Fitness, career, relationship – New Year’s resolutions fit in all the categories. Although one that gets ignored the most is the Financial Resolution. Just like any other resolution, taking small steps at the start of the year can really create a bigger impact in years to come. After all it’s about the money –the key that improves other aspects of life. But all this can fall in place, only if the person is committed. As Millennials – the focused bunch, the dedicated bunch, the ‘go-make-a-big-difference’ thinker this shouldn’t be a hard task. So for you, we have handpicked few significant financial resolutions that can truly help you getting your financial health in place this year. Dive in!
Save first – Make it a habit
As a millennial with a first job in hand, this should be your foremost motto – saving. Instead of trying to put large sums of money away at once, try taking a little bit of money out of each of your paychecks regularly (start of the month). Have a recurring deposit, or dedicate a bank account just for savings purpose. Starting from January, try to set calendar reminders for every month so that you can remember to save and invest regularly.
Have what you need, shop what you really want
Before you check out to pay (online and offline), take a glance at your cart and ask yourself – do I really need this? Does it make sense to buy in bulk? What kinds of sales are offered for these items?
Are there any alternatives? Can this purchase wait for couple of months? May be you can buy more when the ‘discount’ season is on. Ask these important questions and you will find yourself reducing half of the items from the cart.
Avoid impulse buying. Your pocket will thank you. So, this year, focus on checking all the items before you make a purchase – even if it means spending more time emptying than filling your cart.
Learn How to Cook / Hire a Cooking Hand
Ordering food has now turned into ‘digital shopping’. You visit multiple apps, pick the deals and order breakfast, lunch, dinner and what not! Although your tummy gets happy in the whole process, your body and wallet feel otherwise. So instead of burning a hole in your pocket, why don’t you put in a bit of effort to learn the art of cooking or hire a helping hand, even better! The amount that you can spend in your homemade meals is drastically cheaper than the prices of their comparable restaurant versions. So, this year indulge in a bit of cooking or have a friend show you the basics or get a helping hand – you could end up saving hundreds and eating healthier, too!
Unsubscribe and Chill
The gym subscription, the entertainment subscription, cable, magazines – just take a pause and think which subscription you have taken seriously so far. Do you need so many entertainment options with similar content? How often do you read all the magazines you’re paying for?
Odds are you’re signed up for more subscription-based services than you even remember. Odds are you’re probably paying for a lot more subscriptions than you really need. Unsubscribe and De clutter! This New Year make note of all of the subscriptions you use and bag the ones you don’t – you will save up big time.
Change One Money-Spending Habit
Is celebrating Friday a must? – Indulge in reading maybe. Do you order a medium coffee every day and really only drink half of it? Order a small. Is dining out during weekend a ritual? Break it with a pot luck get together. Can you bring lunch to work?
Do you really need to make the movie going thing a mandate every weekend? Sure no. You get the drill right. Don’t let any habit break your monthly budget.
A side hustle is always a good idea
One big financial resolution I think Millennial should make is around creating a side hustle/side stream of income. This is your time when you can juggle between things. Perform at a gig, give private classes to kids, be a blogger – options are many, pick the best that suits your interest or profile.
That way you can tick off things from your bucket list! You are from a time where you can make as much as you want to if you’re willing to think outside the box.
Want to know more about financial resolutions for millennials? Feel free to write us on contact@sbsfin.com