New Years ResolutionsIt's that time of year again, when we think about New Ideas for the New Year. In 2024, as with previous years, we've seen people make serious, costly mistakes and we need to stop making the same mistakes in 2025. None of these ideas are actually new, but they are really important.
Technology
Change your passwords. Do it right now and do it again in the future. Do it often. Just as importantly, choose passwords that are hard to guess. Don't use your birthday or the names of your children, use a phrase that contains numbers, upper and lower case letters and symbols.
Contracts
Read all contracts BEFORE signing them. If you don't understand something in a contract, don't sign it. If necessary, ask for advice from someone who knows more and who cares about you. Remember that contracts are often one-sided and designed to protect the large company that can afford lawyers, not to protect you and me. One we sign a contract, we're committed and there's no way out. Saying we didn't understand it after we signed it is too late.
Ask questions
Don't ever be afraid to ask 'stupid' questions. Whether you're buying a house, a car, a laptop or a cellphone, ask as many questions as you need to understand what you're buying and what it means for you. The question you think is 'stupid' is often the smart question that the company doesn't want you to ask because they don't want to answer. They know that if you knew the answer, you'd walk away and take your money somewhere else.
Slow down
Don't make impulse decisions, particularly with expensive items. No matter how tempting and attractive it is, that item will still be there tomorrow almost certainly at the same price. Don't give in to pressure from the sales staff, particularly if they say you'll only get the special deal today.
Insurance
If you're thinking about getting a funeral plan, consider life insurance instead. A funeral plan covers just one thing, burying you or your loved ones in a hugely over-priced coffin. A life insurance policy, even though it can be more expensive, it covers a lot more. If you pass away, your children will be better looked after with a life insurance policy
Change companies
Don't be afraid to change banks, network providers, insurance companies, any service provider. They need to know that you'll be willing to move to one of their competitors. And then, if necessary, do it. Maybe, if you're feeling like having some fun, tell them company that you're looking to move and see if they can't get you a better deal. Make them work for their fees.
Alo, understand that the large service providers you think you love don't love you in return. They just want your money. Loyalty must be earned, not given.
Money-making schemes
It's critically important to understand that anyone who invites you to join their money-making scheme wants to make money FROM you, not WITH you. It's the same with so-called 'miracle money'. The miracle they talk about is taking money FROM you, not giving it TO you.
And anything that's offered for free? Ask yourself why would they do that? What do they really want in return?
Finally…
Please be very careful. Way too many people still fall for scams and we need to stop it. Please spread the word to your family, friends, workmates and neighbours and then we can beat these criminals in 2025
