Don’t let your new year’s resolutions leave you worse off

Trading Standards have identified some of the most common New Year Resolutions and are advising consumers how they can keep their resolutions and be wise with their money at the same time!

Get Fit Quick! If you are thinking of joining a health club or gym in the New Year, shop around and compare deals. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you read any terms and conditions carefully. Will you have to pay up front for a year’s membership?  Will you be entitled to any money back if your membership lapses along with your good intentions?  Do you have to give notice of cancellation?

Shed the Pounds You Put On At Christmas! Don’t be taken in by adverts that promise ‘miracle’ slimming cures and fantastic weight loss in weeks, simply by taking a tablet or using a patch.  Many of these adverts are misleading. Take advice from organisations such as the Food Standards Agency. Visit: www.food.gov.uk

Double Your Income By Working From Home! Many of us are short of cash after Christmas, and may be tempted by adverts that drop through our door offering fantastic earnings from home-working schemes, or pyramid recruitment plans.  Be very sceptical about any work opportunities that ask you to pay up front, or that offer financial returns that seem too good to be true – they probably are! For more information on scams visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

Be Debt Free! Debt is a major problem for many people, particularly after Christmas when those who have paid for their festivities on credit are now faced with dealing with this in the New Year.

If you have borrowed too much, you will need to:

• talk to the people you owe money to
• agree future payments that you can afford
• sort out your priority debts (such as your rent or mortgage, fuel bills, council tax or maintenance) and organise your money for the future.

Before you turn to credit brokers, debt consolidation companies or pay day loan businesses, get some expert advice from any of these organisations:

• Citizens Advice Bureau (you’ll find their number in the phone book) or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• National Debtline has a 24-hour answering service on 0808 808 4000. www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
• Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800 138 1111 or visit: www.cccs.co.uk

News article courtesy of Warwickshire County Council.