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Title
TACKLING TYPICAL NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS ON A
BUDGET
Embrace the typical New Year's resolutions this year with 10 budget-friendly
approaches to achieving them.
1. Get Fit: Gym membership specials are designed to bait the guilt-ridden. Don't
get sucked into paying 12-months worth of dues.
Instead, consider these frugal fitness tips from
Fitness Magazine to get in
shape on the cheap.
2. Eat Healthier: Eating healthy doesn't always mean spending more on food.
Sites like CouponSherpa.com devote entire sections to natural and organic foods,
and smaller "whole foods" chains like Sunflower Market usually have good deals.
3. Get Organized: Much of the stress we endure on a daily basis stems from a
lack of organization. Simply straightening your house, cleaning out your car and
reorganizing your file cabinets can help you feel better prepared for other
daily tasks.
4. Give Up a Bad Habit: If this is the third consecutive year you've committed
to stop smoking, you're understandably frustrated and in need of a fresh
approach. If pricey patch programs haven't worked in the past, check out the
"Best Apps to Help You Quit Smoking" for a high-tech alternative.
5. Manage Money Better: Spending less, saving more and paying down debt top most
people's New Year's resolutions. If coupons aren't a part of your purchasing
plan, consider using your smartphone to help you snag discounts. Downloading a
mobile coupon app can help you save on everything from groceries to sporting
goods.
6. Spend More Time with Family: Consider technology when looking for cheap ways
to connect with out-of-state family. Replace phone calls with
video chat on
Skype, and enjoy the benefits of seeing your parents more than once a year.
7. Help Others: If you want to volunteer but can't find the time, start small by
picking up trash at your local park or washing your elderly neighbor's car. Then
use websites like
United Way to learn other available volunteer opportunities in
your area.
8. Find Love: If you're lacking in the romance department, open yourself up to
online dating. Sites such as Match.com and
eHarmony promote various New Year's
specials. Test out the service for free during the first three months and get
your money back if you're unsatisfied with the service.
9. Learn Something New: With many online courses dedicated to foreign languages,
art history and economics, you can embrace the inner scholar easily from the
convenience of home without spending a lot of money.
MITOpenCourseWare offers
free lecture notes, exams and videos on subjects ranging from architecture to
athletics.
10. Travel: Dreams of seeing the world can be quickly put on hold when financial
situations get sticky. Start small with a trip to a nearby city or look for
airfare specials on destinations experiencing their "off season." In addition to
travel coupons offered by many airlines, hotels and car rental services, you can
follow travel brands on Facebook or Twitter for exclusive discounts.
Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for
Kinoli Inc. She is
available to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media
source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning
America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.
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