Take stock of those lingering tasks on your to-do list and roll over any goals left to be achieved. Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute to set money resolutions that could change your life forever. These five goals are money musts that shouldn’t be put off for yet another year.
Top Financial Resolutions
Remember: The point is not to convince yourself that this investment vehicle is right for you. Instead, it’s to prove that you can learn enough about even the scariest of money topics (and make independent decisions that are fact-based). If you don’t know where to begin, consider Dominique Broadway’s free Investing Masterclass to identify where you need the most help. While you can transfer high interest debt to a low or zero APR card or personal loan, it’s best to be thoughtful about holiday spending and to be modest with indulgences to stay on track to meet bigger goals. If you’re not sure where to begin to pay off your personal debt, check out First Gen Money’s brief and informative YouTube Video series. “Make sure the card you’re using to shop is going the extra mile for you, whether that means earning you points for every purchase or cash back,” she suggests. “And, once you have enough points, use them! Call your credit card company and see what your credit card reward points can get you.” If you don’t know where to begin, try The Points Guy’s Beginner Guide. And no matter which program you choose, make those rewards count by consistently using the same program over the year. Next year, resolve to talk to a child in your life about money and the financial literacy habits they’ll need to succeed. Read books together that can explain what money is and how it works. Break the habit of gifting kids depreciating assets and consumer goods; instead, give stocks or bonds to teach them about investing at an early age. Educate teens about the wealth and wage gap. Resolve to be a money mentor, so that the next generation gets a head start on financial literacy.
