New Year Resolution?
October 14, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
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Every New Year I contemplate the current year as it nears the end. What did I accomplish this past year? What am I going to do in the New Year. What goals do I want to implement? What am I going to give up?
I look at the usual self-improvement goals – I need to lose weight, always at least 10 lbs. I need to get healthy, eat better, sleep better. I really should exercise more. I walk often, maybe I should start running? Probably not going to happen! And of course, there is always money!
What are you looking to do with your finances in the next year? No, I am not looking at my New Year Resolution already. Free From Broke is sponsoring a contest about just that topic. Hank from My Investing Blog is sponsoring a contest in conjunction with Free from Broke. Hank’s theme or title is “Things I’ve Learned in the Past Year.” These guys are making me think!
As far as the money issue:
I always plan to save money. Isn’t that everyone’s New Year resolution? Maybe I need to define what “saving money” is. I should probably spend more than 5 minutes just declaring my “goal”. Possibly have a solid plan.
I thought about cutting back on expenses. I am usually pretty frugal and conservative. I always keep the furnace down, I don’t leave on lights or the television when I am not using them. My phone is as basic as you can get. I have a dial tone, that’s it. So I am not sure where to cut back as far as utilities and such.
Groceries. Big expense. But you have to eat. Agreed. I spend a lot of money on groceries though and it feels like I waste a lot of food. It also looks like the only area to reduce spending in. The only budget item you partially have control with.
So what am I looking to do with my finances in the next year? Well, it’s only October so I have plenty of time to think and plan. But for the most part, I do want to eliminate some waste areas and I want to increase my savings. Our rainy days are coming a little more frequently. I am not really at my comfort level as far as our savings plan is concerned. My comfort zone changes with the economy. Our market mess makes me think about every little purchase. Do I really need that?
Does the world wide market make you think twice about your purchases? Do you see any benefits of this crisis?
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Its a little scary to think that there is only two and a half more months left of this year.. People probably think you are crazy because you are posting that already.. but it is ONLY two and ahalf months away.. Wow thats scary. Christmas is only two months away. yay but yuck at the same time.
One benefit of today’s economic situation is that I’ll be buying funds cheaper in my 401(k). Of course it’s dropped a lot too but I have time until I have to worry about retirement.
This crisis is getting worse! At the moment in Ireland we are waiting for the government to anounce its crisis budget at 4pm today, resolutions will come early and I’m not looking forward to it! My cut backs will be based on what happens today! Already this week I started buying the own brand food at tesco:(
great job dee
@ Danielle
Where does the time go, the days drag but the months fly! This post is actually to answer a question about finances, I just thought the “New Year Resolution” title would make people look twice! It worked! he he
@ FreeFromBroke
Thanks for sponsoring the contest, it has been fun! Gas is another good outcome. The price drops 5-10 cents a day! I can get used to that. Economist say its the drop in demand. Consumers should pay attention. The next time the big oil companies get greedy (and there will be a next time) if we just slow down on our consumption, they will be forced to reduce prices!
@ WebDesigner
The US Government was talking about another new rescue plan. The billions and billions of dollars we just spent less than a week ago wasn’t enough?! The money the government (we) gave to the bankers so they could destress at the week long spa resort wasn’t enough? Please. All I know is some big fat executives were more greedy than usual and the little tax payer will be bailing them out! OH! Don’t get me going! :[
@ Vivian
Thank you. I get it from my mammma!
I never used to make New Years resolutions, but perhaps this is the year to sit down and really be proactive. Set up and budget, decide when and how to put an end to my costly nicotine vice,(could really save some money there), and stick to my plans. There are advantages in the crises, but I don’t thing we’ll see the benefits from them for quite some time. At least gas is going down, I got it for $2.65 a gallon today.
The nicotine kick was mine this past year. 10 1/2 months clean! That’s what my mother asked for as her Christmas gift. I told her expect the same gift for her birthday and mother’s day too! I used Chanitx to help. I don’t think I could have done it without Chantix! It was awesome.