Most of us start our new year off with big goals and intentions, but by the time we are a week in, some of those goals and plans have already gone out the window. But there are things you can do to start your new year right!
And while I could give you a lofty list full of tips like set your goals and resolutions and break them down into bite-sized chunks, I figured I'd give you a practical list of things to do that will give you a few quick wins.
Update Your Address
If you're moved in the last year, you'll want to make sure your address is current with your employer, bank, and any organizations you may belong to. You'll also want to update your voter's registration and your drivers license if you haven't done so already.
Schedule Appointments with your Doctors and Dentists
We all know we're supposed to get regular check-ups, but we often don't schedule them until we're not feeling well. Schedule ALL the appointments you need to make for the whole year NOW…then add them to your calendar so you remember to show up!
Freshen Up Your Look
Are your roots showing? Do you need a hair cut? This is a great time to take care of that. Start the new year looking and feeling your best.
Go through your makeup and toss anything that is old or outdated. If you have makeup or skincare that's not working anymore, consider trying something new! I realized that as I got further into my 40s, my old makeup and skincare (or lack of skincare) wasn't working well for my skin so I switched my makeup and started using this skincare and it was sooo helpful! I feel like I look younger thanks to using good skincare products and changing up my makeup.
While you're cleaning out your makeup bag, make sure you clean your makeup brushes or replace them!
Update Your Social Media Accounts
Start the New Year off right! If your profile pic is more than a year old, ditch it and get a new one. If your profile says you're the mom of 1 and you now have 4 kids…update that too! Out with the old, in with the new! 🙂
Go Through Your Recurring Payments and Cancel Anything You're Not Using Regularly
I am so bad about this! When I go through my bank account or Paypal and look at my spending, I'm always shocked by the auto withdrawals that I'm paying for but not using. I started going through my bank account today and I've already uncovered over $100 we've been “throwing away” each month.
Clean Out Your Pantry
Go through your pantry and toss anything old or expired. If you purchased things you'll never eat, but that still have shelf life left, donate them to a food pantry. If you're committed to eating healthier, get rid of your junk food. And while you're going through all the things in your pantry, make a list of dinner ideas you can make with the things in your pantry. It's a great way to start the new year off on the right foot financially.
We went through 3 of our cabinets the other day and we were shocked at how many things were expired. I had so many expired supplements as well. I definitely need to get better about doing this regularly.
And if you really want to feel like you're winning, get yourself some new containers (I have these and LOVE them!) and purchase labels for them or use your Cricut to label your containers. It will make you smile every time you open your pantry!
Clean Out Your Fridge
Do you have condiments that you used once upon a time in a recipe that are now hiding in the back of your refrigerator? Do you have a container of leftovers that has turned into a science experiment? This is your chance to start the year fresh…literally.
Get rid of anything nasty or old in your fridge and while you're at it, wipe down your shelves and drawers. I just discovered these new drawer liners that help keep your produce fresh longer and I'm super excited!
Clean Out Your Closet
Go through your closet and remove anything that doesn't fit, that you don't love or that has a hole or a stain. If it's grungy, get rid of it or tear it up and use it for rags. It if doesn't fit, put it in a bin to sell, donate, or give to a friend.
And if you want to take it a step further, turn all your hangers the opposite way and whenever you wear something, flip it back to the normal way. By the end of the season (or the year), you'll know what you haven't worn and can get rid of it.
Make A Money-Saving Plan
We all know that we are supposed to save money, but for some of us, it seems easier said than done! If you've been looking for a money saving plan, one of these printable savings plan might be just what you need.
Penny Saving Challenge
52 Week Savings Challenge
Reverse 52 Week Saving Challenge
And if these saving plans still feel like too much work, consider signing up for Oportun. Oportun (formerly Digit) automates saving and makes it literally effortless!
I hope these ideas will help you get a few quick wins and that this year will be your best year yet!
This post was originally posted in January 2023.
Leave a Reply