Hot take alert! Despite my own failures to do them myself, I think new year’s resolutions are useful. In fact, I think they’re so useful that they’re worth starting ahead of schedule.
By entering the new year with some pre-built momentum, you’ll stick to your goals with far more ease. And you’ll feel the new you forming before the fresh calendar even starts counting down its days.
So, what resolutions do you have' If you’re unsure, or are looking for some ideas, we’re here to help. In this article we’ll cover some great financial resolutions to make – and how you can actually stick to them!
Let’s get started.
1) Align Your Lifestyle With A Budget That Works For You
Knowing you can afford a luxury makes buying one so much more rewarding. Knowing you’re paying down debts makes you feel so much more free. And knowing you’re saving for retirement and powerful goals, provides a consistent rush of meaningful progress.
A spending and savings plan isn’t a prison for your money. It’s a map to your freedom. And when you use one properly, you’re able to expand towards a variety of future payoffs.
Keys to Sticking to This:
- Use realistic numbers to support a lifestyle that’s actually sustainable.
- Have meaningful short-, and long-term goals for your money, it should be forward-focused instead of focusing on the past.
- Budget for fun, entertainment, and luxuries (and enjoy them!).
You’re not alone in figuring this out. We can develop one together over a scheduled call.
2) Exercise Your Financial “No, Nope, and Nuh-Uh” Muscles.
Having to say “no” can suck. But you know what sucks worse' Saying “yes” to things that hurt you, your loved ones, and your long-term vision. So now’s the time to show yourself some tough financial love.
With a clearly defined budget, you’ll be able to see what does and doesn’t fit inside your financial plan. And that will give you the opportunity to start flexing your no muscle. Here’s some examples:
Let’s just go on a vacation! No, let’s save up, so we can pay off the credit card immediately after.
Maybe we ditch the budget this month' Nope, I love my future self too much to do that.
We need a brand new car! Nuh-uh, that older, economic model has everything we need.
Key to Sticking to This:
- Love yourself! Understand that saying “no” comes from a place of love.
- Understand that today’s “no” can turn into tomorrow’s “hell yes!”
- You’re ability to say “no” means you have a more meaningful long-term mission.
Feeling on the fence about a particular financial decision' We can run through it together.
3) Work A Tailored Investment Plan
When you understand the true power of compound interest, your definition of awesomeness expands to money. The difference a few years, dollars, or percentage points can make is astounding. Just consider the following examples:
- Chelli invests $1,000 a month into a fund that compounds annually at 8% for a duration of 20 years. In the end, she saved up $589,020.
- Raquel invests $1,200 a month into a fund that compounds annually at 9% for a duration of 20 years. In the end she saved up $801,464.
That’s the difference an extra $200 a month and a percentage point can make! $212,444! But those same astounding numbers can be lost in opportunity cost when working the wrong investment plan.
Play around with some numbers yourself.
Take the time to figure out the numbers you need to feel accomplished. And uncover the best vehicles for getting there (e.g. a Roth IRA for retirement, a 529 plan for college, and a taxable account for pre-retirement goals). Then, reorient your budget to account for certain amounts going towards each.
Keys to Sticking to This:
- Have clear numbers and timeframes you’re trying to hit.
- Use realistic numbers, and know you can always change them later.
- Educate yourself on your options, and consider speaking to a fiduciary advisor to learn more (we’re one!).
We’d love to chat about why working with an advisor on your investments enhances returns as opposed to holding you back! Let’s talk together.
4) Set Honest Goals And Have Grace For Yourself
Do you want to retire well before 65' Buy a vacation home for remote getaways' Or take a trip (or three) to Disneyland with the kids'
If so, great!
Whatever the real dream is, work towards it! Financial planning isn’t about saving for some generic vision of retirement. This is your life. And if you’re not willing to put your true ambitions down on paper, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
It can be scary to aim at what you honestly want. And it can be tempting to see success as “all or nothing.” But avoiding the truth, and thinking in absolutes won’t serve you. Plan for what you really want. And if you shoot for the moon and miss, you’ll probably still hit some stars.
Keys to Sticking to This:
- Ditch the toxic “all or nothing” mentality.
- You either go backwards, spin your wheels, or make progress. A little at a time is still moving forward. Do some planning!
We’ve helped clients accomplish a variety of big goals. Ready to start planning for yours'
5) Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
How much of your stress is self-induced' Because life’s hard enough as it is! And traditional new year’s resolutions like hitting the gym, eating better, and cutting back on alcohol can translate to great financial habits.
Studies have shown correlations between losing weight and refraining from smoking with building wealth. And the state of your physical and mental condition can have a major impact on your premiums for various types of insurance.
Plus, let’s be honest. Bad habits are often connected. Drinking for example, tends to go hand-and-hand with smoking, overeating, and sports betting (C’mon Seahawks! A loss to the Raiders'' SERIOUSLY'!'!!).
But we’re not asking you to give up things you love! We’re just asking you to love yourself enough to give your mind and body what it needs. That includes fun and relaxation!
Key to Sticking to This!:
- Try to accomplish one healthy change for 30 days. See how it goes.
- Don’t view healthy habits as the death of fun.
- Know that good habits will become intrinsically motivating after a while.
If you’re feeling stuck, we can help get you out of the rut. Schedule a free support call.
6) Stop Going It Alone (Bonus)
At Crafted Finance, we’re well aware of the power behind good financial habits. And that’s why we love seeing financial new year’s resolutions stuck to, and started early.
We want to help make 2024 your year. Whether that means nailing down a budget, sharpening your financial decision making, or developing a workable action plan, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Get a jump start on the new year by reaching out to us at (650) 336-0598, or you can go ahead and schedule a complimentary consultation at a time that works best for you.
