Resolutions to start 2026 on right financial footing

January is a long month and one that can be a challenge financially.

- MARTYN JAMES

I'll be helping you get through it over the next few weeks. But in keeping with tradition, let's start the year with some resolutions!

Don't be so hard on yourself

So you've overspent, not achieved all you wanted, eaten too much.

Who cares? That was then. It's a new year and no one worth knowing is perfect.

As Jess Glynne sang, don't be so hard on yourself. Set achievable resolutions and give yourself a little reward if you do well - and don't beat yourself up if you break them.

Just don't give up.

Keep it simple

The key to making resolutions that you can manage is to start with a long list, then cut it right down to what's achievable.

Stay focused on things that can realistically be ticked off the list. Make full use of a calendar or diary so you can stay on top of your to do list.

For example, I never do any exercise unless I've put a time specifically in the calendar to do it (I still hate it).

Divide and conquer