Finished your Christmas shopping? Then why not think to the New Year?

Hopefully all your shopping is done and all your presents wrapped – so now just wait for the big day.

But how about making some New Year Resolutions while you wait? Why don’t you set up that standing order to your new savings account or check your mobile phone contract so that you get the best deal next year?

You could also register on the sites that give you money or vouchers back for making purchases, to help give you a little extra for when the unexpected occurs.

This time next year, you will be glad that an hour invested now is reaping rewards – when you can afford the little treats, without worrying about how to pay for them.

Perhaps an entry into the Money for Life Challenge could encourage others to increase and track the savings that they can make over the course of 2012?

Helen Cormack, Scotland’s Colleges