November and December always flies by since there are tons of events and celebrations to attend. I’m exciting for the holidays, but I’m also ready to start 2022 with my best foot forward. To make sure this happens, I am starting to prepare now. You may want to do the same, but feel overwhelmed and not sure where you should begin, which is why I created this list of smart financial decisions to make before the new year. I hope it helps!
Smart Financial Decisions
1. Think long and hard about your new resolutions
How have your New Year’s Resolutions gone for you this year? Think long and hard about how it went, why you succeeded (or failed), and what you could do to improve. Do you want to keep the same goals, or do you need to create harder-to-reach, or more attainable goals? My advice is don’t just jump into any random goals. Take your time. The more time you spend thinking about and then planning your goals for 2022, the better off you will be!
2. Get back on track with your finances – even if it’s hard
So many people have realized how important financial stability is over the past few years. No matter how hard it is, make sure you are in a good financial state. Reducing debt and saving is hard – there is no doubt about that, but once you get in a better place (if you are not already there), you will be so thankful!
There are many creative ways to get in a better spot. You could get creative with the skills you have and offer services to neighbors, such as, child care etc. etc., in exchange for extra cash. You could even sell items that you don’t use anymore. Or, if you want to make a huge jump and get in a better financial spot quickly, you could decide to temporarily downsize. If you need help selling your home, you could reach out to local Florida real estate agent, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, Erin E. King MBA. He specializes in historic homes in Jacksonville (ex. If you are interested in Avondale homes for sale). He knows the ins and outs of both the buying and selling process, while helps you rest easy, knowing that you have a professional on your team.
3. Change unhealthy behavior
Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time, so replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Many people run into problems when they try to change too much too fast. To improve your success, focus on one goal at a time. As new healthy behaviors become a habit, try to add another goal that works toward the overall change you’re striving to achieve. You should start this practice now to give yourself time to get in the swing of things.
4. Accountability Partners – Include them in big lifestyle change
If you have decided to make a big lifestyle change, it’s always easier to push on when you have friends aka accountability partner there by your side. Whether it be a friend, coworker, family member, or someone else on your journey, they will keep you motivated and accountable. Perhaps it can be someone who will go to the gym with you or someone who is also trying to stop smoking. Talk about what you are doing. Consider joining a support group. Having someone with whom to share your struggles and successes makes the work easier and the mission less intimidating.
5. Give Meaningful Gifts
You might be thinking, “Wait – how does this fall under the smart financial decisions category?” Well, there is no need to waste your money on expensive gifts. Save it to pay off any debt you may have accrued.
I remember back when I was in high school/college and I tried so hard to give people gifts…with my very limited budget. You don’t want to get your friends and family gifts that will just end up in the trash, or cluttering up their closets. Instead, give meaningful gifts. You will find that most times they cost very little or nothing at all.
6. Decide to reset completely
Last but not least, decide to reset completely and go forth into the new year with a refreshed and positive attitude. Just as each day is new, each year is new, as well. Maybe 2021 was a tough year for you, as it was for so many others. That’s okay. It’s almost over now and it’s time to move forward with a refreshed mental state. Reset and figure out how you can take on 2022 and make it the best year yet!
While these are only a few smart financial decisions to make before the start of 2022, I believe that they are some of the most important ones that you can focus on! Creating healthy goals, improving your life, working on your mental health, and making sure that you are financially prepared for anything is incredibly important! What else would you add to the list?
Leave a Reply