1. The Comfort of Resolutions

    Photo of Cindy BattlesThat title may seem like an oxymoron, but there is comfort in carrying through on your new year’s promises to yourself. The web offers a myriad of ideas for starting fresh and here are some of them I’ve rounded up:

    • Financially, strive to put away a small amount of cash each month. Can you stuff a $50 bill a month in a jar? How about $20 or $10? Having spare cash relieves stress when unexpected financial needs pop up. And they will.
    • Another way to avoid mounting debt is to use your credit cards only when necessary. Shop with cash and it has been proven you will spend less because you watch the bills disappear, and that slows you down.
    • Also with your credit cards and other bills, pay your balance off in full and on time. Resolve to be a punctual payer in the new year. It’s important to establish responsible bill-paying habits.

    Other great resolutions I’ve heard from friends:

    • Snuff out your last cigarette. Depending on the cigarette taxes in your state, you can save a small fortune by becoming a former smoker. This is a no-brainer.
    • Redo your workday spending habits. Instead of frequenting restaurants, bring lunch to work from home as often as you can make it. Rethink public transportation - using less gas and eliminating parking fees could save you a decent amount of money each month. And if you’ve resolved to read more this year, public transportation is great for that.

    Just a few ideas to get started on the right track. In my next post, I will address food issues which I am struggling with. Until then, stay warm and try to stick to your resolutions. If you try in 2012, strangely enough, you’ll feel more comfortable.

    Happy new year,

    Cindy

    - - - - - - - - 

    Cindy Battles is a freelance writer based in Rutland, VT, winner of the National Disability Institute’s 2008 Blog Contest and a regular contributor here on the Real Economic Impact blog.

Notes

  1. realeconomicimpact posted this