What does this year have in store for you?

Whether you’ve got plans to buy a new car, book a summer holiday or simply get to grips with your finances, here are some useful tips to help you get started…

Get a handle on your finances

It might not sound like the most glamorous goal but understanding and getting control of your finances can help pave the way for bigger plans down the line. Make this year the year you get your finances back on track by diving into our money-management hub. From budget planners to text alerts to help keep you out of the red, we've got the tools to help you start better financial habits.

Start saving for your first home

Dreaming of a place of your own? Whether you’re living with your parents so you can save every penny possible or putting money away while you rent, there are a range of options available to help you buy your first place faster.

If your parents or grandparents are able to give you a helping hand, our Family Springboard Mortgage could be a good option for you. Your loved ones provide 10% of the property’s price – meaning you don’t have to put down a deposit – and they get the money back (with interest) over time, if you keep up your payments.

Or you could take advantage of tax-free savings with a Help to Buy: ISA. Save with a Help to Buy: ISA and you'll get a 25% government bonus on savings of between £1,600 and £12,000 when you buy your first home. To qualify for the 25% government bonus, you'll need to save a minimum of £1,600 – this will provide you with a £400 bonus. The maximum government bonus is £3,000, which is payable on balances of £12,000 and above. You can save up to £1,200 in first calendar month then up to maximum of £200 per calendar month afterwards The amount saved into a Help to Buy: ISA will count towards your total annual ISA allowance. This means that you will not be able to pay into both a Help to Buy: ISA and another Cash ISA in the same tax year, although you can pay into an Investment ISA.

Take a look at our first-time buyer centre for all of the options available – including shared ownership and joint mortgages – so you could move into your own place quicker than you could say ‘avocado toast’.

Buy a new car

Car about to conk out? If you’re after a flashier model or just need a new runaround to nip from A to B, buying a new car is always exciting. But it’s a big investment and one many people can’t pay for in cash upfront. If you need help with getting your hands on those new wheels, a car loan could be a good option.

As you’ve got a current account with us, you can check to see if you have a provisional loan limit before taking that test drive – without affecting your credit rating. Plus, with fixed monthly repayments and different loan terms available (depending on how much you borrow), it can be a responsible and savvy borrowing option.

Book an escape to the sun

Whether you’re off island-hopping in Asia, on a road trip to the States or simply craving two weeks in the sun, a credit card could be a smart borrowing option.

A credit card can be a great way to spread the cost of your flights over a period of time. It also offers you protection on purchases over £100, so if there’s a problem, you could be covered for a refund (conditions apply). You can also use a credit card for spending while you’re abroad or as a back-up for anything unexpected.

Plan a summer of fun

Whether you’ve already bought the tickets and now want a way to pay them back over time, or you’d like to spread the cost of buying them there could be a Barclaycard for you. Check out the Barclaycard selection of credit cards to work out which one is right for you and your plans.