The New Year celebration is long past over and many people should have gotten started on their New Year’s resolutions by now. When it comes to money, everyone has a similar goal and that is to make, save and accumulate more money. For those carrying past debts, their New Year resolution may include paying off those debts and not to get any new debts.
The methods or ways of achieving money goals will vary from person to person. Having helpful goals can assist a person to focus on achieving his or her financial target. Rather than waiting for a new year to begin and implement some serious money moves, you have the option of doing a money makeover anytime during the year. Below are several money makeover moves that allow a person to immediately jump into the action and see quick results. These makeovers are good anytime year-round and a person does not have to wait for a brand new year to start acting upon them.
• Cut out all miscellaneous spending for an entire year
Forego purchases for magazines, cigarettes, coffee, etc. On top of that, cut out spending on manicures, pedicures, hair-cuts, car wash, weekly pizzas, weekly movies, etc. In short, buy fewer products and services.
• Get better organized financially
Get on top of your finances by setting up an organized system. For example, set up a filing system to keep track of receipts, financial statements, insurance policies, etc.
• Hoard and grow your money
Find out the best places to park your money to get good returns.
• Eliminate existing debts
Initiate a plan to tackle and pay down all your debts. For example, consolidate your debts into one manageable and low interest debt. Sell off unwanted (unused) stuffs to get extra cash or get a second job to earn extra income to pay off your debts.
• Start planning for your retirement
It is better to start early rather than too late when it comes to saving for your retirement. Use a free online calculator to run some numbers and get an estimate of your retirement needs. You will need to set a target for monthly savings. Remember that time is a great friend if you start early in building your wealth.
What if having goals or resolutions do not seem to be of much help to you? You have gotten started but tend to slack later on. Well, you are not alone. There are many people who could use a push or a guiding hand when it comes to better money management. If you are one of them, why not try and subscribe to a money management program like the one offered by KC Lau, entitled “Money Automation System.” You get to learn with like-minded individuals in a highly supportive environment that will keep you motivated to improve your financial situation.
Jacquelyn is the co-author of the books “Teaching Your Kids About Money” and “Top 93 Personal Finance FAQs in Malaysia” with KC Lau. Jacquelyn is the pseudonym used by Amy Sipagal.
