Feeling a little sluggish after Easter and long weekend shenanigans? Spent too much money and eaten too much chocolate? We know the feeling!

Despite being a joyous time, busy holiday-packed months can put a strain on your and your family’s health, well-being and finances, especially as the month’s end approaches and you check your bank account balance, notice an expanding waistline, realise the house is a mess and you’re simply not feeling very organised or goal-oriented in your life. As such, we’ve put together this little guide to help make May your best month of 2019 yet. You’ll be amazed at how a few little changes can drastically improve your life.

Our tips for having a great month:

1. Write down your goals

Putting ideas to paper is the first step towards making them a reality. Some goals you could include may be:

• Saving a certain amount of money throughout the month
• Eating out less, cooking at home more (a meal plan could be helpful)
• Exercising three times a week
• Calling your mum at least once a week
• Finishing a book
• Organising your closet
• Trying out a new hobby
• Finally making that dentist appointment
• Purchasing less single-use plastic
• Cycling to work more
• And so forth.

Once you have decided what your main goals for the month are, you can commit to achieving them by making a weekly plan. For example:

• Save £50 each week by not eating out or ditching the morning Starbucks run
• Planning out your meals for the week
• Allocating specific time for exercise, hobbies, a phone call to mum, etc
• Etc.

Writing down your goals and making manageable plans to achieve them is the first step towards realising larger milestones in your life - for example, purchasing your first home or enjoying an early retirement.

If you’re in the market to become a homeowner, read our article on Tips For Saving For A House Deposit.

2. Structure your day

In our increasingly busy lives, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed with all those things to-do. A tip that is particularly useful for the workplace is to structure certain elements of your day - and, as much as possible, stick to them! Allocating fifteen minutes in the morning and afternoon to read and respond to emails, for example, is a great example of how structuring your day can result in you getting more done (you won’t be as distracted throughout the day and can focus more on other tasks) in less time.

3. Sort out your finances

You’re simply not going to sleep soundly at night if you’re worried about money, bills, budgets and the like. Why not make May the month you decide to take control of your financial future? In this article, we explain some top ways to make your life better, financially. The above tips about making plans and writing down your goals can also be a big help when organising yourself financially.

4. Check your PPI

There are just a few months left to claim back PPI that was mis-sold to you. Many people don’t even realise that they had PPI in the first place, so it’s absolutely worth checking if you were one of them! PPI refunds can range from a few hundred pounds to thousands - which is definitely going to make your next few months brighter! For more information, read our article on PPI here or contact us and a friendly member of our team will be more than happy to help. The deadline for PPI claims is 29 August 2019.

5. Decorate your home (on a budget)

Even if you’re a little tight for cash, there are lots of ways to improve the appearance and ambience of your apartment or house without breaking the bank. All you need is a little creativity! Read our article on How to Make Your Home Pinterest-Worthy, On A Budget for lots of fun ideas about how to decorate your space with mason jars, candles, ladders, plants and more. Why? There are a number of reasons why improving your living space and making it more homely are beneficial to each member of the family. Indoor plants, for example, are proven to clarify the air and improve your mental health.

6. Plan an adventure

There is nothing more motivating than having something truly exciting to look forward to. May could be the perfect time to book your next holiday. Read our article about Where To Travel To in 2019.

7. Plan your affairs

It may not seem like the most joyous activity to take you into a new month, but writing a will is actually fantastic for easing your mind, as you’ll know that your loved ones will be taken care of, should anything happen to you. It is important for everybody over the age of 18 to have a will.

It’s also worth creating a LPA (lasting power of attorney) while you’re at it. Read our article about why a LPA is one of the most important documents you’ll ever make and get in touch with Linda, head of the Wills & Probate department.

About GWlegal

We offer the everyday legal services you require to move smoothly through each stage of life’s journey. Property law when purchasing your first home. Equity release when you are ready to retire. Financial Claims or personal injury services when something goes wrong. Will writing and estate planning to protect you and your loved ones.

If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0345 373 3737 or email us hello@gw.legal with your question.

Who are GWlegal? We’re a national firm with local values.

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