Top 10 tips for financial health in 2011

1) Spend an hour with a qualified financial adviser or accountant and make a financial plan for 2011. Do that once a year the same way you would get a health check-up.

2) Decide what you are going to save in 2011 and open an account or set up a direct debit to an existing account and put some money aside.

3) Review the things you are spending on – can you get a better deal on your mobile phone, electricity, gym, broadband, land-line or insurances?

4) If you use public transport, consider getting an annual ticket in January as you can get tax relief and a great price (assuming you use it).

5) If you are thinking about doing the cycle to work scheme, do it in January so that you have the full year to pay off the bike.

6) Health insurance: call up and ask for the 'corporate rate'. If you are not already on it this may save you a significant amount.

7) Do your tax return for 2010. Once you pass 1 January 1, 2011, you can submit this year's return and claim back every penny you are legally entitled to. Hundreds of millions in unclaimed taxes are sitting in Revenue's coffers.

8) Start a pension if you don't already have one, and shop around.

9) If you are buying a house get a long-term fixed rate while you still can; if you are renting and happy where you are, consider a long-term lease and negotiate a good price based on long-term tenancy.

10) If you don't know where to start or your finances are in total disarray, a spending diary is a great way to get to grips with things. Keep a note of every piece of expenditure for one month and by the end you'll know exactly where your money is going. Then you can start going through the previous steps.