RESOLUTIONS OR REAL SOLUTIONS
Resolutions or Real Solutions?
By Marybeth Whalen
If you’re like me, you find yourself making resolutions as the new year approaches. There’s something about turning that calendar page over that prompts us to make promises to ourselves about how we’re going to live our lives better.
A new year is full of hope and promise, but often our resolutions are too ambiguous and too lofty to be lived out. So, instead of keeping our resolutions we quit in defeat.
This is certainly true of the infamous resolution to lose weight. If we simply say, “I’m going to lose weight this year,” but we don’t have a plan in place to do so, we will never succeed. This is also true of resolutions about money, debt, and spending.
This year, instead of making resolutions that sound like mere wishful thinking, determine some real solutions that will enable you to meet your goals. Here are some examples of the differences between the two.
Resolution: I am not going to charge on credit cards this year.
Real solution: I am going to cut up my credit cards and cancel my accounts so I cannot make charges.
Resolution: I am going to be a better steward of my money.
Real solution: I am going to be accountable to someone and pray before spending.
Resolution: I am not going to make impulse purchases.
Real solution: I am going to wait at least three days to make all purchases. If I still want the item after that time, I will go back.
Resolution: I am going to bargain shop.
Real solution: I am going to commit to looking for used items before buying new and I am going to cut coupons. I am going to pray for God to provide my needs—even if it means waiting longer to buy something.
Resolution: I am going to learn how to manage my money better.
Real solution: I am going to register for a Crown class at my church or purchase materials from Crown to help me learn how to handle money.
Resolution: I am going to save money for the first time in my life.
Real solution: I am going to institute a savings plan for X amount per month through my bank or employer.
Resolution: I am going to keep better track of my spending.
Real solution: I am going to create a budget with expense categories to help me see where my money is going.
Resolution: I am not going to waste money.
Real solution: I am going to assess my spending habits and cut out those things that aren’t necessary or don’t line up with my priorities.
Resolution: I am going to communicate with my spouse about money.
Real solution: I am going to set up a weekly time to go over our calendars and any upcoming expenses. We can also discuss our budget and take a look at our account at that time if needed.
Resolution: I am going to be debt free, whatever it takes.
Real solution: I will meet with a Crown financial counselor to help me take the steps I need to take to start working toward financial freedom.
The adage goes, “If you aim at nothing, you will probably hit it.” The difference in coming up with a real solution is in determining exactly what steps you can take to meet your personal goals.
A real solution is characterized by having measurable parameters paired with an intentional attitude.
As the new year begins, make sure to have someone in your life who will hold you accountable to your plan—be it a spouse, friend, or family member.
You should also write down your real solutions and keep them somewhere prominent as a reminder.
Finally, use this time and these solutions to draw closer to God. Go to Him when you’re feeling defeated, and lean on Him when the steps you must take appear to be too difficult.
When you come up with real solutions instead of resolutions, you will be that much closer to becoming the financial steward He desires you to be!
Marybeth Whalen and her husband, Curt, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they are raising six children: Jack, Ashleigh, Mathew, Rebekah, Bradley, and Annaliese. Marybeth is a frequent writer for “Around the Home.” To learn more about her visit her Web site: marybethwhalen.com.
posted by Thomson @ 9:16 PM
1 comments
