Small changes that will add up

摘要

As nurses face another year of low or zero salary increases and nursing aid charities are reporting a surge in requests, why not make some changes to improve your financial security? Each of these suggestions may make a small difference that will add up to bigger long-term gains: Devise a budget. Write down everything you spend for a month to help identify where savings can be made. Based on your expenditure and purchasing, you can then draw up and keep to a budget. Reduce debt without resorting to private debt management companies. Citizens Advice and several charities offer free, independent advice (see resources). Make sure you claim tax rebates on membership of professional bodies, uniform repairs and laundering, and shoes and tights. Nurses fall into a higher rebate category than others and can back-claim to 2008.