Every year at this time, we all make resolutions for a better new year. I think we feel the new year is the perfect time to make those changes we have been putting off. Without real discipline though, you probably won't keep any of your New Year's resolutions. Maybe your first resolution should be to keep at least one or two of those things you resolve to do in the coming year. Here is a list of some popular New Year's Resolutions along with links to pages that will help you keep yours.
You're probably wondering what these resolutions have to do with retirement planning and I have to say, "Everything!"
Get in financial shape
With the new year comes the intent to get finances in shape. We all want to get out of debt and start a savings or investment plan and the new year seems like the perfect time to do this. The new year is also a great time to look at your retirement plan to be sure you are on track with your goals. The following links could help you understand how to get your finances in shape and how to start saving:
- About.com Money
- About Retirement Planning
- About Credit and Debt Management
- About Financial Planning
- About Investing for Beginners
- About Taxes
Get in shape
This is probably the most popular New Year's Resolution and the first to go by the way side. For those of you who are planning to retire some day, getting in shape could be an important part of your retirement plan. These links might help you in your efforts to shape up in the coming year:
Get a better job or a promotion
Now is the time we all start thinking about advancement in our careers or getting the ideal job. If you have a great job or career with retirement benefits, your retirement planning will be much easier. The following links could help you in your career or maybe help you start your own business:
- About.com Careers
- About.com Small Business
- About Job Searching
- About Job Searching-Technical
- About Career Planning
- About Management
- About Entrepreneurs
- About Small Business Information
Improve or buy a home
Could this be the year you make those home improvements or maybe buy a new home? Most persons who are planning their retirement wonder whether to stay in the home they're currently living in or moving to a different one. Whether you are making improvements, buying your first home or buying a second or third home, the following links could help with your decisions:
Travel and spend more time with family
The winter months make us long for vacation so what better time to think about traveling and spending more time with the family than at the beginning of a new year. Whether you are retired or planning for your retirement, time with family is very important. The following links could give you some ideas on how to pull off this resolution:
- About.com Travel
- About Traveling with Kids
- About Air Travel
- About Camping
- About Theme Parks
- About Senior Travel
If you're like most people, you have good intentions for keeping your New Year's Resolutions but as the days or weeks go by, they get harder and harder to keep. Why not try to make this the year you keep at least one of your resolutions? Set a goal that is easy to accomplish, look at the About.com sites that I've recommended, and take it one day at a time. Good luck!