Tips for Starting the New Year

It’s almost that time again… the time of year when we start the calendar anew and make our resolutions that we strive to stick to in order to better ourselves or our circumstances.

While it’s great to create these goals for yourself, you’ll need to be dedicated to make them happen, especially for the bigger, long-term goals..

New Year, New You

The New Year is the perfect time to refocus on yourself. Weight loss is one of the most popular if not the most popular New Year’s resolution. Many people view the new year as a way to put their best foot forward and refocus on their diet or exercise routine. Regardless of if you want to lose weight or not, make the New Year about committing to yourself and having your best year yet. One way to feel great is to dress your body type correctly. Invest in classic pieces that accentuate and flatter your curves and will outlast any crazy fashion trend. Curvy boutique clothing stores will have classic wardrobe staples and the latest fashion trends.

If you’re focusing on a weight loss New Year’s resolution, use these tips to help you reach your short and long terms goals.

• Start small – while you may want to lose 10, 15 pounds or more, the key is to start off with a smaller, more attainable number such as 5 pounds. Breaking larger, long-term goals into small, short-term goals will help keep you motivated as you’ll see results along the way.

• Eat Right – What we eat has a lot to do with our weight. Perhaps this New Year’s you need to refresh and update your eating habits. This doesn’t mean starve yourself; it means you eat healthier by eating smaller portions or don’t eat late at night.

• Exercise Regularly – Exercising helps you tone and build muscle, which will in turn help increase your metabolism which helps burn off your meals faster. Aim to workout 3 to 5 days a week, even if it’s a brisk walk around the block.

Cleaning up your Finances

Another very popular resolution is to finally clean up your finances and get rid of debt. This is a responsible goal, but much like weight loss, it may require dedication and some lifestyle changes. The first of the year is a good day to pull your credit report and statement, review it and see where you need to improve. Most likely the issue will come down to how you’re spending your income. Follow these steps to help reset and clean up your finances.

• Detail all of your income as best as you can. Know what’s coming into your bank account each month so you know what you have to work with. If you’re a freelancer, your income may not be as predictable, but you can still outline what you expect to make by comparing the last few years.

• List your expenses and cut where you can. Chances are when it comes to your expenses, there are a few areas where you can cut costs. For example, take a look at your cable and internet packages, find out which channels you don’t watch and remove them if they’re premium options. Save on electricity by turning off lights before you leave a room, and eliminate excess water bills by fixing any leaks or running toilets.

• Create a savings plan. Once you’ve compared your income to expenses, figure out what you can put in a savings account each pay period. Then, pretend this money doesn’t exist except for true emergencies such as your roof leaking or your car breaking down. Wanting the newest piece of technology or the hottest jeans to hit the market does not qualify as an emergency. Be smart about your spending and you’ll soon see where you can put away to your savings.

These are just two of the many popular resolutions that people make. No matter what yours is, help it come to fruition by taking the necessary steps to make it happen–even when you don’t think you can. Persistence really does pay off in the long run, if you want it bad enough.

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