New (Tax) Year’s Resolutions – the ones you want to stick to!

With the festive season a distant memory, and some subtle signs of Spring finally appearing, we’re now firmly into the new year. Many of us will have given up on our resolutions already, but if you’d like a second chance to start afresh, then what better time than the new tax year? We take a look at the changes you’ll really want to make, and how we can help you stick to them this time!

Looking after your health

This is a popular one. After the indulgence of the festive season, you might be trying to shed a few pounds, or maybe you’d like to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Losing weight is a personal endeavour of mine. With a wedding dress to fit into, I’m meant to be starting a diet, although with a long-standing penchant for crisps and my chocoholic tendencies, I’m not doing too well. However, a colleague of mine gave me a good tip in “write what you bite.” Basically, write down everything you eat; keeping a food diary is a great way to keep track of those sneaky extra calories. Youfood is a good food-journal app to try if you’re more of a digital type. If you’re wanting to make sure you’re in tip top shape health-wise, Danbro can give you peace of mind with free Bupa cover with some of our Employment Umbrella packages. With Bupa Cashplan*, you can claim back some of your everyday health costs, get cash back towards a Bupa health assessment, as well as access to Bupa’s 24/7 HealthLine. You can add children too, giving you the assurance that everyone’s well looked after.

Getting your finances in order

Would you like to tighten your belt and get your finances back on track? The new financial year is as good a time as any! Maybe you’re looking for savings advice, or wanting to get on the property ladder?  With our expert financial advice, we can help find the right financial products for your personal circumstances.

Finally getting on top of your paperwork

Paperwork in a mess? If like me, you’ve a purse full of receipts and your filing system comprises an overflowing ‘junk drawer’ filled with important documents and general stuff, you’ll be thankful for anything which promises to reduce the amount of paper in your life. Our complimentary FreeAgent software (worth £348 per annum), included in all of our accounting packages is the perfect partner to get your business finances in order. This purpose-built software enables you to access and update your financial information on the go, so there’s no scrambling around for receipts!

Fancy a career change?

Want to try something new career-wise? Despite the recent barrage of legislation, contracting is going from strength to strength. ONS reports show that as of January 2017 there were 4.8 million self-employed workers in the UK, an increase of 148,000 on the same time last year. And with the flexibility of self-employment, you might be able to spend more time with family, or take up a new hobby. If you do choose the freelancer route, you’ll likely be happier too! The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) conducted a study showing that those who work on a freelance basis are happier than their permanent counterparts, stating, “They are more engaged in their work, and they relish the chance to be their own boss and have more control over their hours. Free agents cite higher satisfaction than traditional workers across issues ranging from the creativity they can express to opportunities for learning and recognition. They are happier with their overall level of income…”

So, if you want to make a change and would like our help, contact us on 01253 600140.

 

* Please be aware that this is not a contractual right and at our absolute discretion we reserve the right to terminate participation in the scheme, to substitute another scheme, or alter the benefits available to you under any such scheme. You can only become a member of this scheme if you are aged between 18 and 69, and are a UK resident.