New Year Financial Health Resolutions

Towards the end of the year, people start to get philosophical about the last 12 months and start to wonder what the new year will bring. A lot of people make New Year resolutions that will improve their lives in one way or another — heading into 2023, 34% wanted to eat healthier, 18% wanted to sleep more and a whopping 50% wanted to save more money.

Saving money is understandably a priority for all Australians. Money can be the determining factor in how we live our lives, from how we eat to where we live, how we spend our free time and so much more. 

If saving more money is a priority for you in 2024, we’re here to help. Here, we share five financial New Year’s resolutions that can actually make a difference in your bank account.

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I will ask for a raise or change careers

If you don’t ask, you don’t get it –  Mahatma Gandhi

A quick way to make extra money is to ask for a raise at work. The extra income can go towards paying off your mortgage, boosting your savings or investing in something valuable like housing or the stock market. As the saying goes: “if you don’t ask, you don’t get it” — so while it might be nerve-wracking to ask your boss for a raise, it’s still important to give it a go. The worst that could happen is that they say no. If they do say no, consider looking for another job that pays more. There’s no harm in looking.

 I will invest in myself

The best investment you will ever make is in yourself – Warren Buffet

Whether you’re gunning for a raise or thinking of changing careers, the best investment for 2024 is to invest in yourself and your skills. Sign up for courses and training that will help you advance in your career, or sign up for courses about investing so that you can try and make some money outside of work hours.

Self-investment is a valuable financial New Year’s resolution — the possibilities are endless.

 I will improve my financial health and get my ducks in a row

If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse – Ryan Blair

You can “line up your ducks” in 2024 by ensuring your finances are sorted. Most people think that their finances are managed if they’re keeping up with their mortgage and credit card repayments, but this isn’t always the case. Instead, ask yourself the following questions.

• Do you have personal insurances (income protection, life insurance, etc)?
• Have you consolidated your superannuation accounts?
• Are you getting the best home loan rate?
• Do you have a will?

If you can’t answer “yes” to all of the questions above, then you still have a few wandering ducks out of place. In 2024, book an appointment with a financial planner who can help you organise each of these areas and ensure you are making good decisions for your future financial position. 

I will save money (on autopilot) to improve my financial health

Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving – Warren Buffet

One of the most valuable and effective New Year money resolutions you can make is to put your savings on autopilot i.e. save money without even thinking about it. You can do this by aligning your savings with your pay cycle — for example, if you’re paid weekly, set up a weekly amount that goes straight into your savings account. The same goes if you’re paid fortnightly or monthly. 

If the money automatically goes into your savings account as soon as you’re paid, you can’t spend it on frivolous things. It provides you with a new sense of discipline without actively trying to be disciplined.

I will pay off my debt

Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending – Carl Brand

Eliminating debt is crucial to financial success. The more debt you’re dealing with, the more money you lose in interest — it can feel like an endless cycle. Luckily, there are many strategies you can use to get out of debt.

• Make a debt payment plan
• Sell unused/unwanted items
• Create a budget and stick to it
• Get a second job/higher paying job
• Reduce your weekly spending

Want more tips about how to reduce your debt? Download our free Debt Reduction Guide.

Make your financial New Year’s resolutions a success with Elliot Watson Financial Planning

At Elliot Watson Financial Planning, we understand that saving money and eliminating debt can be a real challenge. We have the experience and expertise to help make the process simpler and more effective — contact us to book a consultation. We’re here to help you reach your financial goals and make your 2024 financial New Year’s resolution a reality.

The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author; they are not reflective or indicative of licensee’s position, and are not to be attributed to the licensee. They cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the author.

The information within, including tax, does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account any of your individual objectives, financial solutions or needs. Before acting on this information you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statements and seek personal advice from a qualified financial adviser. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author; they are not reflective or indicative of licensee’s position and are not to be attributed to the licensee. They cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the author. Elliot Watson Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 70 610 168 646 is a Corporate Authorised Representative of RI Advice Group Pty Ltd, ABN 23 001 774 125 AFSL 238429.