It’s that time of year when we all take stock of our lives and come up with a list of resolutions to make ourselves better for the coming new year. On the financial side of things may I offer a few suggestions.
- If you do not have a formal written financial plan get one.
- Your plan should include steps to reach your financial goals that can be broken down into action steps. Take one step every day. It doesn’t have to be a huge step, but you should do something positive every day.
- Be more generous and giving. Helping others will make you happier than focusing only on yourself. No matter how bad things may seem at times, you don’t have to look far to find someone with far more needs than you.
- Spend money on experiences instead of things. Look around your house, look in your closets you probably have more things than you need anyway. There is a fine line between the things we own and the things that own us.
- Be thankful for what you have. Focusing on being grateful for the blessings we have makes our journey through life a happier and more pleasant trip. Focus on how far you have come not how far you have to go.
- Learn something new. Learn a new language, learn a new hobby or craft. Keeping your mind active will reduce the time you waste worrying about things you cannot control.
- Visit someplace new this year. Travel opens our minds and the memories will never go away.
