HelpingMomsAtHome  |   Kim's Blog   |    Contact Us  |

8 New Year's Commitments for 2008 This New Year develop commitments for 2008 instead of resolutions. Many times resolutions are forgotten about after the January 31st. By making commitments you will be more determined to achieve these goals because they will be things you want to achieve and need to achieve. These commitment are things you can do throughout the year to improve your life.

If you don't meet all of your goals develop smaller goals that can be easily achieved. Once you achieve those, develop larger goals and develop a course of action to achieve them. Track your progress. I develop a roadmap each year that is broken down into 6 month increments. I develop goals and a deadline for each goal. Later I develop a course of action on how to achieve those goals. If I don't meet a goal I just extend the deadline and add it to the next 6 month increment.

Make sure your goals are positive statements that will improve your life. A goal should be similar to an affirmation, i.e. I will pay off my Visa bill by March 2008 instead of an uncertain or negative goal such as, I hope I can pay off my Visa bill by March 2008 as long as I don't charge anything else.

One of the worst habits Americans have is getting into debt year after year. Make 2008 your year to eliminate those bad spending habits and begin your path to financial freedom. Here are 8 New Year's Commitments that will improve your financial life, reduce stress, end fights regarding finances, and bring peace to your life.

1. Save Money - Create an emergency fund with enough to cover at least 3-6 months worth of bills. This will prevent you from getting into debt. For long-term goals create a savings account with a high interest rate and make plans to save for retirement.

2. Further Your Education - Take training classes or get a college degree to increase your skills set and salary. Plan to take at least one training course every year during your career to stay current with industry standards and technology advances.

3. Get Out of Debt - Get current on any late payments. Negotiate with creditors to setup payment plans and pay off debts older than 6 months. This will increase your credit score.

4. Get Your Financial House in Order - Organize financial papers and store in a centralized secure location. Backup financial documents and records saved on your personal computer. Use secure websites for processing transactions and storing personal information, i.e. bank accounts, automatic payments, etc. Organize your home office with file folders, file cabinets, etc. Make copies of all personal documents and store in a fire proof safe. Develop a will and designate or update beneficiaries for life insurance policies.

5. Trim Spending - Don't live above your means. Buy needs more often than wants. Find ways to reduce expenses to help pay down your debts. Catch public transportation or carpool to work. Buy items or sale, use coupons, or shop at wholesales or thrift stores.

6. Limit Credit Card Usage - Use your credit card for emergencies only. Don't use your credit card to purchase gas, food or other everyday items. Keep credit card balances at 40% or below the credit limit. Pay balances off at the end of the month.

7. Develop a Flexible Spending Plan - Write a list of all of your total monthly expenses including debt and write down your total monthly income (net). If you have any money left over use that to pay down your debts. If you do not have any money left over look at the areas where you can reduce expenses.

8. Don't go into debt at Christmas - Don't overextend yourself buying gifts at Christmas, buy gifts throughout the year to limit credit card usage and help spread costs for gifts over a period time. Even starting shopping in November will reduce costs and stress felt when shopping in December.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Harrine Freeman is a speaker, personal finance expert and the author of, "How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free Using the System I've Used Successfully with Thousands of Clients.

She is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a credit repair and personal finance services company. She is a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers, Credit Professionals International, SPAWN, Toastmasters, AAUW, National Association of Women Writers, IEEE and the Women Network.

For more information on how to get out of debt or to buy her book please visit http://www.hefreemanenterprises.com She can be reached via email at hfreeman@hefreemanenterprises.com.

If you notice I said Fitness Goals not resolutions. What's the difference you say? A resolution is talk, a goal is action. If you have a specific goal in mind and especially if you write it on paper you will be amazed at what will happen. So first things first get that goal or goals on paper before you do anything else.

Step 2 is to start small. Don't try and up the amount of weight you lift or number of reps per set especially if you haven't exercised in a while. Pay careful attention to your form and don't cheat. If that means going lighter do it! You will make much greater progress.

The final step is to never give up. Many people will give up on their New Years Resolutions and goals 2-3 weeks into the year usually due to the age old "time factor" Before you become one of those people think about how you had time to exercise during those first few weeks in January. You had the same job, same family & same responsibilities so why give up?

Just make the time. Slow and steady wins the race.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Justin is an ISSA certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist For more information please visit http://www.mysystembymuller.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barry Waxler is a financial advisor with UFCAmerica.com.