Ah, it’s the start of a new year and once again everyone is talking about setting New Year's resolutions. Well, you aren’t falling in that trap again. It’s always the same: you start the year with grand plans of getting your life in order and by Valentine’s Day (or for many people, by the end of the first week in January) you realize you have broke every resolution you made. If making resolutions only sets you up for failure then why bother? Here is why you should bother making financial resolutions: Your financial future depends on the financial resolutions you make today. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started. You can do it!
The first step is to identify your financial resolutions. Not all resolutions have to be difficult and far-reaching. You can select some easy resolutions as well as some more advanced resolutions. Here are some resolutions to get your mind stirring.
I resolve to ________.
- Pay my bills on time.
- Save money towards my goals.
- Balance my checking account each month.
- Find ways to reduce my spending.
- Find ways to increase my income.
- Educate myself about investing.
- Find ways to reduce my taxes.
- Give more to charities.
- Reduce my debt.
- Evaluate my current insurance policies and make certain I am adequately covered.
- Write my will.
- Keep track of the progress I am making on my goals.
The next step is to write down your financial resolutions and post them in a place you will see them daily (perhaps next to your financial goals sheet). I have created a financial resolution sheet which you can print and use.
Now, sit back and look at what you have accomplished so far. You have identified some great financial resolutions that will help you gain control of your finances. You are off to a tremendous start this year! Take time to reward yourself for what you have done. Take a break, kick your feet up, and enjoy that last piece of apple pie. When you are done, come back to the computer and we will find ways to implement your goals and resolutions
Save to Del.icio.us
