1. Is there anything you did this holiday season that wasn't really necessary? Maybe you over-catered, or maybe you gave in to temptation a little too often when shopping? Think about aspects of your spending that you could improve on for next year and take corrective action so that next year's post-holiday season wash-up is a happier time for you and your finances!

2. Start a savings account in January to put a bit of money aside during the year for your celebrations and holidays at the end of the year.

3. If your circumstances can accommodate it, think about taking on some extra work, either right through the year, or for the last few months of the year, to help you build a financial buffer to ease the pressure come the Holiday Season and New Year.