Each year seems to come with its own financial challenges and pressures. In 2023, we experienced more than one year’s fair share of these situations which made some major impacts on families financially. As we usher in a brand new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your family’s financial position and objectives. Questions like: How was 2023 for us? What decisions did we make that worked well? What situations did we encounter and how did we handle them? How do we wish we had done differently? With interest rates, grocery prices, and the housing crunch, there are many situations that are beyond your control. However financial success comes from how we react. Take time to have simple discussions and draft some plans to reach your financial goals.
Here are ten topics that may inspire you to make different choices this year.
Set Clear Financial Goals
Define your financial goals for the year. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for your children’s education, or paying off debt, having clear objectives will keep you motivated and focused. Make sure these goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Create a Family Budget
Start by creating a family budget. This is the foundation for your different choices this year. List all your income sources and expenses, and be sure to include your goals and irregular expenses, and spending money. As a money coach, I recommend keeping it simple, referring to it often, and most importantly use separate bank accounts to track spending and saving.
Eliminate Unnecessary Expenses
Review your expenses critically. Are there any subscriptions or services that you’re not using? Canceling unused gym memberships, streaming services, or magazine subscriptions can free up money for more important priorities. Small, consistent savings can add up over time.
Plan Your Meal Goals
Eating out or ordering takeout frequently can drain your budget. Planning meals and cooking at home not only saves money, but is often healthier too. Try meal prepping on weekends to make weeknight dinners more convenient.
Shop Smart
Look for discounts and deals when shopping for groceries, clothing, and other essentials. Additionally, consider buying generic brands, which are often just as good as name brands but cost less.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Cutting back on your utility bills is an excellent way to save money. Simple steps like turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and sealing drafts can lead to substantial savings over the year.
Automate Savings Goals
Set up automatic transfers to your savings accounts. This way, you won’t forget to save, and it becomes a habit. Some key things to save for are: Christmas, summer camps, travel, car maintenance, extra curricular activities, and pet expenses.
Minimize Impulse Buying
Impulse buying can be a significant drain on your finances. Before making a purchase, refer to your goals and your budget. Making sound decisions based on these new tools will help you diminish the desire to spend. Remember that many of the economic challenges are beyond your control, so just focus on what is within it. Make small choices each day and they will add up to a big impact throughout your year.
