Tips for making the list:
BE POSITIVE.
Sometimes
this is easier said than done. To keep in the mindset, try wording your goals
positively, such as “we’re going to spend money only on things we truly value.”
If you stray from your goals, don’t beat yourself up or dwell on your mistakes.
It will only serve to make you feel worse and keep off track. Just jump right
back on that horse and promise yourself to stay on the path.
Keep your
resolutions attainable.
Check in
with your goals at least once a month. Set a reminder for yourself. For
instance, decide that every time you make a payment on that credit card bill,
you’ll revisit your financial resolutions; this will help you track how far
you’ve come. Remember that if you’ve made it this far, you can reach your goal!
Be specific.
Make
instructions for yourself for just how exactly you plan to attain your goals.
Instead of saying you will save more, write a budget up. This will help keep
you on point.
Make a
contract with yourself.
With your
resolutions set, document all your goals. You could even include reasons for
committing to them. At www.FutureMe.org,
email this to your future self a month, two months, six or 12 months in
advance, or print out the letter and place it on the fridge, so you can be
reminded of why these goals are important, especially when other crises seem to
get in the way.
What our in-house experts recommend you put on the list:
Review your
insurance.
Your
policies may be outdated and not suited for your current needs. Review what you
have: homeowners, life, even auto may be insufficient relative to your present
financial situation.
Check your
credit score.
Be aware of
where your credit stands and take steps to repair any negative aspects. You get
three free credit reports each year, there is no excuse for not reviewing what
is one of your most important financial reports, especially since errors in
these reports are not uncommon. www.annualcreditreport.com
Invest what
you can.
Even if it’s
just a little, invest in yourself and family. It could be as simple as paying
yourself first by contributing to your savings each month, or it could be a
retirement fund, an education fund, or making extra mortgage payments. Consider
these things as investing in yourself and your future.
Taking care
of these will allow you to enjoy a happier, more prosperous and stress-free new
year.
Written by: Sarah Cornwall, Marketing Resources, at Family Services, Inc.
