New Year, New Ways to Save Up Some Money

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to save some money this year? Are you trying to curtail your spending or just become better at managing your finances?

If this is you, take a look at some of our clever suggestions to save up some money in the new year.

Write Down a Clear Budget

The best and most commonly suggested first step to take when looking to save money is to create a budget for yourself.

This is not likely to be a fun activity. You will need to do a lot of math and figure out exactly what you are earning and how much you are spending. However, it can give you a very clear overview of your expenses and help you set some budgeting goals.

Create Lists of Things (Not) To Buy

Once you have a budget in mind, you can decide what you want to spend money on and what you want to stop buying.

A great way to both track your spending and ensure you stick to your budgets is to create lists. Write down everything that you need or want to purchase. This will include groceries, medicine, and any other item you definitely need. Write down the things you would like to buy this year or this month, too.

Also create a list of things you are prone to overbuying or things that you buy on impulse often. You can also include things like excessive Ubers, too many DoorDash orders, etc.

Having a list to look at will help you allocate your money better and make sure you only spend within your budget.

Have a No-Buy or a Low-Buy Month

If you want to take things a step further, you can also do a no-buy or a low-buy month. In fact, you can do it for an entire year!

No-buy means that you will only buy necessities. Low-buy means that you can buy other things as well but curtail excessive spending by focusing on decluttering and owning only items you really want to have.

Wait 28 Days Before Making a Purchase

Before you make a purchase, give yourself 28 days to think it through. This rule can be applied to larger, more expensive purposes.

For example, you want to buy a new sweater. You’ve seen it on Instagram, and you love it. Before you buy it, give yourself a 28-day window.

If you’re still thinking about the sweater and really love it, buy it. If you’ve forgotten all about it, don’t.

You can apply this rule to smaller purchases, too. For example, if you really want to order a specific takeout or buy something sweet, give it a couple of days. If you are still craving it, do it.

Save Money When Shopping Online

For a lot of people, online shopping is where they spend the most money and make the most impulse purchases. Since we are bombarded by ads every time we go online, this hardly comes as a surprise.

A great way to save money on your online spending habits is to find online shopping deals. That way, you can still buy the things you want, but often at a significantly discounted price.

Apply the rules from above as well. Wait a while before you commit to the purchase, and really think it through. Is this an item you really need and want, or are you just inspired by something you’ve seen online?

Check All of Your Subscriptions and Recurring Payments

Most of us spend money on services or subscriptions we never use or use very rarely. Take some time to go through all of yours and cancel anything you no longer need.

For example, if you are subscribed to Hulu, Max, and Netflix, consider whether you can cut one for a couple of months. Figure out which shows you are likely to watch in the next month or two, and then cancel the other subscriptions.

You can also go in with friends for group subscriptions and save money that way.

Spend Cash

If you tend to use your credit card a lot, consider switching to cash. Spending real money that you have to take out of a wallet and hand over often feels like real spending. Entering a card number or swiping a piece of plastic doesn’t impact us nearly as much.

When you’ve set your monthly budget for things like groceries, toiletries, transportation, and takeout, go to an ATM and withdraw these amounts. Put them in separate wallets or separate folders and use them as necessary.

Don’t take money from one folder to pay for something else. Anything that you have left over at the end of the month can go to your savings, or you can splurge on something as a treat.

Sell or Gift Things You No Longer Need or Use

Most of our homes are filled with items we don’t use, don’t like, or don’t need. Instead of letting them sit there, resell them or give them to someone.

You can do this with Christmas and birthday presents, as long as you remember who gave you the gift in the first place. You can pop your clothes on Depop or Vinted and earn a bit of extra cash.

Don’t necessarily think about earning a lot of money this way. If you sell a spatula for a dollar, you can help someone out and still get a bit back. You can, of course, simply donate items that you don’t want to or can’t sell and declutter your home that way.

Wrapping Up

Do any of these suggestions sound like something you might try? Don’t worry if you can’t get a handle on your savings in the first month of the year. Give yourself time to form some new, better habits. As long as you stick to your goals and keep working on them, even after a setback, you are sure to reach them!

About The Author

Sarah is a life enjoyer, a positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.

How To Make Your New Years Resolutions As A Couple For 2024

The end of year is near and 2023 is coming to a close. Now’s the time to get out the champagne glasses and celebrate the year that was with a toast. And it is both bittersweet and exciting at the same time. After all, you made some beautiful memories this year with family, friends and your significant other. Maybe it is time to set your New Years resolutions as a couple.

