How to clear your credit cards

Many people will be paid bonuses for their jobs, particularly if they are in sales or get some kind of performance-related pay. In fact, any amount of money that you get over and above your annual salary or usual hourly rate would be considered a bonus paid by your employer.

If you get paid anything in the way of bonuses, then go back through your payslips and check how much you have been paid in bonuses in the past year. These should be split out on your payslip from your regular pay.

You should look at whether you are going to be able to get the same amount in bonuses for the coming year. Be realistic though, as you do not want to overestimate it.

You should do this for all of the jobs you have. Include an estimate of any tips you may have received if you work in a bar or restaurant.