So we’re two full months into the new year and how many of you have been sticking to the New Year’s resolutions you made on January 1, 2011?
…Crickets?…
…Don’t wanna think about it??
Well let’s look at some “fun” facts…
Stat #1: About 100 MILLION Americans make a New Year’s resolution (CNN). That’s 1 out of every 3 Americans!
Courtesy of icanhascheezburger.com
Stat #2: Out of the top 5 resolutions, two are finance-related: Pay Down Debt and Save Money!
Stat #3: But only 12% of us actually achieve our resolution goals by the end of the year (WSJ)…
Stat #4: And 35% of us have already fallen off by February (CNN)!
So which bucket do you fall in? If you’re not happy with your current bucket, you can make a change today!
We’re in the CRITICAL ZONE, so here are my top 5 tips to making sure you have a fighting chance to meet your financial goals before 2012 rolls around!
1) Mindset, mindset, mindset!
It’s not about doing a crash diet budget. It’s about adjusting your lifestyle over time. As good ol’ Dave Ramsey says, personal finance is 20% knowledge…80% behavior!
REMEMBER: Until your mindset changes, your finances never will!
2) Plan how you are going to actually meet your goals.
Write it down, step by step. Track your progress in a spreadsheet or use free software.
3) Motivate yourself with mini-rewards along the way.
When you reach small milestones, it’s good to recognize that and keep momentum toward reaching the next step.
4) Tell a friend! A lot of friends!
They can encourage you AND hold you accountable.
5) Automate it!
Don’t leave it up to willpower. Decide what you want to accomplish, then set up automatic deposits or automatic payments. Out of sight, out of mind – don’t even give procrastination or excuses a fighting chance to change your mind.
What kind of challenges have you run into with your own resolutions? What tips do you have for others?
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Don t understand how exactly i got in here but i m really glad i ve found it. Neaah… i m starting to believe google is begining to read my mind
Great work!
lol at Macster! I know right…me too! ^_^ but i do agree with the point that’s been pointed out in this post.
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I love how the fat cat on the basket. Very adorable and cute. He needed a new bed lol bigger than her.
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