As you go into the new year, you find yourself in a loving relationship. From the kiss at midnight and beyond, you two will be sweetly going into the new year together. So maybe it is time to start thinking about New Years Resolutions? After all, there is nothing wrong with progressing into the new year individually and as a couple.

And New Years Resolutions give you and your partner a great excuse to assess where you are at and where you want to go. Here are 8 ways to get your New Years Resolutions organized as a couple and set those individual ones too.

Getting Started

You are clearly in a loving relationship and going into the new year together because of this reason and many more. So in order to get your resolutions in check write down 5 things you like about where you are going as an individual and 5 things that frustrate you. Have your partner do the same.

Now, talk these things out together. Maybe make it fun by creating a vision board and also putting individual pros and cons on paper and drawing them then discussing them until you have picked out every one. Just use whatever style and communication that works for you as a couple.

We Have Our New Years Resolutions, Now What?

The point of this sharing of the “New Years Resolutions” exercise is to both encourage you and your partner list their goals. Once you have them written out, figure out how you can help each other get to your individual goals as a couple. While the New Years resolutions will vary, we have compiled a few ideas that will help encourage you both to goal set as a couple, while still attaining those individual achievements.

His goals

Maybe his goals have more to do with getting a new job. And there are time constraints for him to go on interviews? Maybe you can step in, offering to make him packed lunches so he can bustle to his interviews during his lunch break? Or offer to pick the kids up from school so he has the afternoon time to cut out and make that next potential dream job interview.

Perhaps his goals have to do with saving money. We all want to do that right? Ok, so maybe home cooked meals are in order? You can have some fun with this one, perhaps taking a cooking class together to inspire you both in the kitchen. While this is a short term investment, there is a long term benefit, and if you are doing the class together, it could be a great way to structure these as date nights.

Her goals

Perhaps she is not feeling emotionally gratified at work? While her job pays the bills and she is happy with it, she craves something more. How about volunteering together? That can be gratifying for you both, and a great way to meet like minded couples who are less flush with cash but have hearts of gold. Yes, you..

Maybe her goals are more about herself? Like taking better care of her own health and sense of calm? So a couples spa date could be just the thing to get her motivated. There is no date sweeter than a date of relaxation and self care. Most spas have wonderful facilities with parts co ed so you can both get treatments and spend some of the time together. And there are deals online, all the time.

Goals as a couple

Saving Money

Perhaps your goals as a couple have to do with saving money as well, maybe for a new home? Now is the time to take stock on your finances together and make necessary changes to achieve the goal of homeownership. Or it could be time to remove that large car payment and purchase a used car. You can learn everything about a vehicle with a history report.

Plan A Vacation

If you are already settled into your current home but really feel stressed and exhausted and just want to have something to look forward to, try planning a vacation together that you both can save up for.

Make Your Dates Unique

If a vacation is not in the cards for 2024, perhaps try planning a date each month somewhere different? A comedy club is always a great date night. Or check out the latest restaurants and meet each other for happy hour. Make creative dates to keep the sparks flying and encouraging your love to grow.

Take A Self Defense Class Together

If you both want to get physical, not that physical, geez.. how about taking a self defense class? Something that will benefit you both and help keep you fit and healthy.

Power Couple 2024!

Whatever you choose as your resolutions, share them with your significant other. You and your beau can help each other reach your goals in 2024, and beyond. Be vulnerable with each other when sharing your hopes and dreams. So set those New Years resolutions as a couple. And together you can take 2024 on like the power couple that you are!

Happy New Year!

Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2022

Every New Year brings a new set of resolutions. With every December comes a final balance of our accomplishments and setbacks that we are constantly reflecting on when creating a strategy for the upcoming year. If you’ve realized that sticking to your resolutions has been beyond challenging, you need a comprehensive guide like his one to guide you through this journey called determination. Keep on reading to find out how you can easily stick to your New Year’s resolutions.

Work on your resolution with someone else

Achieving a goal is always easier when you have a partner with the same goal to keep you motivated. That is especially true if your buddy is more determined and inspired to stick to their resolution. That’s why you should have a mutual resolution that you and your friend will try your best to stick to. We suggest you make a competition out of it to see who gets to achieve the goal first and stick to it the longest.

