3 easy ways to...

Adopt these good practices and, over time, they can help you achieve your financial goals

1 STAY WELL-INFORMED

Arm yourself with up-to-date, reliable information. Try taking the free online course MSE’S Academy of Money, which involves six sessions covering topics like understanding mortgages, budgeting and planning for retirement. It’s provided jointly by moneysavingexpert.com and the Open University. Visit open.edu/openlearn.

2 STICK TO YOUR PLAN

The urge to spend money can be harder to control if you see your friends doing it – and sharing their new purchases on social media. Stick to your plan for using your cash instead, whether that’s paying off debt or putting money away for emergencies. Knowing the choices you’re making are getting you closer to your goals will make it easier not to spend just to keep up with others.

3 CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS

It’s a good idea to check your credit reports regularly. As well as being able to spot any inaccuracies you’ll also be able to look for any signs of fraud, like a new credit account you didn’t open. Check reports free by signing up at moneysavingexpert. com/creditclub for your Experian credit report; for your Equifax report sign up at clearscore.com; and get your Transunion credit report at creditkarma.co.uk.