Australia Day is fun but it signals the end of the summer holiday season so what money matters should you be working on?

After a beach holiday spent with “classy bogan” (well, they think they are) mates, with music suggesting we were trying to recreate the summer of 1985 …

Returning to work? Ugh! Though, sadly, did two weeks ago.

For Xers’ urgent attention: Square off the Christmas credit card. Pay for the tin lids’ school gear. Restock the beer fridge, in readiness for the cricket World Cup.

Then it’s time to focus on you. A financial plan to make a big difference to your 2015 finances.

Understand nothing good financially comes without sacrifice. The bigger, the better. Get hardcore.

“Why so serious?” sang Pink. Because it’s your money and, come Christmas, I want you to “Raise your glass” to a fantastic 2015.

It’s going to take more than skipping a cup of coffee a day.

What immediate plan can make and save big bucks for Gen Xers?

Salary sacrifice. Tipping an extra $50 a week into super from your late 30s via salary sacrifice will have huge impact on your retirement. Do more if you can. But Xers need to start … now.

Slow down car updates. Delaying a car changeup, or spending half what you would normally spend on wheels, could save you $10,000 or so a year, every year. And you won’t die of shame in front of your friends in a slightly older car.

But most importantly, how’s your investment plan going? A journey to a large share or property portfolio starts with a single investment. Get it moving, sister. Or hire yourself a wealth fitness coach to keep you motivated.

Bruce Brammall is the principal adviser with Bruce Brammall Financial (www.brucebrammall.com.au) and author of Debt Man Walking.