December is here, which means 2019 is just around the corner. Are you prepared? Do you have your resolutions set? Today we're talking about preparing for the New Year in order to set you up for success in planning and following through with all your budget-related goals.
Christmas and the holiday season can get expensive,which is why we recommend sticking to a strict Christmas budget over the jolly season. Over spending in December will cause stress into January, and that's not the best way to start a successful new year!
Take an afternoon to think about your spendings this year. Did you make any big purchases you could have done without? Did you find a budget set up that suited you perfectly? Keeping these things in mind will be instrumental in planning for the coming year.
If you've had a strict year budget-wise, it might be time to give yourself a treat for your efforts. Life is always about balance after all, and the best way to stay motivated is to work towards a goal. Take a get away for a night or two, or buy yourself that one thing you've been eyeing all year. Don't take it too far, instead, decide on an amount you can afford, and stick to it.
Decide on a quiet day to sit down with your bills and a notepad and work out all your expenses and financial goals for the coming year. Give yourself a generous amount of time to do this, as it will prove instrumental to success when the new year rolls around.
Do you have any ongoing financial goals? Are you saving for a holiday? A home deposit? A high quality clothing item? Or maybe you have a number goal for your savings account. Take some time to consider your financial goals for 2019 so you can plan appropriately for them. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail!
Happy planning!