New Year's Resolution

I'm not that big on new year's resoltuions but I know some people who make a big deal about "starting afresh" on 1 January and changing all those things in their life that they don't necessarily like.

Looking at the list of popular new year's resolution, I think it's great opporunity to connect your list of changes to another regular resolution, save more money.

Get fit / lose wieght - this is one resolution that most people have on their list. Given it's the middle of summer here in Australia (not that you'd know with the cold weather in the south and wet weather in the north!!) don't spend you time, and money, stuck in a gym, get outdoors for your regular exercise. 30 mins of moderate exercise a day is recommended for healthy weight loss and fitness....you'd don't need a gym for that! Take the dog for a walk, go for a swmim or run around your local park.

saving = approx. $20 a week or approx. $1,000 a year

Whilst we're at it, why not start making you own lunch. That way, your can make healthier options and also save money. Nowdays, buying a chicken salad or a ham and salad sandwich and a drink can set you back about $10.

Making a sandwich at home or cooking a bit extra the night before so you can take leftovers will be at least 50% cheaper. Ditch the soft drink and you're bound to save at least $5 a day.

saving = approx. $20 a week or approx. $1,000 a year

Cut back on drinking - this one can also be related to getting fit and losing weight. If you drink regularly, that's a lot of calories getting into to your system that you need to burn by exercise and it adds up financially, expecially if you drink at the pubs / clubs where a beer costs over $6!

saving = this depends on the individual but if you cutting back I'm sure you could save at least approx. $200 a year

Quit smoking - if you're one of those unfortunate people who can't quit smoking then this one may be a hard one but if you seriously consider the health benefits and not to mention the financial savings, it should be easy. Speaking as an ex-social smoker, I can say I'm far better off not smoking and now I can't stand the thought or smell of smoking.

Make a serious effort, get help from places like QUIT in Australia or SMOKE FREE in America or QUIT in the UK, improve your health and save some cash.

saving = approx. $50 a week (depending on your habit) or approx. $2,500 a year

Reduce debts - this is not only a popular resolution, it's something we all want to do, all the time. No one really likes debt and the quicker we can reduce it, the better. To reduce your debts, you need to either earn more money or save more.

I've just listed a few new year's resolutions that can potentially save a lot of money and if you put your mind to it, I'm sure you'll be able to find more. Take those savings and apply them to your credit card or mortgage and you'll pay off your debt quicker and reduce the amount of interest you need to pay.

Of course, the best way to get in control of your finances is to budget regularly, so go to EasyBudgeting and download the budget planner so you can start budgeting. Not just as a new year's resolution but do it every month. Life changes and your budget should change with you, so regularly review it and stay on top of your finances.

Happy New Year
EasyBudgeting