new year resolution Archives

7 Financial Resolutions That You Can Fulfill This 2022

For the lack of a better term, the period between 2020 to 2021 was “rubbish”. People all over the world had to deal with the adverse effects of the pandemic. Unexpected economic and social shifts occurred. Nonetheless, most of us are ready to bid farewell to the yesteryears.

While many Singaporeans are committing to eat healthy and to exercise more, here are seven financial resolutions that you can consider for a more prosperous year.

1. BROADEN YOUR FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE

Books and audiobooks provide opportunities to broaden one’s financial knowledge. You can enter the inner workings of great entrepreneurs and investors by reading though the pages of books such as “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham, “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “Raising Financially Fit Kids” by Joline Godfrey, and “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason.

Create an achievable list of all the financial books that you want to finish within the year. Set a realistic goal for the number of pages that you can accomplish each week. Start now!

2. CUT DOWN YOUR WATER CONSUMPTION

Singaporeans do not typically worry about clean and fresh water. However, the global supply of consumable water is getting scarce with each passing year.

Consider reducing your water consumption by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, using less water while gardening, installing a water-saving shower head, and only washing your clothes when necessary. Minimize your expenses and help save the Earth.

3. COOK MORE MEALS AT HOME

Increase your savings by cooking from scratch. Find recipes online or ask your loved ones for their specialties. Cooking more meals at home can reduce your restaurant or take-out expenses.

Calculate your food savings and consider putting the extra cash to your emergency fund or to pay off your debts.

4. BE PROMPT AT ALL TIMES

Time is a valuable resource. There is a reason why it goes hand in hand with money. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, most companies have minimum tolerance for employee tardiness. Keep your source of livelihood by always being on time.

You do not need to exhaust your resources or skills to remain prompt. Simply set an appropriate alarm and adhere to your organization’s schedule.

5. UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES

With the uncertainties of the modern world, it is important to revisit your beneficiary designations. Adding a beneficiary to your accounts and policies can help ensure that your assets will go to your desired people. Align your will (i.e., last will and testament) to your accounts and insurance policies.

6. SEARCH YOUR HOME FIRST

Search the contents of your home, before committing to a major purchase. There are many ways to use your resources. You just need to be creative and hands-on!

For instance, you may use your old drawer as your baby’s diaper changing table. You can also spruce up your walls by purchasing Very Peri wallpaper online.

7. MAKE THINGS SIMPLER

All of us are drained because of the massive chaos that recent years have brought. Reduce your worries by cancelling or closing the accounts or cards that you no longer use. Then, set up automatic transfers.

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Some financial institutions allow the employer to automate your salary in your bank account. Patronizing this method will lessen the temptation of immediate spending.

Small Financial Steps To Complete This 2019

As the new year chimes in, there will come a chance to set new resolutions or goals.

The other day, my sister and I were casually chatting about her 2019 resolutions. She reiterated how important skincare is. She seeks to apply sunblock and lotion on a daily basis. Her skincare resolutions were concrete and doable. So, I asked her why she kept her goals simple. She looked at me and said…”If I cannot follow through these simple goals, how can I complete the bigger ones? I have to start with smaller chunks.” She made a valid point.

The best way to achieve your desired outcomes is to start small. This statement applies to your financial life. On that note, here are some “small” financial steps that you may consider this 2019.

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#1: READ AT LEAST THREE FINANCIAL BOOKS

Without a shadow of doubt, knowledge is power. Research and further study on the different techniques to manage and grow your wealth will help you develop essential financial skills.

Aside from visiting educational websites such as Money Digest, you may find quality information in the nearest public library. Books are gateways to a new world. Who knows? The financial book you just pick up at the bookstore may just lead to the completion of your financial goal.

#2: ESTABLISH A WELL-STOCKED EMERGENCY FUND

Time and time again, I shared how important it is to build a sufficient emergency fund. Having an emergency fund or a financial reserve is usually perceived as a short-term financial goal. However, its personal benefits last long!

For starters, it diminishes your money worries as you will have a cushion to support your tight budget. Secondly, it can cover sudden events such as job loss or medical expense. Lastly, it exercises your ability to save money.

#3: CUT DOWN YOUR UTILITY COSTS

Utilities are essential to one’s daily life. Just because you have to spend money on utilities does not mean that you have to be lax on it. Continue to look for ways to save on electricity and phone bills. Also, you must apply money-saving techniques to cut down a basic need – water!

For instance, you may eliminate your cable bundle by subscribing to mobile streaming services (e.g., Netflix or Toggle Singapore) instead. Or, you may simply turn off the switches when not in use.

Be frugal! You will save hundreds of dollars a year by cutting costs on these mandatory expenses.

#4: HAVE SUFFICIENT INSURANCE

2018 was the year that I actively to built my insurance umbrella. I wish to continue to drive to this path in 2019. When it comes to insurance, many people either pay too much for their coverage or pay too little to cover what they need. Striking a balance between these two is a good financial goal.