Set a realistic goal

If one of your resolutions includes breaking a habit that’s been a part of your life for years, you need to prepare for a challenging year. One of the ways to stick to a resolution is to set a realistic goal for yourself. You can’t expect to quit smoking in 3 months, for instance. Prolong the deadline to 6 months and allow yourself to reach your goal gradually. You didn’t develop the habit overnight, and you can’t expect to break it that soon either.

Look for a meaningful resolution

New Year’s resolutions tend to be focused on personal development. So why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions to look for meaningful activities? One of those can be to start donating to charity or helping an organization raise funds for its cause. These events help acquire money, and White collar boxing for charity is one of the best examples of such an event. Help others by getting in shape, building muscles and learning how to defend yourself and do one of the most meaningful things in 2022.

Use a vision board

Are you one of those people who need an effective reminder of who you want to become? Visual aids will help you visualize your goal and achieve it more easily. Create a vision board of all of your resolutions so that you can take a look at them every day. It will be a powerful reminder of what you promised you’d do in the year ahead. On top of that, it will drive you forward, help you monitor your progress, and help you stick to your resolutions.

Find a fun resolution

From quitting to bite your nails or smoke to eating healthier foods, some resolutions will seem more challenging because they won’t offer any fun experience. So, instead of focusing on all the negative aspects, you’d like to improve, start thinking about new things that you’d like to try. Some of your New Year’s resolutions can include learning something new, bringing more adrenaline into your life or stepping out of your comfort zone. As long as it’s fun, it’ll be less challenging to stick to your resolution.

It’s almost time to think of your New Year’s resolutions, so you better think well. Make sure you’re writing down resolutions you’ll be able to achieve in a timely fashion and without much fuss. The more realistic the resolution, the easier it will be to stick to it. So, if you need a buddy to help you out, look for one. Create a vision board or look for fun resolutions if you want to make them more achievable.o view the HTML code. You can then copy/paste the code into your own website or blog.

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8 New Years Resolutions For The Big-Hearted Overthinker

This New Years Resolutions post was originally published in 2016 and the meaning is so true, especially for this year. So we updated it out of gratitude and thanks to the writer. Enjoy!

Everyone always makes New Years resolutions each year, and few ever actually follow through with them. For over thinkers who have big hearts, we rarely have time in our busy lives to work on ourselves, but remember, when you’re in a plane crash, the first person you need to put the mask on is yourself. You can’t help others if you’re injured. This year, try these 8 things.

1. Practicing self-care.

You’re always so busy putting everyone else first that you forget to take care of yourself. Take some time to decompress, reflect on things, and relax. You deserve it.

2. Accepting life for what it is.

You are constantly searching for reasons behind everything. Unfortunately, sometimes life just sucks. There’s not always an answer or a solution. It’s important to understand that some things are best left alone while you wait for better things to come along.

3. Ridding yourself of toxic people.

Sometimes no matter how much you love people, they’re not meant to be in your life. People can be brought into your life to teach you a lesson, but aren’t meant to actually stay. Don’t break your own heart by keeping people in your life who don’t deserve to be there.

4. Do something spontaneous

You overthink everything, rarely ever doing anything without thinking it through first. Let loose, think of something fun and just do it. Don’t think twice. Thank me later 😉

5. Be proud of who you are.

We are all human and there is always room for improvement, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not something to be proud of. You are a work in progress and you are beautiful in all of your imperfections. You are one of a kind. Embrace it, love it, take pride in it!

6. Learn how to set healthy boundaries.

You have such a big heart, and because of that, some people will suck you dry. You don’t have to take on more than you can handle, it’s okay to say no! And remember, no is a complete sentence, it requires no explanation.

7. Develop an optimistic thought process.

Once you start to think more positive, your days will become brighter. There is always a positive for every negative. Work on trying to draw on that. Wake up everyday and tell yourself “today will be a good day.” You’d be surprised how far that kind of mindset can take you.

8. Become a little less reactive.

Every action does not deserve a reaction. Sometimes your silence can speak a thousand words; not everyone deserves to get a rise out of you. Choose your battles, learn when to hold your tongue and when it’s necessary to speak your mind.

2021 can be an amazing, life changing year for you if you let it be. Change takes time, so if you can’t get it down one day, try again the next. You can become a healthier, happier you. And I have faith that you will.

How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions: 6 Tips

New Year Resolve

The start of a new year is often formative, a time of growth, change and development. How do you keep your New Years resolutions? People around the country make resolutions to improve their lives. That said, about 80 percent have given up on these resolutions by February.

