New Year Goals
Have you ever considered what your goals should be in the new year? Whether you need to chart a course for getting out of debt or want to be able to play with your kids when they're older, this list will help you get started. Compiled by personal finance blog Money Crashers, this list includes more than 60 different goals and provides links to resources where you can expand on them. It also has an interactive feature that allows you to create your own goals by using the categories and keywords provided.
The goal of getting out of debt is most people's first priority when the new year begins. Here are some ideas on how to do it and why it's important:
There are many ideas to finance your goals, here is a list of some that were suggested by users on the site:
There are also many ways to save money and help yourself achieve your goals. Here is a collection of tips that can help you reach your goal and keep your finances in good shape:
With so many options out there, there is no excuse not to set or work toward a goal. It may just be the push you need to get started on a better financial life.
Title: 2011 Money Saving Tips
Quote: "For a happy and prosperous New Year, spend less than you earn, avoid getting sick, and invest as soon as possible." - Dave Ramsey, Total Money Makeover (p. 265)
Title: 2012 Money Saving Tips
The definition of a penny jar is the collection of pennies in a jar or any amount of money realized by saving cents. The practice of saving pennies in a jar was first mentioned on December 13, 1981 in the Chicago Tribune article "Christmas (Almost) Penny Jar Helps to Start Savings Habits". In the article, columnist Jean Carter writes about the practice of saving pennies for Christmas in a jar.
Title: Christmas (Almost) Penny Jar Helps to Start Savings Habits
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1981-12-13/news/8121160246_1_holiday-shopping-season-consumer-welfare
The Dollar Bill Challenge is an end of year competition that celebrates frugality, encourages people to be creative with a dollar and tracks their progress on various blogs and social media sites. The dollar challenge is a way for people to keep track of their spending and save more money in the process. Some participants may use the money saved from the challenge to put toward a larger financial goal such as paying off debt or saving for a vacation.
People taking part in the Dollar Bill Challenge are encouraged to carry a dollar everywhere they go during December, January and February, unless they are spending it on something. They are also encouraged to take pictures of everything that they spend their dollar on and then share them on their blog or social media site once the month is over.
In some cultures, participants may also be required to buy a lottery ticket every week as part of the dollar bill challenge. But, there are other ways to keep track of your budget and still be creative with a dollar.
Title: The Dollar Bill Challenge
http://dollarbillchallenge.com/
The Month of Living Dangerously is a television program that focuses on the complex issues surrounding personal finance and presents real-life experiences to solve everyday life problems. In the series' second season, Money Crashers created an episode titled "My New Years Resolution" that did exactly that. This video shows viewers how to set goals for their finances for 2012 and gets them started on rewarding themselves for their progress.
Title: My New Years Resolution
http://www.moneycrashers.com/my-new-years-resolution/
The Wall Street Journal provides a simple, easy-to-follow plan that finances a better life, based on the premise that you don't have to be rich to live well. Here are some tips that can help you reach your financial goals for 2012 and those of your family during the upcoming year:
Start with a budget and allot quantities based on income for expenses such as groceries, clothing and entertainment. Having an idea of what you can spend helps save money by avoiding unnecessary purchases and gaining control over spending.
Use a calendar to keep track of upcoming events and obligations. Plan for these to increase in the coming year, such as an upcoming holiday or family visits.
Create a financial plan that includes long-term goals that are more than just one year.
Make your goals realistic while still providing motivation. If they seem too hard to achieve, they may not be motivating enough. If they are way off, they may not be worth achieving.
Listen to your instincts and use trusted sources like family and friends when making financial decisions during the course of a year. This information can help you make better decisions and know what works for others who may have gone through similar experiences you will eventually go through yourself.
The video below was featured on the Forbes website, where readers voted for their favorite financial TV shows. The show with the most votes was "The Big Bang Theory" and they also praised the show's portrayal of Raj Koothrappali, a "self-proclaimed amateur physicist". Even though this character is a genius, he is often portrayed as making poor financial decisions.
They also noted that Albert Einstein, the famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, was once a homeowner who was worth approximately $50 million dollars. In his later years, he moved to a small cottage worth under $100 dollars. Even though the show may not be 100% accurate, it does present some good financial lessons and messages.
Title: The Best Financial TV Shows of 2011
http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2011/12/07/the-best-financial-tv-shows-of-2011/
A flat tire can be a costly and frustrating experience when on the road. However, this unfortunate event can lead to the realization that maintaining your vehicle is a necessity to keep you safe while you are driving and avoid being stranded in an inconvenient location. There are many reasons you may need to repair a flat tire, such as:
When you are driving, your tires must be able to provide traction on the road. If your tires lose traction, they will not be able to provide the necessary support for the vehicle and it will begin to wobble or skid. Your tires also need to run at a temperature that is hot enough for quick deflection as well as rapid and easy recovery from cold temperatures.
There is a small chance that there might be an object in your tire that can cause damage on impact which could lead to unexpected road hazards or sudden stopping of your vehicle.
Conclusion: If you are not familiar with tire repair, it may be best to seek out professional assistance in most cases. However, there are many quick fixes used to help you get back on the road after a flat tire. With these simple DIY tips, it may be possible for you to get yourself back on the road with minimum downtime and minimal cost.
Title: 5 Simple DIY Tips for Tire Repairs
http://www.tireaddict.com/how-to-repair-tires/
They stated that financial experts in the United States recommend saving at least ten percent of one's income . However, few people reach this goal.