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Carlos David – stock.adobe.com
The new year is all about resetting and getting your life back on track. After the year that was 2020, a lot of us are yearning for a restart. Being on track with your financials at the beginning of January will help set you up for success for the entire year. Here are a few money tips for the new year, new you.
LBD
Iâve mentioned the LBDâlittle budget diaryâbefore and this is one of the most important steps to getting your financials in order. Take stock of all your monthly and annual expensesâsuch as magazine and newsletter subscriptions, Netflix
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Downsize
Now that youâve set up your LBD, you should be seeing what expenses seem superfluous. Over the course of a year, we tend to accumulate unnecessary things: splurge purchases, memberships, that $45 you spent on yet another sweat suit. Use your LBD to downsize your expenses. Many of our New Yearâs resolutions are about sheddingâtime on social media, alcohol consumption, cookies eaten per weekâand your expenses are no different. Use a buddy to help you and hold each other accountable. Itâs like working outâmuch more fun with a friend.
Get Specific
The new year is all about goals and resolutions. The more specific, the better. And set schedules, timelines, and limits for yourself. If you want to get down to spending no more than $50 a week on groceries, set a reasonable deadline for yourself to get there. Or maybe you want to get a raise by the third quarter. Set specific goals for yourself throughout the year to help you get there. Maybe it means taking on one big project a month. Now, figure out what the project is and map out an outline. If youâre specific about what you want, youâll be more likely to achieve your goal.Â
Reality Check
Set aside at least one day every week to check your credit card. Again, sticking to a schedule is key here. As soon as you miss one day, youâll slip and start making excuses the rest of the year. Checking your credit card statement every week will ensure that not only has there been no fraudulent activity, but it will serve as a reality check on your spending. Itâs easy to forget how much those $5 cups of coffee can add up in a week. If you see it on your statement though, youâll be more inclined to cut back if you have to.Â
Hindsight 20/20
Take an afternoon to write down some of your money mistakes in 2020. Did you decide not to return items you bought on Amazon
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Taking these small steps at the beginning of the year will go a long way towards resetting your financial situation. Make your goals and resolutions feel accessible. Donât try to overreach, as many people do in January. If you do, then you might end up feeling disappointed. By starting small, youâll be able to attain your goals easier. That will make it easier to then tackle the bigger goals.