I love the first few weeks of the year (despite the tax return deadline) Because it's a whole fresh start, isn't it? You can do whatever you like, right wrongs and really make the most out of your job (or change it altogether if you're daring enough).

But there are some important resolutions that we could all do with taking on board.

This New Year, it's time for a proper spring clean. Not just throwing out all of the wrapping paper, and making room for your sparkling new presents, but making sure your finances are in order too.

Sure it's not fun, but it's the best time to do it, and once you've finished, you'll feel so much better that you've got everything sorted. But where do you start?

New Year fever hits everyone.

It's like one huge mass of 'change'. Everyone wants their life to change, and what better time to do it than January 1st.

But it's not always the best time to go about it. Especially not if you're thinking of changing jobs.

There's more to think about than 'I'm not going back to work next year'.

Every year I get excited about New Years Day.

It's the best year for starting afresh. Not least when it comes to bad habits and finances.

So I'm trying to make some money resolutions to make sure I don't overspend.

Of course, I'm not saying I won't be having fun (going cold-turkey is the surest way to break all of your resolutions.

My resolutions are to keep a budget of what I spend, and not to buy rubbish in the supermarket (I can spend an awful lot on rubbish food that never gets eaten). I'm going to try and only treat myself when I deserve it as well. Which might prove more difficult than I think.

So what are you doing in the New Year to make sure your finances are in order? Have you got any money resolutions? Tell us in the poll!

As we near the end of a turbulent year for our finances, we look back at some of the highs and lows as reported on Walletpop...

It's like Facebook, without the annoying quizzes, like Twitter without the funny links and X Factor commentary. Like MySpace without the music. LinkedIn just really isn't that cool, is it?

But there's more to it than you realise. And what it lacks in excitement, it makes up for in possibly professional gain. Something I discovered this weekend when I was told about a very exciting opportunity.

If I hadn't been on LinkedIn, I'm pretty sure the job opportunity would have passed me by. I might have been lucky, but the website made things so much easier. I still nearly missed out after I didn't check my messages for three days. I often just assume that messages on LinkedIn are connection requests or group invites. So if you haven't signed up yet, or you're not using the site very often, how do you get the most out of it?

As we near the end of a turbulent year for our finances, we look back at some of the highs and lows as reported on Walletpop...

I've had my fair share of bad job interviews. There was the job interview that went so badly I got drunk with a friend afterwards. They insisted on seeing me the next day for a second interview. Unfortunately, they had to see me in the exact same suit I'd passed out on my friend's sofa in. Not my best moment.

Job hunting it tough, but there are some things that make it even worse. Sometimes it's not just the interviewer, sometimes you mess up all on your own as well! We looked to our Twitter feed for some inspiration. Because sometimes, it's more fun if you share the humiliation, right?

Every year, I promise to write thank you cards for everyone who sent me a present.

But, once you've got over the post-New Year hangover, you're back at work and Christmas seems like a million years ago.

But be warned, if you want to stay on someone's Christmas list, it's well worth writing those thank you notes.

As much as I love a bargain, the January sales fill me with terror. They're horrible. Under no circumstances will I wake up at 6am to go to Next on a freezing cold Boxing Day.

Boxing Day is for eating ham and being cosy! Watching bad films! Pictionary!

But, if you must brave the sales, there are a few tips to make sure you get the best bargains. We've gone through some of them before, but these sales are the good ones, so apply them ten fold. Shopping is about to get serious.

I know, I know, I shouldn't really be thinking about the sales when I haven't even opened my presents yet, but I got my first invitation to an 'exclusive' sale today, and it got me thinking.

How do we approach the sales?

What do you go for? Are you keen to start snapping up the bargain shoes, or are you looking for more practical buys?

There's so much to choose from and with the crowds it's impossible to know where to start. So most of us just follow our instincts and head to our favourite shops. I always kick off with Oasis (and can be found snapping up online bargains first thing on Boxing Day). But what's the first thing you snap up when the sales start? Tell us in the poll!

Next year, I'm determined to sort out my skincare routine. At the moment, it's frankly rubbish. But I'm not convinced by all the these expensive lotions and potions that I see in department stores. Because those women will tell you anything to shift them, won't they?! Why do I want oxygen in my cleanser? What does that mean?! I don't understand the science stuff. I don't understand it, but there's got to be something a little more effective that soap and water, hasn't there?

So it's time for me to get back to basics. I need to drink more water, that'll help no end. So will eating more vegetables. And yes, I should most definitely stop smoking. But what about the rest? I'm really keen to see what your budget beauty tips are. And hair and make-up as well while you're there. What tips and tricks do you always go back to when you're running low on pennies? Are any of those old wives tales really worth the effort?

Just leave a comment below telling us how to look pretty and take care of our skin for less! What could be a better way to kick off the New Year?