The final build up to Christmas is upon us, and many of us will take time out with our family’s and loved ones over the next week or so, and will have a little bit of time (and head space) to gather our thoughts ahead of the New Year.

Let’s just put it out there, I don’t like New Years resolutions, I think they are reflective and focused on negativity…… ‘I won’t….’ or ‘I’m going to stop……’, and without many exceptions, gradually one by one, they fall by the wayside, and we end up maybe having been good for a month (at a push!) and then reverting to our normal selves.

So, I thought I would share with you a little bit about how I do it…….. We have a New Year Wish List. A list that is written on New Years Day, and passed around all those people at my lunch table, each writing a wish for the coming year, the list goes on and on until there are no more wishes, and it then goes onto the fridge. As the year passes, we tick off the wishes that have come to fruition. At the end of the year, you then have a little list of happiness and can see what you have achieved.

So, why am I bothering to share this? I’ve been thinking about how our clients feel once they have their financial planning in place, and the wishes that came before that initial contact, to kick start them, and I thought these might help with your own ‘2016 Wish List’. So, when you are surrounded by your family and friends this festive season, maybe take a step back and think of the following wishes for your own ‘2016 Wish List’

  • I am going to get my finances in order, and make sure I am not spending more than I need to and saving as much tax as I can!
  • I’m going to think about my financial future, and understand what the bumps in the road are and how I can smooth them out
  • I am going to understand my income and expenditure, and make sure I know how I will manage if my income stops
  • I’m going to check my mortgage is a good as it can be – can I save any money here?
  • I’m going to play Goalkeeper and ensure my family can manage financially if I’m not around
  • I’m going to think about the longer term and make sure I’m using every allowance I can so I can lead the life I want to lead later on.
  • I’m going to get financially fit

So see how your Wish List goes, and how much you can achieve in 2016 – it’s a brilliant feeling at the end of the year to look back and pat yourself on the back!

All that remains to be said is that all of us at Athena wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Financially Fit 2016.

Carrie, Colin and Kathy