Make 2014 the ‘year of your dreams’

Do you have a financial goal for the year ahead? Fifty percent of Britons are targeting 2014 as the year to take a dream holiday or go travelling[1], according to new research from Experian CreditExpert[2].

It wasn’t all sunshine and airports though, as the next most popular goal was home improvements (46%), with reducing debts (35%) next up. More than a quarter (28%) of respondents are also hoping to buy a house this year, 9% to start a business, and 6% are planning to get married. The most notable concerns for people were the overall cost of living (60%), along with a lack of savings (55%). Having a poor credit history (9%) and an inability to borrow money (9%) also featured. Many of us begin the new year with goals, targets and resolutions – for us and for our families. Understanding your financial situation is a key step towards achieving that, and this may mean not only budgeting the money you have now but also reviewing any outstanding money you owe and planning ahead to be able to secure any credit you may need into the future.         Credit includes everything from mobile phone accounts, credit cards, store cards, overdrafts and even mortgages – and how you manage the credit you have now could potentially directly impact on future credit applications. Stay within the agreed credit limits and always make your repayments on time, as missed payments stay on your credit report for at least six years. If you do find that your financial situation or credit history is getting in the way of achieving your 2014 dream, the most important thing is to deal with it as soon as possible. Your Experian credit report[3] can give you an invaluable insight into your credit management over the last six years, highlighting the positive and the negative influences affecting your credit rating.