Tips for getting your finances on track in 2009

Begin the New Year with a few resolutions to get, and keep, your finances on track. Here are few tips to get you started.

• Set goals

Write them down, put a timeframe on them, and keep them where you can refer back to them regularly. Use the My Goals worksheet on sorted.org.nz and you can sign up for reminders by TXT or email. 

• Make a budget

Making a budget that suits you can be one of your most powerful tools for getting ahead financially. The Budget calculator on sorted.org.nz makes it easy.

• Manage your cash flow

A budget helps you plan where your money should be going, cashflow shows you where the money goes in reality. After you’ve completed your budget, track your actual spending with the Cashflow calculator. 
Or before you go shopping, find out the true cost of paying for your purchases with Sorted’s spendometer. 

• Control your debt

Debt isn’t all bad, but allowing it to get out of control is. Find out what your options are in Sorted’s Managing debt section.

• Start saving

Regular saving can help you towards a specific goal (like a new car or a holiday) or longer term plans (like retirement or buying a house). The Regular savings calculator on sorted.org.nz shows how much your savings will add up to over time.