A new year means a fresh start and a new set of personal goals. Many people make New Year’s resolutions with the intention of improving their health, finances, or relationships with others. Some of these resolutions, like home improvements or fitness trainers, require significant investments. However, some can cost very little—or nothing at all. Here are some budget-friendly New Year’s resolution ideas to kickoff 2023 on the right foot.
Exercise Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune
Getting in shape and taking steps to lose weight are common goals for many as they enter a new year. However, setting a goal to exercise more doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag. There are some great ways to break a sweat that cost just a few dollars, or are completely free.
Utilize Free Facilities
Exercise is a fantastic way to explore your community. Check out local hiking trail systems to immerse yourself in nature. You can also grab your bike and take a ride on nearby recreational paths. Or, if the weather isn’t cooperating, stroll the mall and window shop or look for a community center with a walking track.
Take Advantage of Online Resources
The internet is a treasure trove of workout videos, with everything from expert-led and intense HIIT sessions to relaxing yoga routines. Check out YouTube and Instagram for a variety of options to find your favorite.
There are also free workout apps you can download on your smartphone. Many have a timeline or schedule to help you stay committed long-term. There are options that are designed for your fitness goals whether it’s weight loss, increased performance, or muscle tone. These apps allow you to work out from anywhere and often require little to no equipment.
Get More Organized for Peace of Mind
Getting organized can help reduce stress and make your home more functional. When you create order, you can be more efficient and keep things cleaner. So, get organized with these budget-friendly strategies and kick off the year right!
Declutter and Safely Organize Mementos
You likely have years of mementos and priceless memories stored in your home. Create a filing system for everything from old certificates and treasured greeting cards using a secure bin and paper-preserving sleeves. If you have a ton of old photos and videos, send them off to be digitized. iMemories can convert your pictures and home movies to digital files and store them safely in the iMemories Cloud. This allows you to free up space in your home and be confident that your memories are well preserved.
Clean Up Your Digital Life
Your online habits can also wreak havoc on your stress levels. Being greeted with an overflowing inbox each morning is a daunting way to start the day. Take some time and permanently deleted unneeded emails. If you receive a ton of junk mail, make it a point to unsubscribe to ten email lists daily that no longer interest you.
Your smartphone is another place to do some purging. Delete old and unneeded photos and screenshots that are taking up memory. And, eliminate apps that you no longer use or need. This is a perfect time to uninstall social media platforms that aren’t productive and that tempt you to waste time.
Set a Budget and Commit to Sticking to It
Developing a budget is the easy part for many people. The real challenge comes when it’s time to stick with it month after month. Use these New Year’s money resolutions to break bad habits and put yourself in a better place financially.
Switch Up Your Dining Habits
Going out to eat too often is a major budget buster for many families. With the rising cost of dining out, staying home is a perfect way to save money in 2023. Reserve going to restaurants for special occasions and social events. Then, improve your eating habits and boost your kitchen skills by prepping meals at home. Host friends or family for a potluck or dinner party for a low-cost social event. Or, plan a day each week to cook with your kids and help them establish a firm culinary foundation. You’ll save money on dining out while still experiencing the joy that food brings.
Make More Money, Save More Money
If your goal is to make more money this year, start planning budget-friendly ways to do so. Ask your employer about free training or tuition reimbursement so you can gain more sought-after skills. Look into classes offered at local community colleges for little to no cost. These all make you a more well-rounded employee and can help you fetch a higher salary when looking for a new role—or justify your reasoning when asking for a raise.
Saving money is another tough challenge that many people face. A money-saving challenge can help you and your partner work together to achieve your target savings amount. Set a designated amount to transfer to savings each week or after each payday. Then, stick to it and keep each other accountable. Plus, you get extra bragging rights if put in a little extra with each transfer.
New Year’s Resolutions are About Starting Fresh
What are your goals for the New Year? Regardless if you choose one of these ideas or a combination of a few, go into 2023 with a fresh outlook and determined attitude. Set smart goals that are reasonable and have incremental targets to motivate you along the way. And, be confident that you’ll end 2023 with the feeling of success that you’ve improved your life.
