Year’s Eve rather than over the Christmas period then buy their gifts in the post-Christmas sales.
2. Get a second job: There is always a range of casual and temporary work during the Christmas and New Year periods when retailers are at their busiest and opening times are longer than other times of the year – perfect for a second job to make some extra cash.
3. Stay in sometimes: If you’re saving up for a big night out on New Year’s Eve, try staying in on other nights. Spend a few weekends enjoying a home cooked meal and a DVD with friends.
4. Think before you buy: Impulse purchases are the worst kind, because you often end up paying over the odds for something that after a few weeks you realise you never even really wanted in the first place.
5. Give up smoking: It’s an expensive habit and the New Year is the ideal time to give up. The recent smoking ban should add an incentive to quit. By kicking the habit you will be amazed at how much you will save.