“A Review of Our Team’s Financial Achievements and Setbacks over the Past Year”

**How Our Team Members Navigated Financial Success and Setbacks in the Past Year**

In the past year, our team members have achieved significant financial successes while also encountering setbacks. Each member has had a unique experience in handling their personal finances, from foraging for fallen trees to changing the way they manage their credit and savings.

Our Group Wealth & Personal Finance Editor, Jeff Prestridge, successfully ensured that his mother’s finances remained in good order throughout the year by exercising a lasting power of attorney. Despite this achievement, he also admitted to making the mistake of putting years’ worth of possessions in a self-storage unit, resulting in unnecessary expenses.

Similarly, Money Reporter Adele Cooke found success in taking control of her credit score by applying for a cashback credit card, as she prepares to purchase her first home in the coming years. However, she also encountered a setback during the summer when she overspent on leisure activities, going over budget by £200.

Money Editor Rachel Rickard Straus shared her financial success in purchasing a much-needed energy-efficient tumble dryer, highlighting the importance of making wise investments in essential home appliances. On the other hand, she admitted to failing to act promptly after her mobile phone contract expired, resulting in an increase in her bills before eventually switching to a better deal.

Lucy Evans, our Money Reporter, found success in increasing her contributions to her retirement pot during her first year of full-time work, leveraging employer matching to build up her pension. However, she also identified the missed opportunity of placing cash gifts in a high-rate savings account instead of letting them sit idle in her purse.

Chief Money Reporter Toby Walne shared his success in reducing his heating bills by foraging for fallen trees to supply his woodburners, saving him £250 a month. On the downside, he also recounted the unexpected financial loss from the sale of a classic car, acknowledging the error in perceiving it as a sound investment.

Deputy Money Editor Jessica Beard highlighted her success in taking control of her savings by securing high-interest rate accounts, signaling a shift in her previous complacent attitude towards her finances. However, she also recognized the error in not paying her energy bills through direct debit, resulting in substantial additional charges over the years.

Head of Money Sarah Hartley shared her success in steering away from unnecessary spending, opting for thoughtful purchases and activities with a meaningful impact. Despite this achievement, she admitted to missing out on claiming compensation for late train journeys, failing to maximize the financial benefits available to her.

In conclusion, our team’s financial journey over the past year reflects a mix of successes and setbacks, providing valuable insights and lessons on managing personal finances. Each member’s experience serves as a testament to the importance of making informed financial decisions and learning from past mistakes to secure a stable financial future. Moving forward, we aim to apply the lessons learned from our own experiences to provide valuable insights and guidance to our readers.

Source:
– This financial review is based on the personal experiences and reflections of the Money team members as shared in our recent internal review meeting.