New Year’s Resolutions Checklist

Setting New Year’s Resolutions can be very exciting. It’s when your dreams and aspirations run wild and confidence can skyrocket.

The key to achieving the success you envision is to ensure your goals are realistic, you have a plan to get there, and you surround yourself with the right resources and motivations to give yourself every chance to succeed.

How many times have you looked back at your year and felt unaccomplished? Chances are you did accomplish many things, however, maybe your initial list of goals was so big that you didn’t give yourself the chance to be proud. Or maybe you had a big year of procrastination! We’ve all been there.

Whatever the case, use this checklist when its time to create those New Year’s Resolutions.

Here are our top tips for general goals:

  1. If you are aiming for big things, keep your resolutions list short (3 – 5 goals)
  2. Be as specific as possible. For example: save $9,500 for a holiday to Brazil by August
  3. When writing your goals, also keep in mind the resources you might need get there. For example also consider visa, immunisation and insurance costs
  4. Talk to your loved ones so they can encourage you and keep you accountable along the way
  5. Visualise your goals, maybe stick them on the fridge? This way, you will have a constant reminder of what you have decided is important to you
  6. Believe in yourself. No-one will ever believe in your goals more than you!

If your goals are financial, we recommend you also consider the following:

  1. Request a credit report so you are aware of your credit health before you apply for any type of finance
  2. If you are aware that your credit health isn’t great, speak to a broker before you go directly to a bank. A broker can give you advice on which lenders may be more suitable for your individual situation before you apply
  3. If you are saving towards something, such as a house deposit, it can be less daunting if you break down the savings goal into the installments you need to save. For example: if your goal is to save $20,000 for a first home deposit or for an investment property, you can break this goal down into 52 weekly installments of $384.6.
  4. Don’t feel bad about asking questions. This one is important! There are many money saving strategies available, but not all work for everyone. Have the courage to ask questions, any questions, all question! Asking questions is free and will benefit you significantly.

Wishing you every success with your goals for 2018. And don’t forget, we are always here for you if you have any finance questions, big or small. Just call us on 1300 652 842.