The new year comes with freshness, new beginnings and new energies. If you are the type that makes new year resolutions, you want to ensure they are SMART( Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound) otherwise you are just making wishes. If you are not this type, you want to be deliberate in how you are living by ensuring that you live purposefully and take daily steps that move you to your life goals and ambitions.
In the new year, people are pressurised to bite more they can chew so that come December they can look back and be satisfied it was a good year. No need for this when you do the needful. The following are strategies to put you on the right track without giving in to unnecessary pressures that comes with the new year:
1. On Schooling
Put your kids in schools you can afford because expensive schools don’t guarantee good results. The most important thing is that your children attend a good affordable school with access to quality education.
2. On Rents
Only rent apartments you can pay for conveniently. Do not try to impress anybody by living in a house you struggle to pay yearly.
3. On Savings
Plan your lives and live within your means. Save more and spend less. Don’t do more than your budget this time. Planning is the key, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.
4. On food
Hoem food is cheaper and better. Women who buy food for their children every morning before going to school or even for the whole family are incurring more costs.
5. On miscellaneous things
Some people don’t earn much but have satellite TV services at home, go for cheaper ones then later upgrade as your income upgrades too. you will still have access to some services and channels for your pleasure.
6. On food
Only eat healthy meals and protect your family from mosquitoes to avoid visits to the hospital this new year. Take advantage of food and fruits in season. This is cheaper and you can be creative to create amazing meals.
8. On lifestyle
Mind your business. Why copy your neighbour’s lifestyle. If she earns well and her husband is a ‘big man’ should you compete? It is easier and healthier being yourself and doing you. Don’t be in competition with
anyone. Know what is important to you and focus on that.
9. On Trends
Don’t follow trends, wear clean well-ironed clothes and keep your hair neat. The goal is to look good and presentable. You would still look good.
10. On Friendships
Keep your circle small. Build and invest in your network. Have sensible friends that would stretch you and not make you be lesser.
11. On values
Above all things, have the fear of God. Be known for something good. Have integrity, don’t be lazy but be prayerful.