Looking at the odds, is it even possible to make a New Year’s resolution you can keep? The short answer: It is. You just have to take a strategic approach and change your mindset. So what’s the big secret?

Follow these seven tips and you’ll fully commit to your intended lifestyle changes in 2020 and beyond.

1. Keep Your Goals Simple

Many people see the new year as a time for change. But you shouldn’t completely overhaul your current lifestyle. It’s much harder to keep your New Years resolutions and stick to a plan of that scale.

Instead, hone in on one or two main goals and go from there. You can add additional milestones once you’ve made the first few into a reality.

2. Break Down Resolutions

Maybe you’ve resolved to run a marathon this year. You won’t just be able to do so immediately after deciding to go for it. Instead, you need a more digestible plan that makes your path to success clear.

So, in the case of a marathon run, you might make it a goal to run three times per week, concluding with an extra-long run to push your distance further and further. You can do the same with just about any other goal, too.

If you want to become a better cook, start by preparing one dinner a week to improve your skills. As you become more comfortable, add more meals into the fold. Otherwise, you might lose confidence or patience and give up on your vision altogether. These methods will help you keep your New Years resolutions.

3. Do Your Research

On that note, you can’t just approach and keep your New Year’s resolutions with intuition alone. Instead, you have to take time to research how you can accomplish what you want to do. With that information, you can plan the best course of action.

For example, if you want to do something more abstract, like becoming more sustainable, start to learn more now and see how you can implement eco-friendly principles into your life.

With an impending home improvement project, you could learn more about sustainable materials. You can use something like bamboo for your renovations, reducing your impact in a subtle but substantial way.

4. Add in a Few Rewards

In order for you to keep your New Year’s resolutions, you shouldn’t expect to be strict forever. Most people can’t stick to a plan so stringent. Instead, fill out your calendar with checkpoints at which you’ll treat yourself for a job well done.

For instance, you might want to reduce how much you spend on new clothes. Rather than saying, “No shopping until the end of the year,” reward yourself by allowing for a single purchase every couple of months.

That way, you won’t get the itch to go on a spree before then and overdo it. Strict limitations can push us to rebel in a big way. And then we cannot maintain your New Years resolutions.

5. Collaborate With Someone Else

Moral support can keep you pushing toward your goals. So, try and find someone in your life who’s resolving to keep the same habits as you. You can keep each other going, or you can strike up a friendly competition so that you remain inspired and engaged.

This idea’s a great one if you hope to accomplish a fitness goal this year. Workout buddies tend to get better results because they hold each other accountable for their exercise schedules.

6. Falter, But Don’t Give Up

You won’t have a completely perfect year in pursuit of your resolution — that we can promise you now. Everyone will have slip-ups along the way, and such moments can be demoralizing. However, you shouldn’t let such dips define you and all of your hard work.

Acknowledge that you made a mistake but focus on getting yourself back on track. You can do so by looking at all that you’ve already gotten done, rather than concentrating on your momentary failure. With the right mindset, you can hop right back on track and continue moving toward your goals.

Make the Journey Yours

Finally, you should keep your New Year’s resolutions and not place them in anyone else’s hands but your own. You can always bring in friends or family to support you along the way, but you have to accept that it’s you at the helm.

That kind of thought can be a double-edged sword. You can no longer blame others for your setbacks along the way. Even so, owning your path means you get to relish in your success when it’s finally yours. No one else made it happen but you.

Let that thought drive you on as you begin the process of planning for and pursuing your New Year’s resolutions. With the above tips, you’re well on your way to making your vision for the new year a reality.

What New Year’s Resolution You Should Make Based On Your Zodiac Sign

It’s about that time of the year when everyone starts thinking what they should do about next year. What kind of resolution they want to make, what is one that they can actually keep for a whole year? Some wonder if they should even make one, is it really worth it? We all have that friend, who also might just be us, who is struggling with finding something we want to do for the next year, so let’s make this easier by looking at each Zodiac sign. Here is what type of New Year’s resolution you should make based on your horoscope.

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)

You love to be in the thrill of the moment, you desire to lead the way for others, you are independent, outgoing, and assertive but yet you are also very trusting. Sometimes you can trust too much, but don’t worry you always have the ability to bounce back from any setback. Some may say you are always a kid at heart, that is why this New Year’s your resolution should be to finally go skydiving, or something thrilling. Sure you don’t have to jump out of a plane, you can do indoor skydiving, you can even do bungee jumping, do something that makes you find that thrill of the moment and own it.

