IN A quick gallop through the five financial stages of man, Bradford & Bingley highlights likely events so that you can plan.

In your 20s:

You could be entering working life with debts from college or university or with a little nest egg saved. Decisions to be taken might involve setting a budget to pay off any debt and choosing the right bank account, to buying a set of wheels, your first pad, or starting a pension.

In your 30s:

The chances are that you will be secure and settled into a career. You may need to move to a larger house thereby increasing your borrowings and you may want to make sure that you have plenty of life insurance.

In your 40s:

Chances are you will still have a mortgage and may be forking out for secondary or tertiary education.

In your 50s:

This is the decade when people either decide to retire early or consider retirement plans. You will need to assess what level of income you want when you give up work.

In your 60s and beyond:

Retirement beckons for most of us. You will need to reduce any tax liabilities and maximise income from your pension and savings.