THE favourite New Year's resolution among people in the North-East is to get their finances in better shape.

Thirty-two per cent of Northerners claim they are disorganised when it comes to their finances and they intend to change their ways, according to a survey by American Express bank.

Consumers remain optimistic, with more than half of people in the region expecting their financial position to improve this year. Many are already planning how to spend their hard-earned cash.

Most plan to make the most of the January sales, while 44 per cent intend to carry out home improvements, 25 per cent to move house, 23 per cent buy a new car, while five per cent want to have cosmetic surgery.