A significant aspect of this goal is to find a credible and competent insurance agent, who understands your situation best.

#5: EXPAND YOUR REPERTOIRE

I was fortunate enough to have ridden a cab with a man full of wisdom. The driver was a retired Engineer who worked in Singapore and United States. In the span of his career, he observed how most of his co-workers preferred to stay in a box. They kept their first jobs due to level of comfort and security it entails.

Many of us choose to stay in our comfort zones. However, growth comes from shaking things up! If you choose to stay the same, nothing will happen. You need to embrace change.

Complacency breeds mediocrity. Open new doors in your life by learning a new skill. Let’s take my uncle as an example. To negotiate a higher salary, he furthered his skills by attending seminars and trainings. You may also further your educational background. Start small by learning a new skill from an online course.

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Fully improving yourself is often time consuming. A lot of hard work and money goes into it. But, improvements will help you take on bigger challenges and responsibilities in the future!

Sources: 1 & 2

Turn Your 2018 Money Resolutions Into Reality

It all starts with a dash of imagination…

Vividly envisioning where you are headed improves the likelihood of meeting your financial resolutions. Allocate at least a few minutes of your day to contemplate on your past experiences as well as your current standing. Afterwards, visualize the financial situation that you desire to experience in the future. Some people may find satisfaction in their year-round travels. While, you may find serenity through altruism. The mere act of visualization will motivate you to reach the goals that you set.

Plan to start small…

Like anything in life, you must have strategic plans. Money resolutions such as paying off debt or building retirement savings are not always easy! This is why you must commit to small things first. Commit yourself to a “small” task that you will accomplish for the rest of the year. Consider writing down every dollar that you spend. For the adjustment period, you can write down each transaction in a notebook or in a journal. Awareness is increased through the mentally exhausting act of writing. It is exhausting in a sense that it activates different parts of the brain. The enhanced brain activity improves your attention and memory.

As the act becomes second nature, you can turn to electronic devices for help. Find an efficient budgeting app or a software to track your transactions. Keep a record. This will help you spot the weaknesses and strengths of your budget. Please adjust accordingly.

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Divide and conquer…

Absorbing the essence of all your financial resolutions is overwhelming! Try dividing a single goal into bite-sized pieces instead. Focus your efforts on a goal before moving on to the next. Observe your progress by ticking off the “resolutions” that you have accomplished.

Remember to be as concrete as possible when identifying your financial resolutions. You may state something along the lines of avoiding credit cards for a month. Or, you may pay an additional of S$50 to your credit card debts. Aim to minimize your debt in a shorter span of time.

Parting thoughts…

Use affirmations to remind yourself that being responsible for your finances will impact your personal life and that of your family’s. Valuing your hard work starts with making few financial alternations.

Sources: 1 &2

Smart Financial Resolutions To Kick-Start 2016

What better way to usher in the New Year than by making smart financial resolutions to improve your wealth?

1. ELIMINATE YOUR UNHEALTHY HABITS

Unhealthy habits, such as excessively drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco, that you enjoy on a regular basis can not only increase your insurance premiums but also your daily expenses. Another unhealthy habit that may be costing you a lot is regularly eating junk. Junk food is called junk for a reason as excessive consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and so on.

When you decide to stop drinking, smoking, and eating unhealthily this 2016, you will see your bills going down and you will feel improvements in your health in no time!

2. WIPE OUT UNNECESSARY EXPENSES

As you review your annual statement, there is probably an expense or two that you can trim from your budget. Mine is my mobile phone plan. Due to accessible Wi-Fi connection almost anywhere in Singapore, I am able to refrain from using the allotted local calls and SMS on my plan. Yet I am still paying for it. What a waste!

How about you? Go through your past purchases. After seeing the bigger picture, it is time to cut down your expenses. Reduce the unnecessary expenses such as mobile phone plan, designer bags or costly coffee beans and turn a new leaf.

3. BE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY

Fix, refurbish, or recycle your furniture, decor, or appliance that are still in good condition instead of spending money to replace these. As you revamp your stuff, use lighter colored paints to reduce the heat and energy consumption. As you recycle, you may consider turning your old drawer into a shelf. There are many ways to cheaply decorate your home and saving Mother Earth in the process…just keep your creative juices flowing!

4. LOSE WEIGHT

Every January, a huge queue of people flock in fitness studios and gyms. These members soon to disappear as months go by. Instead of wasting your money on costly gym or fitness studio memberships, workout for virtually free at your own home or at the town parks. Do yoga, jog outdoors, run in the stadium, or try any workout routine that you can do for free.

5. TIDY UP YOUR LIFE

Being messy with your space and time can cost you!

For instance, being untidy with your billing statements can result to late payments and penalty fees while being unorganized with your cooking time can result to overspending on take-out food. The list just goes on.

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It is important to organize your life…have a physical storage for your bills and schedule your tasks. As long as you are on track, you will be able to save!

Sources: 1 & 2

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