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Hello,
This week we have some tips about setting resolutions for the New Year. I hope you find them useful. We will be making some changes to this newsletter in the near future. Look for a new format next week!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Susan
Tips:
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Tips
This is a brainstorm for New Year's Resolutions. Here are some good ones: I resolve to:
What are yours?
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New Year's Resolutions That Stick
By Maria Gracia
New Year's resolutions have a tendency to be made with enthusiasm and determination. Unfortunately, very often they're forgotten by the time February rolls around.
Here are 7 simple ways to make New Year's resolutions that stick and help you accomplish your goals.
1. THINK SHORT TERM.
For most people, making a resolution for the entire year is way too difficult. Instead, make your resolutions once per month; January resolutions, February resolutions, etc. They're much easier to achieve and the accomplishments can be celebrated sooner. Plus, if you don't quite reach what you want to accomplish in any given month, you can simply move that resolution into the next month--no more feeling so guilty that you have to wait an entire year to start over again!
2. FOCUS ON A FEW.
It's nearly impossible to do everything you've always wanted to do in a short period of time. To be sure you don't forget about the goals you'd like to accomplish, write them all down on a Master Goals List. Then, each month throughout the year, focus on the one or two that are most important to you. You won't get overwhelmed and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
3. MAKE YOUR RESOLUTIONS S-M-A-R-T:
4. TELL THE WORLD.
It's so important to be motivated about the things you'd like to accomplish. When you make a resolution, tell your spouse or a friend. Post a message on a discussion forum. Tell a co-worker. You'll be more determined to accomplish your goal, if other people are cheering you on.
5. GIVE YOURSELF SOME VISUALS.
If you're constantly staring your resolution in the face every day, you're bound to keep it uppermost in your mind. If you'd like to lose weight, keep a photo of an actress or actor you want to use as a model, on your refrigerator. Want to go on a vacation? Post a photograph of your dream destination where you're sure to see it throughout the day.
6. CONQUER MINOR SETBACKS.
There are so many things going on in your daily life, and you may experience a day or two when you lose track of the resolutions you set. That's ok. Get right back on track. No need to wait until next year, or the 1st of next month. Simply make any day of the week DAY ONE, and begin working on your resolution again. Winston Churchill once said, in the shortest speech ever made, 'Never, never, never give up.' Heed his words of wisdom.
7. CELEBRATE YOUR WINS.
Celebrating your accomplishments along the way will give you the motivation to keep going! Set appropriate rewards for each mini-resolution you make, and have a small celebration for each one you achieve. Let's say you'd like to put aside $10 per week in January. For every $10 you're able to save at the end of each week, you might indulge yourself in an hour's worth of free time to enjoy one of your hobbies. Reward yourself. You deserve it!
by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site http://www.getorganizednow.com
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New Year, New Plan
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh
It's a new year and resolutions abound. Why not try some simple resolutions that will affect our spending and saving?
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
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Resolve to Improve Your Finances in 2007
By James H. Dimmitt
Kick off 2007 with these 7 money resolutions and get a fresh financial start to the new year. At year's end, you'll be surprised at how much you've reduced your debt load and the money you've saved!
A budget helps you see exactly where your money is going from week to week and month to month. Creating and using a budget, no matter what your income level, will help you reach your financial goals more easily than without one.
Let's say you are able to save $20 a month by budgeting your money. You could take that $20 and place it in a savings account where you would earn minimal interest. Or you could use that same $20 and add it to your budgeted credit card payment reducing your credit debt in two ways. You'll be reducing the amount you owe your creditor and you'll also reduce the finance charge on next month's bill.
If you just pay the minimum due on credit card bills, you'll barely cover the interest you owe. It will take you years to pay off your balance and you'll end up spending thousands of dollars more than the original amount you charged.
Making late payments adds to your debt load and may increase the annual percentage rate (APR) your creditors charge you. Additionally, late payments are reported to the credit reporting agencies and negatively affect your credit rating.
Cash advances on credit cards are assessed special fees and higher interest rates than what you pay for purchases made with your credit card. Creditors apply the majority of your monthly payment to your purchase debt rather than cash advance debt which increases the overall amount of interest you'll pay to your creditor.
Using your budget, you may find that you're spending a good chunk of your income on discretionary items: morning coffee and donut, a weekly magazine, fast food lunches, etc. Each purchase seems like a small amount of money at the time, maybe $3-5. But these small purchases add up quickly and amount to hundreds of dollars a year. Ask yourself if you really need these items and reduce your amount of discretionary spending. Use your savings to pay down credit card debt.
Are you an impulse buyer? Do you use your credit cards to supplement your income? Do you feel the need to have the latest fashions, cars, stereos, etc.? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are good that you are overspending. And overspending means more debt - debt that will keep you from achieving your financial goals.
By James H. Dimmitt
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