From the Budget to when your broadband contract ends, there are a handful of announcements and deadlines happening throughout the year which will affect you and your money.
With next season's footballing fixtures released today, it's easy to overlook other key dates in your calendar. If, like me you've spent some time this morning adding your team's matches into your diary, it makes sense to do the same with these financial fixtures.
I've highlighted the ones to watch out for, and why you should pay attention.
July
The summer or 'emergency' Budget
WHEN
8 July 2015
WHAT
The government have added this extra budget following their election victory in May.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
It will affect what you have in your wallet for better or worse.
September
Car registration changes
WHEN
1 March and 1 September.
WHAT
Every six months, a new set of number plates are released which show the period the car was registered making it easy to know how old it is later on.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
There are two schools of thought. Wait to buy until a new plate is released so your car seems newer when you decide to sell. Or try to pick up a bargain as sales staff want to clear vehicles with older plates in February and August before the new plates come in.
October
Paper tax returns
WHEN
31 October.
WHAT
A tax return details your income and what you need to pay in tax.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Though tax returns will eventually go fully digital, many still complete paper returns. If you’ve any income that isn’t already taxed you need to complete a self assessment form. Miss this deadline and you can still submit your return digitally before the end of January.
November/December
The Autumn Statement
WHEN
November or December each year.
WHAT
The Chancellor reveals the government’s latest plans for the economy.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
As with the Budget, some of the announcements will affect you. Last time around there were big changes to Stamp Duty.
January
Online tax returns due
WHEN
31 Jan.
WHAT
A tax return details your income and what you need to pay in tax.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
This is the final deadline to submit your tax return. Miss it and there are some hefty fines.
March/April
The Budget
WHEN
March or April each year.
WHAT
The Chancellor of the Exchequer sets out the government’s financial policy for the next 12 months and beyond.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
The biggest financial policies and changes are usually revealed at the Budget. Announcements are made on everything from retirement age and pensions to benefits and tax on alcohol.
April
The new tax year
WHEN
6 April.
WHAT
The start of a new 12 month period that’s used to calculate how much tax you’ll pay on your income, savings and investments.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Many of the Budget announcements will come into effect.
One-offs
Contract and insurance end dates
WHEN
Various dates
WHAT
The end date for any annual insurance policies or any kind of annual contract (eg energy, broadband, subscriptions).
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Two reasons. Firstly, the contract might auto-renew, which will almost certainly cost you more money. Secondly, you might have had a fixed deal or special offer when you signed up. At the end of the contract you might be moved to a standard deal, again costing much more money. It's worth noting in your diary a month before the contract is due to end and looking to see if switching can save you cash.
This is very useful information which most people forget to action and it can really save one lots of money. Most people fear changes and feel comfortable the way things are and don't bother to check contracts due dates
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