Taurus (Apr. 19 – May 20)

You are calm and collected on the outside, but inside you have managed to discreetly stay apart from the crowd, you only let people as close as you want, and after that, you simply will not budge. Your feelings, fears, and desires run deeper than anyone else would guess, you deal well with personal and physical senses, and are often a pet lover. That is why this New Year’s your resolution should be do an adventure or even that is outside of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s going on a bar crawl with friends, or maybe going to a rave, hell maybe it’s a cooking class. Do something outside of your comfort zone, and do it with a friend.

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

You desire to be ahead of the crowd, you have also gained the reputation of being the talk of the group. You can be curious and maybe mischievous, but you know a little about everything. No one is better at multi-tasking than you are. That is why this New Year’s your resolution should be to help others. Maybe try volunteering at the local animal shelter, or resale shop, heck even just give some time to the local food pantry. You are used to being ahead of the crowd, so why not try and help the rest of the crowd?

Cancer (June 21- July 22)

You are a bundle of contradictions, you are compassionate and caring, but yet you can be jealous and have changing moods. You go through many new and full phases of experiences, life doesn’t stand still for you, or stay in one place for very long either. That is why your New Year’s resolution should be to travel more this year. Sure we might not all have baller bank accounts but it doesn’t mean you need tons of money to go somewhere. Go out and experience a new event in a town by you, or see the next state, maybe jump on a red-eye flight to Chicago for a weekend, experience this world like you haven’t before.

Leo (July 23 –Aug 22)

Love conquers all for you, you are truly ruled by your heart. You are charismatic and a positive thinker, you attract opportunities and friends no matter where you are. You manage to survive all of the storms life has given you, and sometimes even with humor. That is why your New Year’s resolution is to join a social club. Okay maybe it doesn’t have to be events and adventures, but that would be pretty sweet, but find a new group of people to interact with, think of all the friends you will make and all the opportunities that will become of it.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sep 22)

You are efficient and have strong ethics. You are confident with yourself, and your accomplishments. You set very high standards for anything, but you still strive to reach all of those standards and expect others to as well. You can be found working in a service to others industry, which is why this New Year’s your resolution should be taking yoga classes. You spend so much of your time helping others and expecting the best that can be, it’s time you take a break and relax, maybe this class will help you learn that high expectations can be good, but you have to be able to adjust them for those who cannot meet them. Take advantage of this, if you’re looking for a good place to try, check out Groupon for the best deals for some of the best places in your area.

Libra (Sep. 23- Oct. 22)

Your life is full of color, you urge everyone to bring harmony and balance. You are one of the more social people in the group, which is why sharing with friends and others are so important to you. You have a well-developed taste as to what is beautiful in life, you have the ability to be fair and reasonable. That is why your New Year’s resolution should be take a cooking class with your friends. Sure maybe this isn’t your idea of a girls night, but you will be everyone to come to a balance and sharing a fun event with your friends. Can you say win?

Scorpio (Oct. 23- Nov 21)

You lead your life by fate and have been told to have been wise throughout the years, even as a kid. You are sometimes even called an old soul. You have passion, desire and power, it’s like the amazing trifecta everyone wants. You are usually a winner, which is why this year your New Year’s resolution should be try a tough mudder event, okay so maybe running isn’t your thing, but think about it, you have power, passion and the ability to make your goals reality. You are a winner, so why not win at something you have never tried?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec 21)

You possess a natural sense of adventure, and a love of life, which makes you very optimistic. You are known to aim your sights at whatever you please, you believe anything is possible, and because of that, you are able to find and achieve whatever you desire. That is why this New Year’s your resolution should be to literally climb a mountain. Okay, it doesn’t have to be Everest, but maybe a sand dune this summer, or Pike’s Peak, heck even just the big hill in the park down the road. Climb your own new mountain and show yourself you can do it all.

Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan 19)

You are able to balance your life, although at times balancing work and play is a bit difficult, you can continually climb every mountain you see. You rise to the occasion when faced with a new task or deadline, you are conservative and cautious, but you will try unusual ways to reach your goals. That is why your New Year’s resolution should be take an acting class, or impressionism. Think about it, this is something new, you are always able to meet deadlines, so why not have fun with it and take a fun class that will lighten up those tasks when you have to conquer them?

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