Reduce your debts. Once a rainy day account has been established, pay off debts with high interest rates. Interest rates charged on most borrowings far exceed interest received from deposit based accounts.

Minimise your current account. Don't keep more money than you need to in your current account as it probably pays very little interest. Keep the excess and your rainy day savings in a high interest savings account. This can feed directly into your current account when required.

Pay extra into your mortgage account, if possible. A little extra paid each month towards the mortgage can reduce the duration of borrowing significantly.

Make a will. Review it periodically and at any time there is a major change in your life. This will ensure that your estate will always be distributed according to your wishes.

Make the most of inheritance tax allowances by giving away money each year according to the rules.

Review your family's finances. What would they be like if you should die or become seriously ill. There are several protection policies available that provide help if an unexpected event occurs.

Reduce your life assurance premiums. A search of the whole marketplace may well find you an equivalent policy with a lower premium.

Reduce your mortgage repayments. Remortgage your home to take advantage of special fixed rate or discount offers.

Spread your investment risk. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use different types of savings and investment products. Even within the same investment products use different companies, various sectors and several geographical areas to invest in.

Make use of tax efficient savings and investments. Especially important for high rate taxpayers, eg. an Individual Savings Account (ISA) can shelter up to £10,680 (2011/12) of investments per year from income tax and capital gains tax.

Reduce your pension charges. Newer style pensions have lower charges. Consider moving your existing pension to a lower charged policy, as savings may be substantial over the longer term.

Get advice at retirement before accepting offers from your existing pension fund provider. The 'income for life' (annuity) received for a pension fund is often higher from providers other than the one with which you placed your pension contributions.

Advice on all of these suggestions can be obtained by contacting us.