As we near the end of 2016, many of us are starting to think about next year. How can we make 2017 better than 2016? What should our resolutions be? What about our goals? Should we take that vacation we’ve been wanting to go on?
Frankly, the fact that the clock will hit midnight on December 31, 2016 doesn’t inherently mean anything. If you’re looking to pursue something, there’s almost no reason that you couldn’t have already started. However, with the constant struggle to balance work, family, hobbies, and life in general, I can understand how the start of a new year can mentally provide a clear break from the past and pave the way toward better balance and a more successful future.
One of the goals I’ve attempted and successfully completed in past years is The Money Challenge–an incredibly simple money-saving technique. Here’s how it works. For each of the 52 weeks in the year, you contribute the amount equal to the week number, to your bank account (or piggy bank, or jar, or drawer). In week 1, you contribute $1; in week 2, you contribute $2; etc., up through week 52. I actually like to do it in reverse so that I’m not contributing a lot near the holidays–$52 in week 1; $51 in week 2; etc. In a year’s time, you’ll have $1,378. Who wouldn’t want to have an extra $1,378 next December!?
So, my advice to you is to try it! I’ve created a tool titled “The Money Challenge Tracker” to help you succeed. Check it out here.
In the meantime, I hope you have a great and productive 2017!
Mike